Yes, you do need a license to install hurricane shutters in Florida. By law, anyone who installs hurricane shutters or products meant to protect property from high winds or flying debris must be a licensed contractor.
According to Florida’s Department Of Business & Professional Regulation, you must have a valid license to engage in any of the following regulated activities: “installing, maintaining, or repairing hurricane shutters or products affixed to a structure intended to protect from high winds or flying debris due to a hurricane.
” This requirement was put into place to ensure that hurricane shutters are installed correctly in order to protect property and lives in the event of a hurricane.
How much labor does it cost to install hurricane shutters?
The cost of labor for installing hurricane shutters depends on a few factors, including the type of shutters being installed, the size of the area that needs to be covered, the complexity of the installation, and the labor rate of the company or contractor doing the work.
Generally, labor costs for installing basic accordion or fabric rolling shutters typically range from $2–3 per square foot of coverage. Labor costs for installing more complex types of shutters, such as Bahama and Colonial shutters, may range from $3–5 per square foot of coverage.
The labor cost for installing hurricane-rated impact resistant windows may cost anywhere from $25–75 per window depending on the size of the window.
It is important to note that these are all general estimates. It is best to get a few quotes from contractors in your area to get an accurate cost estimate for your project. Keep in mind that any additional services, such as removal, repair, or alterations of existing window frames, may incur additional costs.
Do hurricane shutters increase home value?
Yes, hurricane shutters can increase the value of a home. They provide an extra level of protection against strong hurricane winds and rain. Additionally, they can also enhance the curb appeal of a property and make it more attractive to potential future buyers.
In some cases, they can even qualify homeowners for insurance discounts in hurricane-prone coastal areas. In terms of material costs, most shutters are relatively affordable, and they require minimal installation and maintenance.
Installing hurricane shutters on a home can be a wise investment that adds overall value to a property.
Are hurricane shutters worth it?
Yes, hurricane shutters are definitely worth it. They provide a superior level of protection for your home in the event of a severe storm or hurricane, and can even help reduce your homeowners insurance premiums.
Hurricane shutters can serve as a reliable barrier against wind, rain, flying debris, and even intruders. They also help strengthen your home’s walls and keep shattered glass from hurting someone. Certain types of shutters are even able to survive the impact of a Category 5 hurricane.
Installing hurricane shutters is relatively simple, provided you have the right tools and know-how. They are also more cost effective than reinforced windows, and may last significantly longer due to their sturdier construction.
In the long run, investing in hurricane shutters is a smart and cost-effective way to protect your home and family from the elements.
What are the cheapest hurricane shutters?
The cheapest hurricane shutters are typically comprised of lightweight and cost-efficient materials, such as aluminum, polycarbonate, plywood, fabric, and corrugated steel. Aluminum is one of the most affordable and versatile options, offering superior strength and lasting protection against storms.
Polycarbonate panels are a great budget solution that can be swiftly installed onto the exterior of your home and cut to your desired size. Plywood is also a favorable option due to its wide availability, but be aware that it will require periodic maintenance to remain in good condition.
Fabric panels are also available and provide an excellent barrier to protect against wind, but are not as effective against flying debris. Corrugated steel offers superior strength and impact resistance, but is typically a bit more expensive than other options.
What is better impact windows vs hurricane shutters?
Overall, impact windows are typically considered the more effective and convenient option for hurricane protection compared to hurricane shutters. Traditional hurricane shutters may be more affordable initially, depending on the type and materials purchased, but impact windows provide superior hurricane protection, superior energy efficiency, and are more secure.
Impact windows are designed to withstand extremely high winds and flying debris during a hurricane. The glass pane is much thicker and stronger than traditional glass, and is further strengthened by a layer of laminated plastic.
There is a pressure-release valve inside the window that allows the internal pressure to equalize with the external pressure, preventing the glass from imploding. All-in-all, this makes impact windows significantly more effective at protecting against entry of water and debris during a hurricane.
