One of the joys of strolling along the beautiful residential streets of downtown Charleston is observing the fine details in the unique architecture of the homes. With centuries-old houses painted in a variety of shades and colors, the landscape is photo-worthy everywhere you look. But these homes were built to be more than just aesthetically appealing. They were built to last.
It’s not unusual to discover that even some of the glass windowpanes are centuries old. How has that been possible in a city that has seen over a hundred hurricanes in its lifetime? One thing that has helped is that most homes are protected by
shutters that can be closed during a hurricane. Having the ability to safeguard windows during a storm not only protects the glass but also prevents the wind, rain, hail and flying debris from coming inside and damaging the home’s contents and interior structure. And that’s not even considering the problems that can be caused when the pressure inside the home builds up due to shattered panes.
Throughout the mid-20th century, shutters were added to modern homes being built in the suburbs around Charleston. They were put there simply to add to the house’s curb appeal. But that’s really all that they can do – just look pretty. Those shutters are nailed in place and cannot provide any protection to the windows. However, today’s builders and homeowners can choose to take their cue from the historic city homes and opt instead for attractive and useful enhancements that will help protect against the weather threats we experience during this time of year. The often-pricey investment in shutters may pay off in the long run when a hurricane hits.
Nonetheless, the most common method that Lowcountry residents have chosen to protect their homes is simply to put up sheets of plywood when the impending storm is approaching. However, installing these requires a good bit of elbow grease and time. Plus, the intense wind that accompanies a severe hurricane can potentially tear off the wood. Then there is the hassle of having to remove the plywood after the storm – as if there isn’t already enough to do during the cleanup.
An alternative to using plywood is to install aluminum storm panels. They provide more protection than plywood and are durable yet lightweight, which makes them a lot easier to handle than large sheets of plywood. Of course, there is still the time and effort involved in putting them up and later removing them, but tracks or permanent bolts around the window ensure that they will be installed correctly. Another benefit is that their grooved panels make them easy to stack for storage when not in use.
A wide variety of other options is available when it comes to hurricane shutters, such as the Bahama shutter. As the name suggests, these have a somewhat tropical look and feel. The louvered shutter attaches to the top of the window and angles outward when open to allow light in on a sunny day. Then they can simply be pulled down and locked when the time comes. Typically, these shutters are a bit more expensive than other alternatives, but their unique and attractive appearance also adds curb appeal and value to the home.
Another option that eases the headache of hurricane prep is the accordion shutter. These are permanently affixed to the exterior of each side of a window and, as the name suggests, fold up along either side so that they are barely visible when not in use. In a matter of minutes, they can be unfolded to cover the window and can also be locked, relieving stress when time is important, especially during an evacuation.
The roll down shutter offers yet another easy-to-use alternative. These shutters are rolled down from a tubular housing, similar in appearance to a valance, that is positioned at the top of the window. It works just like pulling down a window shade. Additionally, they can be rolled up or down using a remote control or even a smart phone and smart home system. If the electricity has gone out, they can be operated manually with a hand crank.
Every home is different and so are the budget and needs of every homeowner. One size does not fit all when it comes to hurricane shutters. So do your homework during the lull in the action and learn online about your options or talk with professionals. Isn’t your home worth it?
For more ways to safeguard your home and family this season, review our complete Hurricane Preparedness Guide.
By Mary Coy
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