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EXIT Realty certainly hopes you do not have to face a
storm head-on, but it is
great piece of mind to know that you can protect your home if one is headed towards
our area. Here on the Gulf Coast we get severe some bad weather on
average, about every 4.2 years. Right before a storm hits is NOT the time to run out
looking for plywood or window shutters. Best is to have protection that one person can
handle by themselves. Below is a list of hurricane window shutter resources. Many
out-of-town shutter suppliers will ship shutters to you and help you find local help to install
them if you don't want to do it yourself.
Hurricane Shutter
Manufacturers and Distributors
It is a wise thing to prepare for tropical storms and
hurricanes way ahead of time. By having hurricane shutters that can be closed by one
person in an hour or two, you will be able to focus on other matters and not have to worry
about damage or running all over looking for plywood and hammering holes in your walls and
window frames.
Hurricane Shutters
QMI Storm Safe Hurricane Roll Shutters ---Alulux,
the largest manufacturer of rolling shutter systems in the world, has selected QMI as
their exlcusive distributor in the United States. Alulux provides over 35 years of roll
shutter experience and offers the largest selection of the highest quality rolling shutter
slats, grilles, housings and components in the world. QMI sells hurricane shutters
with
punched openings so that you do not have to have a home or business in total darkness when
the shutters are in use. You can see the various punched patents
on their website. They
come in 7 different colors. You can get hand cranked roll down shutters or motorized
controls.
Their shutters are tested and approved in accordance with all current certification
authorities to provide hurricane protection. The shutters pass all current state codes for
hurricane protection. Currently there are numerous wind load specifications established
and accepted by different counties through out the U.S. There is no single adopted
windload chart accepted, so each installation needs to check with the local county, state,
or governing body to establish the correct wind load table. Check with your local building
inspector for the applicable code. www.qmishutters.com/product_lines/stormsafe.shtml
Roll-a-way manufactures an exclusive storm
and security shutter system with an outstanding record of proven performance as protective
barriers for windows, doors, balconies and more. Rol-a-way has local Gulf Shores / Orange
Beach offices.
www.roll-a-way.com
Jordan's Aluminum, Inc., a family owned
and operated business, with 23 years experience providing better solution in storm
protection for residential and businesses in South Florida. Jordan's Aluminum, Inc.
manufactures and installs all types of storm protection products and ships them throughout
the U. S. and the Caribbean. We are fully licensed and insured in Dade, Broward, and Palm
Beach counties and perform all work according to municipal building codes. Buy rolling
shutters online can save you up to 40%. They will manufacture them and ship
directly to you. These shutters are prepared for easy installation. Bahama
shutters are
functionally practical, provide storm protection, allow free flow ventilation, and do not
obstruct your view. Accordion shutters offer an affordable, durable means of protection
against storms and intruders. They work on any type of opening and are ideal for larger
openings such as sliding doors and across balconies. Permanently fastened to your home,
the accordion shutters are easily operated by one person from inside or outside. The
shutters are equipped with a T-Handle lock and 4 locking rods to ensure it remain in the
proper position open or closed.
www.stormsecure.com
Betterhaus European Storm Shutters--European
Shutters are a rolling shutter which is mounted on the outside of your window, door, or
screen porch. From inside your home a simple turn of the crank or flick of a switch, and
the shutters are lowered to block the sun, providing complete privacy and security.
Electronics controls, like remote control or timer, enhance the operation of motorized
shutters. Rolling shutters provide shade, security, privacy, insulation, and noise
reduction. They protect windows, patio doors, stores and counters.
