Hurricane shutters are a necessity if you live in Southwest Florida. Your home needs protection from the elements, especially tropical storms. Hurricane-force winds can devastate a house and blow in the windows, causing waves of water to rush in and destroy all of your possessions. A good Hurricane shutter can protect the windows from flying objects blown around by these high-force winds. Thus hurricane shutter maintenance is important to provide protection in storms.
Sure, you can store particleboards in your garage and nail them up when the storm approaches. But that is time-consuming and can rip the window frames. It usually takes several people and you have to climb ladders, haul up the pieces of wood, and nail them to your windows. Then after the storm, you have to climb the ladder, rip out the nails, take down the particle board, if it is salvageable, and figure out where to store it in a waterproof area. Investing in hurricane shutters is in the long run a much better plan of action.
When it comes to shielding your windows during a hurricane, you have the choice between impact windows, screens, and shutters. Hurricane shutters are a popular alternative due to their versatility, durability, and price. The accordion hurricane shutter rolls along a track and is fairly easy to use. To use accordion shutters, all you need to do is draw the two sides together, fasten them into place, and then lock the shutters.
This looks simple enough, but if you don’t maintain your shutters, you’ll have a more difficult time getting them to close the next time you need to handle them. It is essential to care for your hurricane shutters each season, regardless of if they actually get used. Counting on your shutters to work at a moment’s notice without checking their position could be critical. Here are a few tips on how to correctly maintain your accordion hurricane shutters:
Keep the tracks clean
It is essential to keep the tracks of the shutters clean by washing them periodically. While cleaning the tracks, look for the accumulation of dirt, salt, insect nests, and other particles that may cause difficulties with the operation of your shutters.
Lubricate the tracks at least twice a year
Apply a clear silicone spray lubricant to clean and lubricate the tracks of your accordion shutters. You can find silicone spray lubricant at a hardware store. Avoid using any oily lubricant. Dirt and salt will build up faster with this type of lubricant. Also, lubricate the thumbscrews at least twice a year. This will assure that you can move your locking pins that secure the accordion shutters.
Wash with soap and warm water
Clean your accordion shutters with warm water, soap, and a soft brush at least twice a year. Wash the slats and the hinges joining the slats. Clean the shutters in both the open and folded positions to better eliminate dirt, salt, and anything else that may be caught. Avoid applying harsh cleaners, pads, or hard bristle brushes as this may harm your shutters.
Operate your shutters at least once a month
Even if you don’t need to use your shutters often, you must close and open them at least once a month. This will help keep your tracks free and moving easily. Keep an eye out on the tracks and other removable parts, and check the mounting fasteners to make sure that none are damaged or broken. Frequently operating your shutters will give you peace of mind knowing that your shutters are functional in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm.
Add the right hardware for protection
Poorly designed, low-quality hardware on traditional shutters becomes both a security issue and a maintenance problem. When considering shutter hardware for your home, consider the environment. Is your application seaside or coastal, requiring rust-resistant components? Are your shutters large and heavy, requiring heavy-duty and large-diameter pintles?
And because we live in a hurricane zone you need to ensure you have hurricane-resistant hardware. Attention to these details will save your money on shutter maintenance and may save your home from major hurricane damage. Hurricane shutter hardware systems address shutter closure, shutter rattle caused by wind, and provide adequate protection in storms.
Shutter hardware does so much more than the average homeowner may be aware of. A little research before you invest can give you the knowledge you need to make the right decision.
Regular hurricane shutter maintenance is very important. The home is the single most expensive investment most people will ever make. A quality Hurricane shutter, like those from Shutters239, gives you peace of mind that in times of high winds and rain, it is well protected.