Impact windows also provide superior energy efficiency compared to traditional hurricane shutters. The extra layer of plastic helps to insulate the home, resulting in much lower energy costs and a much more comfortable living environment.
This can be especially beneficial in hot climates, as the plastic helps block out heat and keeps the home cooler.
Finally, impact windows are also much more secure than traditional hurricane shutters. The extra layers of plastic and laminated glass makes it much more difficult to break into a house protected by impact windows.
The windows also provide the added benefit of being able to open, providing both access for ventilation and for emergency exits. Hurricane shutters cannot provide this benefit.
Overall, impact windows are the superior choice for hurricane protection compared to traditional hurricane shutters. They provide superior protection, better energy efficiency, and more security.
When should I put up my hurricane shutters?
It is important to put up your hurricane shutters before a hurricane is expected to affect your area. This will help to prevent damage to your home or property by protecting glass surfaces and openings that are vulnerable during strong winds and rains.
Ideally, you should put up the shutters a few days before the storm is expected to make landfall so that you have time to check that the shutters are secure and working properly. You should also make sure to test the shutters to ensure they open and close properly before the storm.
It is important to not underestimate the power of a hurricane, so make sure to follow local news and weather forecasts to get the latest updates. Additionally, you should be prepared to put up your hurricane shutters at a moment’s notice if the storm suddenly intensifies and moves closer to your area.
How much do aluminum hurricane shutters cost?
The cost of aluminum hurricane shutters will vary depending on the size, type, and installation required. Typically, small to medium-sized single or double shutters will range around $10 to $20 per square foot.
Large sliding panels cost around $25 to $30 per square foot. Installation of these shutters will add to the overall cost, with an additional $10 to $15 per square foot. Taking into account both materials and installation, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for aluminum hurricane shutters for your home.
What is the least expensive window protection for a hurricane?
The least expensive window protection for a hurricane is to use storm shutters. Storm shutters protect windows and doors from wind, hail, water, and other debris that may be associated with hurricane force winds.
The cost of storm shutters will vary depending on the type of shutter and the size of the window being protected, but shutters are still a very cost effective way to protect your windows from a hurricane.
Storm shutters come in a variety of materials, from aluminum to polycarbonate and more, and styles, such as accordion, colonial, Bahama, and more. Making sure that your windows are properly covered is the first line of defense against hurricane damage.
Are Aluminium shutters expensive?
Aluminium shutters can be an expensive option when it comes to window treatments, as they are typically more expensive than other materials, such as wood and vinyl. However, they also offer several benefits that other materials do not, such as being maintenance-free, highly durable, energy efficient, and providing privacy and light control.
Additionally, they are corrosion-resistant and fire-resistant, making them ideal for environments where these attributes are important. For these reasons, many homeowners and businesses prefer aluminium shutters despite the higher cost.
How much does Armor Screen cost?
The price of Armor Screen depends on several factors, such as the size, type, and installation method. For example, if you are looking for a small, easy to install Armor Screen in an easy-to-manage location, you may be able to find a budget-friendly option.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a larger and more durable Armor Screen, then the price may be significantly higher due to higher quality materials and installation. It is best to contact a local Armor Screen retailer or installer to get an accurate quote of the price.
Which is better hurricane shutters or impact resistant glass?
The answer to which is better, hurricane shutters or impact resistant glass, depends on what your goals are. Hurricane shutters offer the highest level of protection during a hurricane. They are costly though and require installation and maintenance to ensure they will perform properly in high winds and other weather conditions.
Impact resistant glass offers an attractive alternative to hurricane shutters, since it is aesthetically pleasing, provides protected visibility and can often be retrofitted to almost any window configuration.
Impact resistant glass is designed to stand up to very high winds and extreme weather conditions. However, while they meet the same testing requirements that hurricane shutters must pass, they have different levels of testing and may not offer the same level of protection of a hurricane shutter.
If you desire the highest level of protection for your home, then hurricane shutters are probably the best choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable solution, yet still desire quality protection, then impact resistant glass could be an attractive option.
