To those who have ever lived in a Coastal region, you know the importance of protecting your family, home, and pets take precedence during hurricane season. If you’ve recently bought a house or previously experienced severe storm damage and want to protect your property, you’re likely shopping around for storm screen or hurricane shutter options. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Exeter experts all reside in hurricane-affected areas, and we treat each property like it’s our own. We also know that each home requires a unique protective solution based upon budget, weather expectations, and type of home.

One thing’s for certain: You have options! Keep reading to learn more about which storm protection method is right for you.

Exeter Hurricane Shutters vs. Exeter Window Screens

Both hurricane shutters and hurricane-rated window screens aim to protect your windows against hurricane damage. They each have their strengths, and Exeter Architectural Products offer both. Shutters come in a variety of styles and provide more budget flexibility. Window screens serve dual purposes and can often deter potential vandals or intruders. An Exeter expert can help you determine which solution is right for your needs.

What are Hurricane Shutters?

Hurricane shutters are defined as the shutter or panel system placed over your windows before a major storm or hurricane. They are designed to defend against severe winds and dangerous debris. Some shutters are even considered a security feature! While all shutters can protect your vulnerable spaces from violent winds and debris, some are more effective than others.

Hurricane-Rated vs. Non-Rated. Not all shutters are created equal. Exeter offers hurricane-rated and non-rated options for most of our shutters. The hurricane-rated option is more advisable to protect your home and windows in the event of a storm, as it is a proven barrier against wind and debris.

Which Hurricane Shutter is Right for You?

There are plenty of shutters to choose from when deciding which hurricane shutter is right for your home. Exeter manufactures and installs the following types of shutters:

  • Plantation Shutters. Plantation shutters are among the most popular hurricane shutter options, classified by their durability and low-maintenance elegance.
  • Bahama Shutters. Bahama shutters are a popular dual-purpose storm shutter option. These shutters provide visibility inside your home while simultaneously shading the window area.
  • Board and Batten Shutters. Once used exclusively to protect barns and farmhouses, Board and Batten shutters have become an increasingly popular residential storm shutter option.
  • Roll Down Hurricane Shutters. With a push of a button, Roll Down Hurricane shutters provide storm and security protection. These shutters offer manual crank, battery pack, and motor options. They are easy to operate from the interior of your home.
  • Accordion Shutters. Widely considered one of the most cost-effective hurricane shutter options, Accordion shutters are designed to open and close easily and withstand violent storms.
  • Storm Panels. Homeowners consider storm panels when looking for a less permanent, economical solution to protect their property from storms and hurricanes.

When browsing your shutter options, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I want my hurricane shutters to increase my property value?
  • Do I want my hurricane shutters to enhance the style of my home?
  • How much protection do I need from my hurricane shutter?
  • Do I want a permanent installation or a shutter that I can remove after a storm?

What are Hurricane Screens?

Hurricane screens are designed to defend vulnerable spaces such as windows and doors from major storms and hurricanes. Exeter screens are made of an advanced, nearly impenetrable steel mesh. Hurricane-rated screens can handle wind speeds up to hundreds of miles per hour and won’t tear when struck by dangerous debris.

Tested and certified per the Miami-Dade Building Code and ASTM E 1996 04 Missile Level “E”, STORM SHIELD Hurricane Barriers are approved and recognized by the State of Florida, the Miami-Dade Historical Society, the Texas Department of Insurance, and FEMA. Their Cat 5 rating means these screens are engineered to withstand up to Category 5 Hurricane activity.

Hurricane screens can be a more economical choice for homeowners on the fence about committing to hurricane shutters. They also include a few other benefits!

Storm Screen Installation

There are three types of screen installation: Fixed, Operable, and Operable with Life Safety. The fixed option is permanently attached and is recommended for second-story windows. The Operable option is hinged to allow egress from inside the opening or access from the exterior. The Life Safety option includes a panic release mechanism, enabling residents to quickly evacuate in an emergency.

Additional Storm Screen Benefits

Hurricane screens are excellent defenses against hurricanes and major storms, but they also have a few additional important benefits.

  • Energy Reduction. Storm screens can reduce the amount of UV light entering your home and enable you to control the indoor temperature, reducing the strain on your air conditioning.
  • While storm screens are designed to withstand harsh storms, an added benefit is they are also resilient against unexpected intruders or vandals.
  • Storm screens are subtle and elegant. Exeter customizes your screen to ensure a perfect fit every time.

Contact Exeter for Your Hurricane Shutter or Storm Screen Consultation! 

Exeter has been the trusted supplier of hurricane shutter and storm screen solutions to Greater New Orleans area residents for over 30 years. We know how it feels to batten down the hatches in anticipation of a storm. The Exeter experts are committed to protecting every residence we serve with exceptional defensive materials. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call or email for a free estimate today!