Hurricane season strikes with vengeance in many areas throughout the country between June and November each year. These are destructive weather events that can leave properties devastated.
Homeowners vigilantly proactively prepare to limit the possible damage and ensure their property is capable of withstanding the extreme weather. Prioritizing the most vulnerable elements such as the windows and doors is an essential precaution.
Adequate window protection is vital to stave off the risks of flying debris, wind forces, and heavy precipitation. Many homeowners choose to get some metal hurricane shutters or storm windows as the optimum preventive measure.
These can be built from various materials and either permanently or temporarily attached to the house. We’ll weigh the differences between metal and clear panels to allow for an informed decision.
Comparing Metal vs. Clear Hurricane Shutters
You can never be fully prepared for a devastating weather event such as a hurricane. However, those most affected by these storms do due diligence when the season comes back around each year, focusing on stabilizing their windows and doors.
Hurricane panels or shutters are a favored method for securing the windows. You can find various types and materials to meet your specific needs and purposes and have them either permanently or temporarily installed.
Hurricane panels must be installed before a storm warning is issued and stored when not needed due to the corrugated design. Go here to learn facts about hurricane shutters and then follow below where we’ll weigh the differences between metal and transparent panels.
Metal hurricane shutters
Metal hurricane shutters are typically aluminum (.050 aluminum), a lighter-weight, incredibly durable material that is easy to manipulate. That is vital when deploying them following a storm alert.
When considering metal panels, it’s essential to prioritize corrosion resistance among the features. Steel and aluminum are distinct in that aluminum is highly corrosion resistant while steel can rust or corrode and are cumbersome.
Aluminum hurricane shutters can withstand extreme weather conditions such as strong wind forces and heavy precipitation, showing only the potential for a minor aluminum oxide layer on the exterior surface; however, this does not compromise the panels’ integrity. Here are the advantages you can expect when selecting aluminum for your hurricane shutters.
- Straightforward and simple install
- Incredible corrosion resistance
- Extraordinary strength/durability
- Flexibility with design
Clear hurricane panels
Transparent hurricane shutters are also a favored choice among property owners safeguarding against severe weather threats. The impact-resistance and transparency are sought features. Here are the advantages you can expect when selecting clear panels for your home’s protection.
- UV protected: Many clear panels are coated with a special UV protection to prevent fading from sun exposure. The recommendation is to store them when not needed to further protect the surfaces.
- Impact resistant: These shutters withstand hurricane abuses such as strong wind forces, heavy precipitation, and flying debris.
- Maintenance: Wiping down with gentle soap and water periodically is the only maintenance required.
Price comparisons
Aluminum and clear hurricane panels are among the most favored choices for home and business owners when preparing for storms. Clear panels are a more budget-intensive product compared to aluminum, the most affordable albeit high-quality and effective.
Installation
The installation process for either material is relatively straightforward but effort intensive. Clear panels boast to be lighter weight but take considerable time and effort compared to a permanently mounted option such as a rolldown.
The aluminum panel is simple and can be handled virtually hassle-free in a DIY capacity. Safety should be prioritized particularly when installing shutters on a two-story home. Protective gloves are recommended when handling any material but particular with metal.
You should only proceed with the installation if you feel comfortable with the process, again, particularly for a two-story house. Professional installation services efficiently and effectively handle the process, following all necessary protocols.
Strength/durability
Aluminum and clear materials offer distinct advantages relating to strength and durability. The clear option boasts incredible impact resistance plus protects without hindering the natural light.
The aluminum panel is much more durable with the capacity to withstand harsh conditions including hailstorms with minimal adverse effects.
Maintenance/longevity
Either material is an excellent choice for low maintenance and an extended lifespan. Neither contains moving parts that would require maintaining, as a rule. In order to avoid the possibility of flaking, the tracks should be routinely cleaned to retain the shutters’ appeal.
Potential downsides
While there are vast advantages to choosing hurricane panels to safeguard your property, it’s essential to take into consideration the possible downsides before committing to the system.
- View: While the clear material is transparent, the shutters still can obstruct your ability to see what’s happening outside during the event. Some homeowners prefer to avoid peering out. The aluminum shutter would be a preferred choice in this case since these offer no visibility.
- Storage: Panels can consume a lot of storage space when not being used particularly if you have many of them. Stacking aluminum panels will have little effect on the durable surface and offers a compact, space-saving solution for storing your panels.
- Appeal: Each material has its own advantage as far as aesthetics. With complete transparency, the clear option allows the home’s natural appeal to come through. The design options are varied for aluminum shutters complementing the home’s design. A priority is meeting code compliance for load and pressure requirements and then showing an appealing aesthetic.
- User-friendly: The ability to easily deploy your shutters is critical if a storm is sudden and unexpected. These materials are both lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Final Thought
Hurricane panels are an essential preventive when living in an area of the country prone to the destructive storms. The windows are the most vulnerable when the weather is extreme having to withstand strong forced winds, heavy rain, and hail, and flying debris.
Whether you choose metal or clear panels is a matter of personal preference and based on your specific needs. By considering each option benefits and downsides and consulting with a professional, you’ll be better prepared to make a well-informed choice.
