Hail-Proof Shutters: Severe Weather Protection

Homeowners in hail-prone regions face regular seasons of destructive storm damage and soaring property insurance rates. Upgrading vulnerable exterior glazing with specialized hail-proof shutters offers sensible protection against roof and window battering, glass breakage, weather infiltration, and subsequent water damage when thunderstorms strike. We’ll examine key considerations around hail mitigation shutters.

Meet Stringent Impact Resistance Testing Standards

Trustworthy hail-proof shutters carry ratings like the FM 4473 standard verifying impact resistance to various sizes of simulated hailstones striking windows and skylights at high velocities. Unlike decorative vinyl or wooden shutters vulnerable to hail penetration, compliant hail shutters are rigorously tested to withstand up to 2-inch diameter hail impacts without fracture or water leakage.

Withstand Repeated Bludgeoning Strikes

Hail-proof shutters must endure hundreds of thousands of blows from dense ice projectiles during product testing. Robust window systems made of thick extruded aluminum, resilient composites, and laminated multilayer polycarbonates can reliably withstand this extreme punishment when properly secured.

Exceed Minimum Building Code Standards

States with heavy hail activity specify impact-resistant products must pass a minimum threshold of withstanding 25 repetitive strikes from 1.5-inch diameter ice balls per ASTM E1996 testing. Hail-proof shutters are engineered to dramatically exceed these levels for optimal real-world protection.

Guard Against Costly Water Intrusion

Hail-proof shutters maintain a formidable barrier keeping water infiltration from entering cracked glazing or damaged window frames. Multi-point locking mechanisms, gaskets, and edge reinforcements protect operable joints under heavy rainfall often accompanying hailstorms. This insulation preserves interiors.

Save on Insurance Deductibles and Premiums

Homeowners installing qualified hail protection shutters on all susceptible exterior openings can reap generous insurance discounts of up to 30% in some hail-prone regions. This rewards proactive mitigation. When hail does strike, reducing claims keeps deductibles affordable.

Deter Expensive Glass Breakage

Hail can ravage standard unprotected window glazing, especially larger panes. Replacing custom sizes of modern insulated glass, low-e glass, or multifaceted window walls is tremendously expensive. Hail-resistant shutters are a sensible buffer protecting such investments.

Meet Roof Shingle Warranty Requirements

Many asphalt shingle manufacturer warranties stipulate impact-resistant shutters must be installed where hail exposure is moderate or severe. Lacking shutters voids warranty coverage for shingle damage from hail. Installing qualified systems demonstrates due diligence.

Maintain Attractive Exterior Aesthetics

Unlike unsightly chain link fencing, impact-resistant window treatments are designed as architecturally coherent enhancements. They blend with homes aesthetically when not in use while still providing concealed protection against storms. Minimal visual tradeoffs are required for dramatic hail resilience improvements.

Available in Multiple Styles

Hardened shutters come in familiar louvered, paneled, rolling, sliding, tilt-in-place, and other common styles matching home architecture. They often feature durable finishes like fluoropolymer resin conformal coatings that maintain attractive appearances despite heavy weathering.

Professional Measurement and Installation

Given hail shutters’ technical nature, certified dealer site assessments are recommended for proper sizing and specification. Experienced installers will evaluate mounting locations, identify any structural reinforcement needs, and ensure conformance to manufacturer guidelines.

Energy Efficiency Options Available

Various high-performance glazing or films can be integrated behind hail-resistant shutters to simultaneously improve insulation R-values and solar heat gain coefficients if desired. These enhance energy savings on utility bills.

Light-Filtering and Privacy Options

While most armored shutters feature solid panels when closed, perforated slats, embedded translucent lenses, and partial screening maintain some outward visibility if preferred. These balance protection with lighting needs.

Noise Reduction Capabilities

When closed, the dense resilient materials and tight seals of hail shutters absorb noise fluctuations. This enhances interior quietness in urban neighborhoods or near highways. Acoustical insulation inserts further augment soundproofing.

Mobile Home Friendly Options

Lightweight aluminum panel systems are engineered meeting mobile home installation guidelines for minimal added weight. These economical Snap-Lok shutters are available in smaller custom sizes suitable for manufactured housing.

For homeowners seeking shelter from destructive hail storms, impact-tested shutters certifiably proven to withstand extreme ice ball impacts provide sensible foresight and reassuring peace of mind. They protect irreplaceable memories while preventing costly damage and trauma. Although representing a sizable investment, lifetime security merits strong consideration.