www.betterhaus.com
Kestrel Wood Storm Shutters--Since 1989,
Kestrel has been a global provider of the finest quality interior and exterior wood
shutters and doors. We are consistently specified for commercial and residential
properties, for both new construction and historic restoration. Dade County approved
Traditional Wooden Hurricane Shutters. Available with Operable/Fixed louvers, Raised/Flat
panels, Board-n-Batten and custom designs. Ideal for Historic Properties. The European
shutter line mirrors the architecture and the lifestyles found throughout the regions of
Europe. Their substantial dimensions are strong yet proportion is not forgotten. In Italy
the 'shutter within a shutter ' type is often seen on lovely older buildings. A louver
with kick-out
smaller shutter within a shutter. The smaller, inner shutter acts as a Bahaman
shutter
being hinged at the top. This allows you to prop out the inner shutter when the shutters
are closed over your window. Give your home the look that only a real wooden shutter can
provide while protecting your home during the hurricane season. All of Kestrel's historic
designs are available with a special, reinforced fiberglass sheet that provides protection
greater than specified by the engineers for Dade County, Florida. You can even retrofit
your existing panels. www.diyshutters.com
Call The Storm Depot for information on
the different types of Hurricane and Security Shutters available, pricing and how to
measure. After The Storm Depot tells you exactly how to measure your windows, doors and
other openings, either FAX, Phone or E-Mail in your order. They give you the price of
custom made shutters delivered to your doorstep. After you receive your order, if you are
confused about something call The Storm Depot's Toll Free Tech Support Line and they will
assist you. The Storm Depot is a company designed to accept orders F.O.B. anywhere in the
world for custom made Hurricane and Security Shutters that protect windows, doors and
other exposed openings from Hurricanes. www.thestormdepot.com
RollClean Shutters ships worldwide. For
storm protection, personal security, energy conservation, privacy, and convenience of
operation, the rolling shutter is for many Floridians, the device of choice. Rolling
shutters are the type that move vertically up or down. They have been used in Europe for
over one hundred years. Rolling shutters are operated from inside your home or
condominium—manually by use of a hand crank, or automatically by use of an electric
motor. For simplicity, the description of rolling shutters is in three categories: the
upper housing or "box" into which the slats roll; the tracks, which guide and
secure the slats; and the slats, which make up the body of the shutter. Rolling shutters
also control sunlight and stop fading of carpets and furniture www.rollcleanshutters.com
Storm Protection Systems is in the
aluminum and Lexan hurricane shutter business. Their unusual product is available
in heavy
gauge extruded aluminum or clear Lexan panels that stack on top of each other. They also
make aluminum accordion design for maximum strength in deflecting wind and debris. www.stormprotectionsystems.com
American Shutter System Association seems
to really be mostly associated with a company called Eastern Metal Supply.
They sell Storm Panels Systems, Accordion Shutter Systems, Roll Shutter Systems,
Bahama & Colonial Systems. Removable panels are made of a variety of materials. The three
main products are made of steel, aluminum or clear polycarbonate. Panels are attached with
anchors top and bottom or by tracks. Panel tracks make assembly and installation faster
and easier. Storm panels are considered one of the most economical choices for hurricane
and storm protection. They offer substantial protection at a lower cost of other storm
protection products. Clear polycarbonate panels are the most expensive of the three types.
Aluminum panels are lighter than steel panels. Panels are stackable and require a dry place
for storage, usually a garage or carport. For assembly, do a dry run early to see how long
and difficult the process is for you. This will also give you the opportunity to fix
something before it's too late. Accordion Shutters are permanently installed for year
round protection. They fold back compactly similar to a louvered door and are one or two
piece shutters. They are installed beside windows and doors, balconies, and large patio
openings. Accordion shutters are convenient, and easily closed within minuets. They lock
from the inside or outside for increased security and protection. Accordions are made of
aluminum and should be cleaned and lubricated yearly. Accordion shutters are considered
one of the strongest shutters available. When built into a new home Roll Shutters are
virtually invisible and can be closed via electric motor. While in the closed position,
they not only provide storm protection, they also protect from forced entry and theft. The
system can be activated manually by crank or remotely using a motorized
system. Bahama
Shutters are similar in design to the Colonial Shutter. Bahama shutters cover windows and
are hinged at the top giving the house a Bahamian or tropical appearance. The Bahama
shutter also reduces the amount of sunlight entering the window. Simply lowering and
latching the shutter provides storm protection. Colonials Shutters are hinged on the side
and open to the outside of the window promoting the look of a Colonial Estate. Before the
storm arrives, the shutters are simply closed and latched with hinges and or locking bars.
www.easternmetal.com and www.amshutter.org
Service Magic
can put you in touch with a hurricane and storm shutter
installer in your area. Their website is designed for you to input info and them to in
turn have someone get in touch with you--no pictures or product info. www.servicemagic.com
J and L Shutters---classic.....nice
looking, strong and heavy. I'd have them do the installation as the shutters tend to
warp a bit if the are lying about in hot sun and that makes installation difficult.
