Hurricane season in New Jersey starts around May 1 and lasts until November 30. You need to ensure your doors and windows are protected from the severe weather conditions that may come your way during that time. But what is the best way to do that?
Two choices can give you what you need — hurricane shutters and impact windows. The question is, which is better? Impact windows versus hurricane shutters is a discussion that comes around every hurricane season. We’re going to explore each option thoroughly so you can choose the best choice for your home.
Everything You Need to Know About Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters are made to protect your windows and doors from severe weather conditions. These physical barriers help protect your home’s glass from rain, hail, debris, wind and other storm concerns that could break windows and cause other damage. There are different types of hurricane shutters, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Roller Shutters
The main advantage of roll hurricane shutters is their strength and durability, making them a reliable way of protecting your home from severe weather conditions. While protecting your windows and doors, roller shutters can also help protect your home against intruders by reinforcing typical break-in points. They also offer privacy and protection against strong sunlight.
There are potential drawbacks to roller shutters you should consider. The horizontal slats of roller shutters can make cleaning them a little time-consuming. Regularly spraying them with water can help, but if you need a deep clean, you may want to try other methods. Manual roller shutters can be more cumbersome to operate than automatic shutters.
Consider one of two types of roller shutters, Magnum mini overhead roll shutters or Barracuda roll shutters. Magnum shutters are the optimal choice for larger residential windows and door openings. Barracuda roll shutters are made for the protection and coverage of a wide range of window sizes and eliminate the need for window storm bars.
Accordion Shutters
Accordion shutters are known by many names — track shutters, bi-fold shutters and tri-fold shutters. No matter what you call them, there is no denying that accordion styles are resilient hurricane shutters.
Accordion shutters are multi-panel options that fold like an accordion and are not only a stylish type of hurricane shutter but a reliable one, too. They are a good match for wide doors and bay windows in particular, as their shape will protect them without seeming out of place or intrusive. They can open partially and are easy to clean.
A potential shortcoming of this option is that they are vulnerable to damage. Whenever you add a hinge or a track, your accordion shutters become more complex. As a result, they can be prone to damage as they get more intricate.
Bahama Shutters
Bahama hurricane shutters see an increase in popularity during New Jersey’s hurricane seasons. Bahama hurricane shutters come in a variety of different color options and provide privacy, ventilation and light protection. They are easy to repair and install and make for a stylish addition to your home.
Bahama shutters are a versatile option that are as appealing as they are durable. They are a reliable choice because they are specifically designed to be hurricane shutters. They make it easy to control the airflow in your home, allowing you to conserve energy and money on utility bills.
If you’re looking for a stylish and durable hurricane shutter with a long life span, you might be very interested in what Bahama shutters can offer you.
Custom Shaped Shutters
Studio Star custom-shaped hurricane shutters make it easy to protect any irregularly shaped doors and windows. Order a custom shape hurricane shutter made of heavy-duty aluminum that caters to the doors and windows of your home.
Custom hurricane shutters also boast features like electric motor operators, powder-coated paint finishes, an engineered pulley system for lift cable guidance and other helpful options.
Everything You Need to Know About Impact Windows
Now that we’ve explored all your hurricane shutter options, we can talk about impact-resistant windows. For the most part, impact windows do a lot of what hurricane shutters do but still offer their own benefits.
Impact glass is much stronger than regular glass, as it is designed to withstand hurricane winds and is much harder to shatter. Impact windows are also airtight, adding even more protection for your family and home and offering you peace of mind throughout New Jersey’s hurricane season.
Other benefits of impact windows include:
- An increase in house resale value
- Cost-effectiveness
- Energy efficiency
- Aesthetic versatility to complement your home
Those are factors to consider when comparing the cost of impact windows versus hurricane shutters.
Hurricane Shutters vs. Impact Windows: The Verdict
Now that we’ve explored both options, we can offer our insights and answer your burning question. Hurricane shutters versus impact windows — which one should you get for your home?
Hurricane shutters are versatile, budget-friendly options that come in a variety of styles and materials. Hurricane shutters are easy to install and remove, and with so many different types of hurricane shutters, it is easy to choose one that compliments the style and aesthetics of your home. They can also be customized to suit any shape of door or window.
While hurricane shutters can sometimes be tricky to clean properly, they are easy to maintain. Alternatively, impact windows are easy to keep clean and offer more visibility during a storm than hurricane shutters do.
However, the best option is to reinforce your impact windows with hurricane shutters. It’s not necessary to have both options, but by protecting your house, windows and doors with both of them, they make an even more robust and more reliable hurricane protection measure. By combining the durability and style of hurricane shutters with the strength and visibility of impact-resistant glass, you can have the best of both worlds and far more safety for your home and family. You’ll gain peace of mind and convenience by having both systems.
Contact Liberty Door and Awning for a Hurricane Shutter Estimate
We at Liberty Door and Awning know hurricane protection, and we know what your home needs during hurricane season. We have been working in New Jersey for years and understand what this time of year can bring. We take pride in the services we provide you with and the products we carry. Browse our selection of hurricane shutters or reach out to us for an estimate.