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Types of Hurricane Shutter Panels

Valerie Albarda

By Valerie Albarda
Updated August 6, 2024

Hurricanes can have a devastating effect on homes and communities throughout the country. This is especially true for people living in coastal areas that are prone to hurricanes. One of the best lines of defense to protect homes is hurricane shutters and hurricane shutter panels.

What Are Hurricane Shutter Panels?

Hurricane shutters and hurricane shutter panels are tools that are designed to protect your home’s windows and doors from disasters that occur from storms and hurricanes. including high winds, wind-borne debris, rain and hail. When meteorologists predict hurricanes in the weather forecast, people act on this advance notice and they begin preparing to protect their homes.

Some people start boarding up windows with pre-cut sheets of plywood, while others install hurricane shutter panels, For homes with permanently attached hurricane shutters, the prep time is minimal. If, however, the home has hurricane shutter panels, it could take anywhere from four to eight hours to install. However, hurricane shutter panels are the more economical of the two.

Types of Hurricane Shutter Panels

Determining which hurricane protection system is best for you and your home is an important decision. Hopefully, it’s a decision that you’re making before disaster strikes.

During a hurricane, when everything’s on the line, you’re counting on the hurricane shutter panels to protect you and your family. Strength and durability mean something to you. Aluminum, polycarbonate and steel all give you the strength you need to protect your windows, your home and your family. This is when the right storm shutters matter.

Aluminum Hurricane Shutter Panels

Aluminum hurricane shutter panels are a cost-effective way to protect your home and family during a hurricane or storm. They’re strong and durable, yet lightweight, easy to handle and easy to store. Aluminum hurricane shutter panels are also rust- and corrosion-resistant which keeps them looking better longer. Installation is quick and easy and you and a friend can install it in a day,

Polycarbonate Hurricane Shutter Panels

Polycarbonate hurricane shutter panels are extremely durable and impact-resistant panels that make them ideal for protecting windows while still allowing light to come through. They’re also lightweight and easier to handle during installation than plywood, If you have the right tools for the job, you and a helper can turn this into a do-it-yourself (DIY) project and install these panels in a day. When not in use, polycarbonate hurricane panels should be stored flat. The average lifespan of polycarbonate hurricane panels is 10 to 20 years.

Steel Hurricane Shutter Panels

Steel hurricane shutter panels are an economical choice. They too offer durability and strength, however, steel isn’t see-through and doesn’t allow any light to penetrate through.

If not carefully maintained, over time, steel hurricane shutter panels are prone to rust and corrosion. Take care when storing. Wash them and allow them to dry, then store them flat, off the ground in a clean dry space.