I'm trying to figure out if I should go with hurricane windows or storm shutters for my house. Hurricane season seems to get crazier every year, and honestly, I'm tired of dealing with plywood boards every time a storm heads our way. I've heard hurricane windows are great because they're always ready—no scrambling last minute—but they're pretty pricey upfront. Storm shutters seem cheaper and maybe easier to replace if something goes wrong, but then again, you gotta put them up and take them down each time...which sounds like a pain.
Anyone here have experience with either option? Is the convenience of hurricane windows worth the extra cost, or do shutters do the job just fine? Curious what others think before I make a decision I'll probably be stuck with for years, haha.
Honestly, shutters aren't as annoying as they sound. I went with accordion shutters—takes me maybe 10 mins tops to close them up. Way cheaper than windows, and they've held up fine through some nasty storms. Just something else to consider...
Good points on accordion shutters—been using mine for about 8 years now, and they've held up solidly. A couple quick thoughts:
- Installation matters: if they're not properly anchored, even good shutters can fail. Seen neighbors learn this the hard way...
- Maintenance is minimal but necessary; a quick spray of lubricant once a year keeps them smooth.
- Windows do offer convenience (no prep needed), but the cost difference is pretty steep.
Overall, shutters have been reliable and cost-effective for me too.
"Windows do offer convenience (no prep needed), but the cost difference is pretty steep."
Yeah, that's the kicker for me too. I've looked into hurricane windows mainly for their energy efficiency perks—better insulation and lower cooling bills—but the upfront investment is tough to swallow. Accordion shutters have been solid performers, especially if you're diligent about installation and basic upkeep. Still, part of me dreams of never wrestling with shutters again during storm season...maybe someday when prices drop a bit more.