Hurricane season is a risky time to have unsecured windows in your Clearwater home. Since there are many choices in hurricane protection, deciding can be difficult. Bahama shutters provide the perfect mix of decoration and protection to keep your living space looking beautiful and damage-free all year long.
Storm Protection in Clearwater
During a hurricane in Clearwater, winds can reach anywhere between 74 to 156 miles per hour. Even Category 1 winds, sustained between 74 and 95 mph, can be damaging. Even at these slower speeds, smaller objects like tree branches and rooftiles can be damaging missiles in the midst of a tropical storm. Higher-rated strong winds can pick up debris like rocks as well as large, heavy objects such as trash cans and deck chairs. Far too often, people’s homes experience the impact of these projectiles.
The impact of windblown objects shatters window glass and creates a danger from flying shards of glass. Broken windows not only leave the interior vulnerable to water and debris but may also destabilize the pressure in the home and can cause walls or roofs to collapse.
Bahama shutters, made for storm-proofing, provide a high level of protection without a lot of maintenance or work after installation. These blinds mount to the top of windows and hinge down, allowing you to enjoy the sunshine in Clearwater. In the event that harsh weather hits, you can easily and quickly secure the panels. In addition, it only takes a single person to operate these shutters, preparing your windows speedily and without difficulty. We have written an interesting blog on how to install Bahama shutters to brick that we recommend you glance over as well.
The Aesthetics of Bahama Shutters
Bahama shutters are more than an investment in hurricane safety. These shades are available in a range of colors to match or complement the exterior of your home. Additionally, they are manufactured in a range of sizes to fit a variety of windows. These decorative exterior shutters are popular for their Caribbean look and can give any home an island feel. For Clearwater properties, creating Caribbean flair for a home so close to the water seems fitting.
Originally, these blinds did come from the Caribbean. They were made of wood and served as protection from sound, light, and weather. Recent modifications in the late 20th century transformed these louvers into the durable hurricane protection they are today.
Though storm-proof versions are typically made from aluminum, the look remains as it did in the 1500s. Today’s extruded aluminum adds strength, and resistance to corrosion that extends the life of your Bahama shutters. Using your shades as inspiration, incorporate the Caribbean style throughout the rest of your living space. You can do this by:
- Switching to white linens
- Using light colors and airy materials for interior window dressing
- Adding wood accents, such as bamboo furniture
- Bringing in lots of green, tropical-looking plants like elephant ears
A desire for better weather preparedness can spark a house redecoration that leaves you feeling like you are on a sandy beach in the tropics.
Read more: Beautifying your home with automated hurricane shutters
Other Eye-Catching Options
If island-style is not your thing, there are hurricane protection options besides Bahama shutters. These too, can give your house a facelift while keeping it safe. Colonial shutters provide the same functionality and beauty as their Caribbean counterpart, but with a difference in style. These louvers are like those found in old southern plantation homes, hence their name. These shutters can give your house a classic, elegant look.
Colonial shutters mount to the sides of a window frame, allowing them to hinge inwards. They offer full visibility to the outdoors and let in plenty of sunshine when opened. Furthermore, when closed, they offer shade and lower room temperatures. In the event of a storm, they secure easily. Similar to Bahama shutters, these shades also come in a variety of colors to match your home and provide optimal protection when high-force winds hit. Your house will look appealing and stay secure all at the same time.
Purely Functional Protection
While Colonial and Bahama shutters offer a stylish way to keep your home safe, there are other methods for hurricane preparedness that many people in Clearwater opt for instead. For example, hurricane fabric is a popular material. This fabric is lightweight but very durable. It repels projectiles picked up in strong winds and keeps them from damaging your house. The material does not rust, corrode, and it is UV-resistant. Though they are not meant to be left up year-round, no damage will occur with extended use.
Read More: Ways that Storm Shutters Keep Your Home Safe
Plywood is considered to be a cheap and easy alternative to Bahama shutters. Even so, Florida building codes do not approve of plywood for use as protection in tropical storms. In addition, plywood is quick to run out at the stores when severe weather hits. Your home is left vulnerable if you do not prepare earlier with more fortified measures.
Overall, Bahama shutters and other shades prove to be a better economic value, as well as greater visual appeal for homeowners in Clearwater.
Read More: How Do Hurricane Shutters Work?
West Shore Construction
At West Shore Construction, we specialize in the installation of Colonial and Bahama shutters. These shades provide optimum protection for Clearwater as well as a beautiful addition to the façade of a house. Check out our portfolio here. Our business is known for quality workmanship, and we place our focus on customer service and satisfaction. We serve both residential and commercial clients throughout Clearwater. Our other areas of expertise include kitchen remodeling, painting, and energy-efficient lighting. For more information on how we can help you prepare for this hurricane season, contact us online or call us at (727) 488-8182.