Builder-Supplied Metal Storm Shutters
Many first-time Florida home buyers have not previously been exposed to the need for storm shutters to protect their homes during tropical storms or hurricanes. Many new home purchasers receive the original builder-supplied metal shutters and associated hardware in the garage along with a video tutorial explaining the shutters’ installation. During the frenzy of final settlement on the home and moving to Florida, the salesperson often says that you will never need to worry about these shutters, so they stay in the garage and are soon forgotten. Once settled into their new home, buyers realize there is a new season – the Florida hurricane season – that runs from June through November each year, and they may actually need those storm shutters.
We are fortunate to live in a time and place where the availability and reliability of scientific weather predictions affords all of us a great deal of advance warning of adverse weather. Understanding the difference between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning is key to understanding how and when to implement your storm preparation plans. “If Watch is used then you should prepare for a potential significant weather event, but if a Warning is used, then you should take immediate action as there is an imminent weather hazard in your area.” (Ref: https://www.weather.gov/news/201106-hazard-simplification)
The following are some of the lessons this homeowner learned during and after Hurricane Irma in 2018.
—When a storm is named and computer models have determined that your location could possibly be in the storm path, locate your storm shutters and the attachment hardware. Review the video tutorial (there should be a diagram of your home included with each opening identified).
—Five days prior to the projected arrival of the storm (estimated time of Hurricane Watch) begin to distribute the metal panels around your home, beginning with the larger, heavier panels for your rear sliding lanai doors. Establish your storm preparation plan.
—Three days prior to the storm (estimated time of Hurricane Warning) begin to install the larger panels on sliders and doors. Initiate your plan. (Leave the front exit open to be installed last and, if possible, leave one rear exit open).
—Continue tracking the storm using your choice of weather information such as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
—Two days prior to the storm, if the weather forecasts still show your community in the path, install the shutters on the smaller windows on your home.
Note: It is suggested that you begin putting up your metal panels before wind speeds start to increase and allow yourself two days to complete the job. The shutters are heavy and bulky! It is not advisable to put up shutters when there are high winds, rain, or lightning.
Installing the builder-supplied metal storm shutters for the first time prior to hurricane season (when it is cooler) is a worthwhile exercise to ensure that all shutters fit properly, and that you are not missing any required components. At that time, it helps to use a good penetrating oil to help lubricate the bolts for the next time you will need to install the shutters. It also helps to have two people to install the shutters (one to hold them in place and one to bolt them to the opening), and protective gloves and plenty of patience
are recommended. Having appropriate tools to install the shutters, such as ladders, Phillips screwdrivers, and a drill (battery powered recommended) will facilitate the installation, especially if the builder-supplied kit includes an adapter to secure the wing nuts.
The above notes are offered to suggest a systematic approach to storm preparation and the installation of the builder supplied metal storm shutters. Other preparations are also necessary, including but not necessarily limited to, moving all loose objects such as grills, planters, decorative art, pool cleaning equipment from the front and rear of your home and placing these items in the garage. Anything that can become a projectile in high winds should be moved inside.