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There's A Storm Brewing: What You Need To Know About Your Storm Shutters

If you live along the eastern seaboard, you've got to be concerned about hurricanes. One good storm can wipe out your home. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to protect your home from storm damage. One of those ways is by installing storm shutters on your home. If you haven't installed storm shutters on your home, now's the time to take care of that.

If you're thinking that plywood will provide you with the protection you need, you're not entirely correct. While plywood is a good temporary option, it should never be used as a permanent safety solution for your home's storm protection. For maximum protection against the ravages of hurricane-force winds, you need storm shutters. Here are some tips that will help you avoid problems with your storm shutters.

Leave the Installation to the Professionals

When it comes to installing storm shutters, the best thing you can do is leave the installation to the professionals. It might seem that storm-shutter installation would be an easy do-it-yourself project, but that's not actually true. In fact, one wrong move when installing your storm shutters could leave you without the protection you need during a storm. To make sure that your shutters are installed properly and that they're ready for the storms, hire a trained professional to install them for you.

Inspect Your Shutters After Each Storm

Storm shutters are designed to withstand gale-force winds. However, they can still be damaged, especially during violent storms. Unfortunately, once storm shutters are damaged, they can no longer provide your home with the protection it needs. To make sure you're not caught off guard during a hurricane, be sure to inspect your shutters after each storm. Clean them thoroughly and inspect for signs of damage, including cracks — even small hairline cracks. If you see signs of damage, you should have them repaired right away. That way, they're ready for the next storm that blows through.

Take Your Shutters Down Once Storm Season Ends

If you've decided to keep your storm shutters up all year long, you should rethink that decision. It might seem like a good idea to keep your shutters up. However, leaving your storm shutters up all year can pose a variety of risks for you. Storm shutters are designed to cover your entire window, which means you'll have no way to get out in an emergency. Not only that, but if you leave your storm shutters up, they can be weakened by continued exposure to the elements. Protect yourself and your shutters by removing your shutters as soon as hurricane season is through for the year.

To learn more, talk to companies like Active Hurricane & Security Protection.


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