Coastal homes are in high demand, and for good reason. With clean air, stunning views, and proximity to fun social and recreational opportunities, there’s a lot to love about living near the sea. However, it also comes with its downsides. Seasonal storms can wreak havoc on your home and belongings if they aren’t adequately protected. Giglio Awning provides hurricane shutters for homeowners in New Jersey, including those in Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean, Burlington, and Monmouth Counties. Here, we explore how hurricane shutters can help prevent storm damage to keep your home secure.
Key Takeaways
- Coastal homes are subject to the full force of ocean storms, requiring extra protection to prevent hail, debris, and water damage.
- Hurricane shutters protect your home by creating a durable barrier over the windows. Shutters are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds and debris.
- Homeowners can choose between our two shutter styles, rolling and Bahama.
- Annual maintenance helps you keep your home’s shutters in good condition for storm season.
Why Do Coastal Homes Need Storm Protection?
Coastal communities in New Jersey are vulnerable to storms. Coastal homes can be exposed to strong winds and severe weather, including nor’easters, hurricanes, and tropical storms that roll in from the sea. This means full exposure to threats such as:
- Driving rain
- Hail
- High winds
- Blowing debris
- Sudden pressure changes
- Storm surge water
In a storm, your windows and doors are the most vulnerable points on your home. Walls are often structurally strong enough to withstand the worst of the weather. Glass, however, can crack and shatter under impact. Wind causes extreme stress that pushes glass inward or outward, and the pressure may weaken the seal, allowing water infiltration. That water can cause serious property damage if it gets into your home. Special preparation for extremely wet weather is necessary to keep your carpets, furniture, and belongings safe.
How Do Hurricane Shutters Help Protect a Home?
Hurricane shutters create an extra, durable barrier between your windows and the weather. They are made of grooved panels of heavy-duty aluminum. When locked together, the panels create a barrier that can withstand gale-force winds. Hail and debris hit the panel instead of your window, keeping the glass intact. A properly installed shutter is safer and more effective than plywood. It’s also easier to set up when you need it.
Most shutters stay discreetly folded above or to the side of your window or door when not in use. When protection is needed, simply roll the shutter closed to completely block the aperture. Shutters may be electric, allowing for automatic deployment when the weather turns foul. They can also be manually operated in case of a power outage.
What Are the Types of Hurricane Shutters?
When installing hurricane shutters on your home, there are many options to choose from. Each type offers different benefits, whether it is durability, ease of use, or aesthetics:
- Rolling shutters: The most convenient option, this style rolls up into a box above or to the side of your window between uses.
- Bahama shutters: Ideal for homeowners who value style, this type features a single louvered shutter that hinges to the top of the window.
Regardless of the style, routine service is essential to keep your shutters operational. Make sure your shutters are examined by a professional before every storm season. Annual inspection, tune-ups, and maintenance ensure that your shutters are ready when the storms come, providing peace of mind that your shutters are prepared for severe weather.
Schedule Your Hurricane Shutter Installation Near You in NJ
Is your coastal home vulnerable to storms? Protect your property and belongings with hurricane shutters from Giglio Awning. We provide hurricane shutter installation for homeowners throughout Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean, Burlington, and Monmouth Counties in New Jersey. Contact us to learn more about our products and services or to request a quote for storm protection near you in NJ.
FAQs About Hurricane Shutters
What do hurricane shutters protect against?
Hurricane shutters protect your home’s windows and doors from storm damage. Some of the seasonal threats they mitigate include:
- Flying debris and hail
- High wind
- Driving rain
- Dangerous pressure changes
- Storm surge water
Shutters also improve your home’s post-storm security, deterring looters after the storm passes until you’re ready to move back in.
When should hurricane shutters be installed?
If your home does not already have hurricane shutters, they should be professionally installed well before hurricane season or a storm threatens your area. Hurricane watches are usually issued 48 hours before storm-force winds arrive, but don’t wait for the storm to be forecasted to act. Heavy winds can make installation dangerous, so you should aim to finish long before the storm season begins.
What is the difference between storm shutters and hurricane shutters?
A storm shutter is a general term for any type of protective window or door covering that is used during severe weather. Hurricane shutters are a specific type of storm shutter that is built to withstand high-velocity winds and debris. Hurricane shutters are often required by coastal building codes.