Hurricane shutters are something that you should strongly consider if you live in an area where you may end up in the path of one of these powerful storms. While storm surge flooding is a major concern, so are the wind and debris produced by these systems. One way to protect your home from wind and water is by installing hurricane shutters. Storm shutters, or hurricane shutters, fit over your home's windows and can protect your home's interior from damage. Here are three things to consider when choosing hurricane shutters.

Affordability

There are numerous options on the market when it comes to hurricane shutters. However, one thing that you need to consider during your search carefully is affordability. The average cost of installing hurricane shutters ranges between $2,300 and $7,900. If you are on a budget, fabric storm panels and plywood are fantastic options. Mid-range hurricane shutters include accordion and Bahama-style shutters. Colonial-style shutters offer both protection and curb appeal but tend to cost more than other kinds of hurricane shutters. High-quality roll-down shutters are often the most expensive option, but they are practical and very easy to use.

Usability

A hurricane shutter's level of protection is related to its usability. If you cannot get your shutters in place before a hurricane hits, they won't protect your home from wind, water, and debris. While electric shutters can be put into place with the press of a button, you'll want to make sure that you choose options that can operate manually in the event of a power outage. Storage is another thing to keep in mind, do you have enough room to store your shutters when they are not in use. If not, decorative options that can be left up year-round are a fantastic option.

Protection

Another thing to consider when shopping for hurricane shutters is how much protection they will offer your home. Look into the kind of protection shutters provide before you make a decision. Hurricane shutters can protect from wind pressure, debris impacts, or both. Some shutters will offer more protection than others. When shopping for hurricane shutters, it's a good idea to get the most protection for your home that you can afford.

If you live where hurricanes are a threat, hurricane shutters are essential. There are plenty of options on the market, so make sure that you consider affordability when deciding. Usability is also something to keep in mind. Make sure you choose hurricane shutters that you can put into place quickly as a storm approaches. Finally, the level of protection varies from one kind of shutter to another. You'll want to choose shutters that offer ample protection for your home.