J&L Shutters, based in Memphis, Tennessee, is a manufacturer of PERMEX exterior
shutters. J&L Shutters' almost 50 years in the window coverings industry has provided
both experience and knowledge to create the patented PERMEX exterior Dade County approved
wood-look shutter. This completely synthetic, functional and custom-made shutter is the
only exterior shutter in the industry that offers a lifetime warranty against all
manufacturing defects and a 10 year warranty on paint defects backed by Sherwin Williams.
One bit of advice--put a delivery date deadline penalty clause in your contract with them
to save yourself many frustrating phone calls. www.jlshutters.com
Consider building
or replacing your windows with hurricane resistant impact glass windows instead of using
hurricane shutters.
NanaWall Systems has a fabulous website
with all sorts of animations to show the creativity and flexibility of their
opening glass wall systems. Bring the outdoors into your home with a wide-opening
NanaWall.
Easily open NanaWall panels to blend indoor and outdoor spaces of your residence. Connect
to nature. Enhance beautiful scenery with unobstructed views. NanaWalls are weather-tight
to wind, water, snow and ice when closed. Folks living on or near the coast love homes with
huge glass walls that can be opened and closed. NanaWall Folding Systems consist of glass
panels connected together in a train. The glass panels can be hinged off either one or
both side jambs and meet in a number of ways. The NanaWall is a full line of precision
engineered systems that have been independently tested for air infiltration, water
penetration, structural performance and forced entry. A Dade County hurricane approved
system is also available. An extensive report on test results is available under at their
website under "performance". In the past 15 years, NanaWalls have been installed
in thousands of commercial and residential buildings throughout the United States, Canada,
Mexico and the Caribbean. A vast selection of project photos can be viewed in their Photo
Gallery. NanaWalls provide unique solutions for any opening wall situation. At Nana Wall
Systems they believe that if you can imagine it, they can probably create it. www.NanaWall.com
WeatherShield is one of the few companies
that still offers true divided light. Weathershield makes a very high quality
product. They also offer French Doors in 10 Ft. as a standard height. This is a
good thing, as you'd pay considerably more for custom doors to get 10 Ft height from other
companies. Most other companies are going to try to talk you into 8 ft doors with a
separate transom
above. This in no way gives the same effect of a 10 ft door. If you
don't believe me, walk thru both and you decide. Class vs. ordinary. www.weathershield.com
Another high quality window and door manufacturer: design and
manufacture mahogany impact windows and doors, shutters and floors in traditional French
styles. Sabana Window's high performance pre-finish is designed to give the highest
quality coating for wood windows and doors. Sabana's large old world style double exterior
front doors are manufactured in
2-3/8” thick styles from Honduran mahogany with a stainless steel
threashold. They are prehung onto the 1-3/4" jambs complete with hardware 3 point or
8 point locking mechanism and surface bolts and tested for hurricane impact, water
infiltration, and forced entry. Sabana can supply
cremone bolts, surface bolts and beautiful old world style hinges. www.sabanawindows.com
PGT® WinGuard® Impact-Resistant Windows and
Doors provide your home with effortless, full-time protection against flying
debris and hurricane-force winds. According to PGT, theres no need for inconvenient,
unsightly panel, accordion or rolldown shutters plywood or other hurricane protection
devices. Even when you're away, WinGuard Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors guard your
home against hurricanes and intruders with no effort, while reducing noise and providing
UV protection. WinGuard with vinyl frames and standard insulated glass also provides
enhanced energy efficiency. www.winguard.com
ThermaTru has a new division called:
Therma-Tru's New Florida Building Code™ Approval Site. They have a great deal of
information available including , Detailed instructions for door system installation for
hurricane-level performance., Cross-sections of installation requirements in AutoCAD
format for cut-and-paste into building plans, Frequently asked questions relative to the
new Florida Building Code, and a online tool called the Wind Load Calculator, Calculates
wind loads for door systems according to ASCE 7-98 as required by the 2001 Florida
Building Code. ThermaTru offers many hurricane resistant products such as Outswing
Construction Series Steel Doors - Impact Resistant
, Inswing Construction Series Steel Doors - Impact Resistant, Inswing Residential Ins.
