| |
Security and Storm Shutters
Security and storm shutters can protect your
property by covering the windows and doors
and making it all but impossible for anyone
to break in while you are away. They can
also prevent damage from debris and high
winds during a severe storm. Security and
storm shutters are usually made from aluminum,
galvanized steel, or see through polycarbonate.
They can be purchased from manufacturers
that specialize in their production.
There are basically four types
of security
and storm shutters:
- Storm panels are the simplest and least expensive
type. They provide effective protection,
but they are not the most convenient. They
are most frequently put up on the outside
of an opening when storm warnings are issued.
This obviously can be time consuming. When
not in use, they need storage. Putting them
on a second story requires getting up on
an extension ladder. These panels are also
not the most attractive, as they come in
limited colors and tend to have an institutional
look.
- Accordion shutters provide excellent security,
sound and light control, and storm protection.
They usually can be operated from either
the inside or outside by sliding them across
the opening on tracks at the top and bottom.
This makes it practical to close them quickly
and for short periods of time. But they are
not very attractive as they come in limited
colors and cannot be hidden when not in use.
Because they must stack at one end of the
opening, they will impinge on the view from
the interior.
- Traditional shutters can be made to provide
protection from storms, especially
if they
are manufactured from aluminum
or fiberglass.
They come in a variety of historical
styles
and can be painted in custom
colors, making
them the most attractive architectural
choice.
These shutters need to be fully
operational,
not just decoratively attached
to the exterior
of the building. Often they
can only be closed
and secured from the outside,
so an extension
ladder will be needed for upper
stories.
- Rolling shutters are the most popular and
convenient security and storm shutters. They
can be installed to fit any opening. When
not in use, they roll up out of sight, so
they do not affect the appearance of a building.
They can be ordered in customized colors.
They provide sound and light control, insulation
from heat and cold, and complete privacy
in addition to protection. These shutters
can be operated from the inside or outside
of a building by a manual crank, or they
can be motorized and controlled by a central
control system, by a timer, or by a pushbutton.
Also, wind sensors can shut the shutters
when winds exceed a preset speed. Rolling
shutters are the most expensive choice.
|
|
|
