Storm Panels

These steel or aluminum shutters attach to the walls around windows and doors on bolts or tracks. Storm panels are corrugated, and each piece overlaps the next for maximum strength. There are several styles of storm panels to choose from.

The first style incorporates both tracks and bolts. The top of the panel is slipped into a track above the window, and the bottom of the panel is secured to bolts that are permanently attached beneath the window.

The second style uses a set of C-shaped tracks above and below the windows and doors. Bolts slide into the tracks from either side and must be manually aligned with the holes on the panels.

The third style uses only bolts permanently set into the wall beside the windows and doors. They can be loosened as the panel is hung horizontally, and screwed down to secure it.

The biggest problem with storm panels is that homeowners often don’t check them when they buy a home. Many discover later that panels are missing or were cut improperly, or are too heavy to install themselves.

Benefits

• Most inexpensive of the permanent shutter systems.
• Removable, so they don’t change the look of the house when not in use.
• Strong, and can provide excellent protection for both doors and windows.

Average cost: $8-$10 per square foot;
Average storm preparation time: 15 minutes per window depending on the style.

Clear Strength Hurricane Panels

If you want to enjoy the protection of storm panels without an obstructed view, these panels fit the bill. They are the “first truly clear hurricane panel” design. Created from 100 percent Proprietary Polycarbonate Resins, they are 40 percent stronger than most other clear panels in Allowable Design Pressure. The Clear Strength Panels have outstanding clarity, allowing a home or business owner to have maximum protection without the need to blackout the living or working space.

Clear Strength Panels are 30 percent lighter than most other panels and are 50 percent lighter than aluminum panels. They offer the protection of hurricane panels without some of the inconveniences.
Unlike the aluminum panel design for security shutters, our clear version is available in 16″, 24″, 32″ and 48″ widths and 12′ lengths. The variety of widths enables home and business owners to save money and limits the number of panels needed to cover and protect your openings.

Benefits

• Most inexpensive of the permanent shutter systems.
• Removable, so they don’t change the look of the house when not in use.
• The lightweight nature of the design.

Average cost: $14-$17 per square foot;
Average storm preparation time: 5-10 minutes per window depending on the style.