Fiberglass Door , Outswing Residential Ins. Fiberglass Door, Premium & Construction
series Outswing Glazed Residential Insulated Steel Double Doors, and
Outswing Glazed
Residential Insulated Steel Door w/Sidelites www.thermatru.com
Mr. Impact Windows is the leading
authority on hurricane protection, with a full line of products that meet the toughest
wind-borne debris requirements in the nation. Florida's Miami-Dade County codes. Our one
story and multi-story glass option that provides effortless, full-time protection against
flying debris and hurricane-force winds. Hurricane Andrew, which caused such massive
damage to Florida in 1992, taught researchers that violent winds alone are not the major
cause of failure. The real cause is flying objects. As a result, codes for hurricane
protection now focus on protection, not just wind velocity. Mister Impact Windows one
story and multi-story installations combine heavy-duty aluminum frames with optional
impact-resistant glass. A special silicone glazing process keeps the glass from breaking
away from the frame. Although the glass may crack on impact, the interlayer keeps the
glass intact, preventing destructive wind from entering your home. www.mrimpactwindows.com
Custom Window and Door Millworks has
worked with clients in all of Canada, throughout the United States and as far abroad as
Hong Kong and Japan. They build individually carved doors and windows to customer
specifications. They are best known for Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir and use only the
finest grade of kiln dried wood that will last a lifetime and beyond. Other species such
as oak and mahogany are available. Custom Window and Doors We has the flexibility to build
whatever size and style of wood door or window you want, especially useful for large
timber framed or log homes. www.customwindow-door.bc.ca
Kolbe & Kolbe makes a quality
product. Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. manufacturer of premium
quality wood and aluminum clad windows and doors. Kolbe & Kolbe has manufactured
windows and doors of superior quality and style for over 55 years. Their wide array of
standard shapes and sizes, as well as custom millwork capabilities, make Kolbe & Kolbe
windows and doors perfect for any home or project. Their website has a wealth of
info and a extensive FAQ section. Kolbe & Kolbe windows are doors are primarily
constructed of wood. Most may be ordered unfinished, primed, finished with K-Kron II,
or with aluminum cladding applied to the exterior. Vinyl windows and doors are offered by Kolbe Vinyl Windows and Doors,
a division of Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. Steel and FiberOptixTM
fiberglass doors are offered by Acore Door, a subsidiary of Kolbe
& Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. For those in hurricame zones Kolbe &
Kolbe not only offers impact glass, but impact products. Please view or download a
brochure about SeaStorm® Glass or Impact
Products. www.kolbe-kolbe.com
Luxbaum Windows and Doors, manufacturers
of custom windows and doors designed and built in the grand European tradition, hurricane tested, impact resistant, & Dade County
certified. Their windows and doors are made from Merbau, a wood from Southeast Asia that
is unmatched in beauty, strength, and a natural resilience to the elements. The wood's
physical characteristics exceed those of Mahogany by over forty percent. Merbau is highly
resistant to termite and other beetles due to high mineral, oil and silica content.
Luxbaum employees the centuries old wood working skills of the Balinese, the procurement
of the finest European machinery and tools, and the highest quality hardware from the
leading manufacturers in Germany and Switzerland. The impact resistant Luxbaum Windows and
Doors are designed to exceed the highest standards of the Miami Dade County Protocols.
This performance has been accomplished through the careful engineering of the joinery,
consisting of multiple dowels at corners of the jamb as well as the sash. As reported by
the Rosenheim Institute, dowelled and coped connections are significantly stronger than
mortise and tenon joints. Luxbau, LLC. A Florida based company manufactures Luxbaum
Windows and Doors, in its own factory on Bali. Luxbau has been founded by the principals
of The Landfall Group, of West Palm Beach, Florida, premier builders of exquisite single
family residences in the Palm Beaches since 1981. Development work of this product line
has evolved out of the extensive coastal construction experience and the company's
commitment to excellence. View their online photo gallery. www.luxbaum.com |
