Each year, individuals who live on the East Coast of the U.S. hear forecasts about how ominous the coming hurricane season will be. The predictions usually are way off — either for better or worse. Many people say those forecasts are a waste of energy, but they persist anyway.

Hurricane unpredictability does provide a good reason to prepare though. Just ask any individual who has lived in the path of even one hurricane. They can tell you with authority that being organized equals safety. If you’ve never lived in a hurricane zone before, however, you probably could use some help sorting through what’s really necessary to be safe.

Severe weather protection is known by many names, so it’s important to be informed before you start shopping. You may be familiar with accordion storm shutters, but there are subcategories among those, in addition to other categories. When looking for hurricane windows, keep in mind that there are two basic types of safeguards, year-round glass and doors, and protective equipment you put in place when you know a hurricane is approaching. The following illustrates the differences between the two types:

 * Hurricane Shutters and Panels

Hurricane Panels
These can be bought in aluminum or clear panels and are in most cases the least pricey style of storm safeguards.

Accordion Hurricane Shutters
Accordion hurricane shutters are the most used type of code-approved style because they’re tough, budget friendly, and can be closed and opened easily.

Rolling Shutters
These are generally termed roll-downs or roll-ups, and tend to be the most expensive type of storm shutter. The added cost is because they’re made of a strong double-walled curtain that travels up and down on tracks.

* Hurricane-Proof Windows and Doors

Wind-Resistant Entry Doors
Single and double entry doors are are available in metal or fiberglass with optional fiberglass casings and stainless steel hinges for added corrosion resistance. They’re impact tested to resist storm winds and take away the need for hurricane shutters over entryways.

Wind-Resistant Storm-Rated Garage Doors
Storm-rated garage doors are made to surpass exacting building codes in hurricane-prone environments.

Single-Hung PGT Windows
PGT windows use a lower sash that slides to open vertically. Their straightforward model offers safety, ease of use, trustworthiness and elegance.

High-Impact Roller Windows
Horizontal high-impact roller windows slide side-to-side, like sliding glass doors, and are normally used over over kitchen counters and sinks. They’re popular because of their fashionable look and convenience.

Impact-Resistant Casement Glass Windows
Casement glass windows use high-tech engineering, and a mix of wide frames and rugged cranks, to make them popular choices in contemporary homes.

Impact-Resistant Fixed Windows
Impact-resistant fixed picture windows don’t open and can range in shape from arched or spherical to rectangular or trapezoid, subject to some size constraints to ensure safety. These are frequently known as architectural windows.

Hurricane-Resistant Sliding Glass Doors
Impact-resistant sliding glass doors have movable panels that slide side-to-side and allow for clear vistas. They have heavy-duty structures that permit them to be opened and closed with no trouble and provide well-performing storm protection.

Wind-Resistant French Doors
French doors are made to be lovely while providing highly effective impact prevention and energy efficiency. They’re available in double and single doorway configurations, and optional matching side windows are offered also.


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