Hurricane shutters to protect against storms
Hurricane shutters, as the name suggests, are designed to protect homes against the threat of hurricanes. They shield doors and windows from extreme winds, driving rain and flying objects. Once secured in position on the outside of the home, hurricane shutters prevent doors and windows from being broken. They also protect people inside their homes while the storm is raging.
Broken doors and windows are not just a problem during a storm or hurricane. If the family is not home, once the storm has passed, looters are able to get into the home through these damaged openings. They can then help themselves to whatever they want.
With hurricane shutters latched into position outside each door and window, looters are blocked from getting inside the home.
Types of hurricane shutters
In countries where hurricanes are part of the cycle of seasons, many types of hurricane shutters are available. They include panels made of wood, Polycarbonate or specially manufactured fabric.
Rolling shutters are another option to protect homes against violent storms. These shutters are rolled down before a storm to protect doors and windows as well as the occupants of the home. The shutters are rolled back up again when the danger has passed.
This type of hurricane shutter also provides privacy, security and insulation. They can be fully automated for the ultimate in convenience.
Aluminium louvres like Taylor Hurricane Shutters are another popular shutter style used to protect homes against storms. They are attached to the wall surrounding the window or door. Before a storm, the shutters are folded in towards the window or door and latched closed, covering the window or door and protecting them against damage.
This type of shutter is not only used for protection. If fitted inside the home, they can replace window blinds, burglar bars and curtains in one stylish product. When closed, the shutters do everything that curtains and blinds do, such as provide privacy and block out light.
When opened up, Hurricane Shutters, much like curtains or blinds, allow light and fresh air into the room. The open shutters also allow you to see the view outside, whether it be garden, sea or countryside.
Taylor offer Hurricane Shutters in several types of format. This is to cater for different door and window configurations.
The Hurricane Shutter format options are:
- Bi-fold fixed hurricane shutters, where the connected shutter panels fold into one another so that they can be stacked to one side to open up the space.
- Floating bi-fold hurricane shutters, where the stack of folded panels can be moved to either side of the opening.
- Slider hurricane shutters, where unconnected panels are able to slide along a track to wherever you need them – all to one side; one to the right and one to the left; both to the centre.
- Bi-pass sliding hurricane shutters, where the panels can slide past each other.
- Cottage hurricane shutters, which are panels for windows, fully framed and hinged on each side so that they fold back against the wall on each side.
- Cottage Arch hurricane shutters with no bottom track and hinged doors that fold back against the wall on each side.
Take a look at these Taylor Hurricane Shutter configurations and how they work.
Made-to-measure in Taylor’s Cape Town factory, Hurricane Shutters come in five matte colours. These include Anthracite grey, bronze, light grey, stone grey and white. But Taylor is able to powder coat them in custom colours to complement or enhance existing décor.
Hurricane shutter benefits
In South Africa, hurricane shutters are used less for storm protection and more for security. Products such as Taylor’s Hurricane Shutter have many different benefits other than storm protection.
Some benefits of aluminium hurricane shutters:
- Made from aluminium and won’t rust.
- Impervious to moisture, so excellent for humid environments.
- Ideal for coastal homes.
- Fitted either inside or outside.
- Easy to clean.
- Provide some light penetration control.
- Provide some noise control.
- Assist with internal temperature control.
- Block out monkeys and baboons.
- Provide security.
- Carry warranties of up to 10 years.
Hurricane shutters uses
Taylor’s Hurricane Shutters were originally designed to protect windows and doors from storms and high winds. But they are so stylish that they are being used in homes that don’t face these dangers.
Made entirely from aluminium, Taylor Hurricane shutters are not only beautiful. They are also functional and durable, providing privacy as well as security.
These lovely shutters can be fitted to:
- Patios
Use the Hurricane Shutters to provide privacy as well as protection from the weather.
- Bedrooms
Hurricane Shutters control light, sound, internal temperatures and privacy.
- Living areas
Close these areas up with Hurricane Shutters when necessary or open them to let the sunshine in.
- Kitchens
Here, Hurricane Shutters function as a stylish alternative to window blinds or curtains.
Shutters for coastal homes
People that live at the coast know what a constant battle it is to keep windows clean. Salt in the air makes them sticky and misty. This isn’t great under any circumstances but even less so if you have a great view that you’d like to enjoy.
In South Africa, there is the added problem of getting at the windowpanes through burglar proofing. Burglar proofing on windows and doors is essential, particularly if it’s a holiday home that is unoccupied for long periods of time. Without protection, these homes are vulnerable to break-ins.
The solution is Taylor Hurricane Shutters, which protect doors and windows from the weather as well as criminals. The shutters can be custom-made to fit in a configuration that suits the opening and the style of door or window.
Taylor Hurricane Shutters can be opened for easy window cleaning. Opening up the shutters also allows fresh air and sunshine inside. With the windows open and the Hurricane Shutters closed, air circulates but the heat is screened out.
Another point to consider at the coast is corrosion. Taylor Hurricane Shutters are made from high quality aluminium, which holds up well in coastal conditions. They are powder coated for additional protection against corrosion. Regular cleaning extends the life of any shutter type at the coast and elsewhere.
Taylor is part of the Trellidor Group, so for further information on Hurricane Shutters, contact your nearest Trellidor franchise. We work alongside homeowners, designers and architects to provide Taylor-made-to-measure, locally manufactured, top quality products that are delivered and installed on time.
###
