With hurricane season just starting, you want to know that your home is ready for any eventuality. Hurricane fabric panels, accordion shutters, and hurricane impact windows are only three of the many options available to keep your Clearwater home safe during a tropical storm. Which option is the best for your home?

Effectiveness of Hurricane Fabric Panels

Hurricane fabric panels are an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your windows safe when Clearwater experiences high winds. They are durable but lightweight, which makes them easy to deploy. This ballistic material absorbs the impact of projectiles that high winds pick up. Not only does this form of protection keep your windows intact, but also reduces wind speeds in open areas. Your patios and lanais will not suffer the effects of flying objects.

Hurricane fabric panel anchors are permanently affixed to the framework of the home’s at risk openings. They can be colored to match the exterior of your Clearwater home, so you won’t notice them until it is time to clip in the panels before a tropical storm hits. Further, the fabric will not warp or rot and can be reused indefinitely.

Additional benefits of hurricane fabric panels

Hurricane fabric can be used in many different areas. Because hurricane fabric panels can be cut to almost any size, it can be installed to protect almost any opening.

  • Garage doors
  • Porches and lanais
  • Doorways
  • Gazebos
  • and more

Hurricane fabric is both easy to put up and easy to remove. It comes with its own storage bags, simply fold panels and put away until the next storm alert. An added benefit, as with most hurricane protection solutions in Clearwater, you could end up saving money on your homeowner’s insurance by installing this option. What’s more, you are not committed to an aesthetic style as with hurricane shutters. It’s essential to keep you and your family safe during a storm, and the intelligent design of hurricane fabric panels will do just that.

Aluminum Accordion Shutters

In contrast to hurricane fabric panels, aluminum accordion shutters stay up year-round. When not in use, they fold back accordion-style to store neatly alongside the opening. With an uninterrupted view, you can enjoy the Clearwater sunshine and the breeze. These blinds can be made large enough to cover expansive spaces, such as balconies and sliding glass doors, and the cost will not run too high. Aluminum is a durable material, and your home will be well protected in severe weather.

Other considerations for accordion shutters

Accordion shutters do, however, run the risk of rusting or denting. In coastal areas like Clearwater, salt water can cause damage to aluminum. And while these blinds, like hurricane fabric panels, are strong enough to resist projectiles, they are subject to denting as a result. On a positive note, aluminum shutters are easy to care for, needing occasional washing and regular lubrication of rollers and locking mechanisms.

Hurricane Impact Windows

Laminated glass is made by bonding two panes of glass together with a clear impact-resistant interlayer. This material is not only impact-resistant but can also keep the wind from seeping into your Clearwater home, which is important during a tropical storm. In contrast to hurricane fabric panels, hurricane windows reduce the work you need to do to get ready in advance of a storm.

There are many types of laminated glass based on thickness and other variables. Double-glazing seals the air gap between the panes of a window, which keeps the heat in during the chillier Florida winter nights. During the hot Clearwater months, it keeps the heat out. All this can help regulate your home energy usage.

If you are considering between hurricane fabric panels and hurricane impact windows, talk to an expert at West Shore Construction. We can also help you determine the right kind of laminated glass for your needs. Knowing that our specialists are current with the latest technologies, codes, and regulations can offer you peace of mind when it comes time to make decisions. Additionally, because correct installation is vital, working with a company, like ours, that specializes in hurricane protection installation is a wise choice.

Motorized Hurricane Screens

Motorized hurricane screens are a multi-functional choice for hurricane protection in Clearwater. The pros include  hurricane protection at the touch of a button. These screens offer protection from sun glare and UV rays for yourself as well as your furniture. Adjust your screen as the sun moves through the sky. It also keeps prying eyes out without detracting from your enjoyment of the scenery. Moreover, when lowered at night, they screen out mosquitos and other pests.

West Shore Construction Offers Exceptional Service to Clearwater

West Shore Construction has been one of the top contractors in the Clearwater area since it was established in 1985. Our reputation stands on quality and first-class customer service. Company offerings include:

  • Painting
  • Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
  • Hurricane protection installation
    • Hurricane fabric panels
    • Bahama shutters
    • Colonial shutters
    • Accordion shutters

At West Shore, we commit to providing our clients with the best services at the best price. We partner with leaders in the industry to ensure quality materials, leading technology, and best practices in customer care. Do not let hurricane season catch you unprepared. Reach out well in advance of Florida’s tropical storm months. We will work with your needs and your budget to make sure that you are ready, and your family and property protected. Contact us online or call us at (727) 488-8182.