Hurricane Shutters

**Lisa Ruby** · 08-17-2006, 10:52 AM

Looks like I may be forced to invest in hurricane shutters in order to obtain insurance (other than citizen's). Anyone out there have any good experiences or advice on types of shutters or vendors?

**southof30A** · 08-17-2006, 02:13 PM

We used Kurt Schmidt Enterprises out of Panama City and were satisfied with their equipment and installation. Our shutters are the aluminum roll-down style, equipped with electric operators.

**GVM** · 08-17-2006, 02:26 PM

Whatever you do...DO NOT use any affiliate of Crystal Shutters. Bad, bad experience.

**Lisa Ruby** · 08-17-2006, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the tips! I've got Kurt Schmidt coming by to give me a quote tomorrow.

**howlin'enterpri** · 08-17-2006, 04:04 PM

We have used Gale Force Protection out of Panama City for one of our private out of town clients. Their phone is 850-236-0402. They were pretty good. Installation was great.

**luvthebeach** · 08-17-2006, 05:36 PM

If you have a do-it-yourselfer who can do the labor for you, Lowe's in Panama City and Destin carries "Stormlocs" that are easily installed. Our condo association is recommending them.

According to the description "Stormlocs storm panels provide maximum storm protection at the most economical price. This Code-Approved system is ideal for residential, multi-family, and commercial applications. Manufactured from High-Grade aluminum. Available in mill finish or white painted finish. Polycarbonate, clear storm panels will not shatter, rust, or corrode and allow light to pass through. StormLocs protect against hurricanes, tropical storms, wind-borne debris and vandalism."

**Curtis** · 08-17-2006, 08:10 PM

We used a product called Fabric Shield by Wayne Dalton. (www.waynedalton.com/Fabric-Shield.asp) We have been pleased with the product. Jimmy @ 850-785-3636 did all of our measurments, ordered the fabric shields and hardware and I installed. So far we have been happy. They are light weight, Miami Dade rated, and easy to store.

Curtis

**TreeFrog** · 08-17-2006, 08:17 PM

Wood shutters from Good Millwork on 98 with heavy-duty stainless slide bolts to close. They make them from 1" thick Spanish cedar, so they meet Miami-Dade code. Very nice workmanship.

Yeah, I know, it's far from the cheapest solution. But they don't require climbing up to the 2nd and 3rd stories to install, just open the window and swing them shut and latch.

**southof30A** · 08-17-2006, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by southof30A

We used Kurt Schmidt Enterprises out of Panama City and were satisfied with their equipment and installation. Our shutters are the aluminum roll-down style, equipped with electric operators.

Have some schnitzl ready if Kurt himself comes. He's a great guy and a hoot!!!!

**Lisa Ruby** · 08-18-2006, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by Curtis

We used a product called Fabric Shield by Wayne Dalton. (www.waynedalton.com/Fabric-Shield.asp) We have been pleased with the product. Jimmy @ 850-785-3636 did all of our measurments, ordered the fabric shields and hardware and I installed. So far we have been happy. They are light weight, Miami Dade rated, and easy to store.

Curtis

I like this alternative. Do you know how it compares in cost to other types of shutters?

**Curtis** · 08-18-2006, 07:50 AM

I priced out companies for about 2 months. The high bid on my house was about 22,000.00 and that was all manual ,no elecric roll ups. The low bid was about 7000.00 The electric roll ups are nice but were way out of my budget.

Fabric Shield cost,if I can remember correctly, was about 4300.00 for doors and windows. I saved around 15% to 20% by installing myself. With them being rated so well and meeting numerous codes, you will qualify for a break on your insurance. The website will identify all the codes they meet. So far we don't have a single complaint about them.

Hope it helps,

Curtis

**Beach Runner** · 08-18-2006, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by Curtis

I priced out companies for about 2 months. The high bid on my house was about 22,000.00 and that was all manual ,no elecric roll ups. The low bid was about 7000.00 The electric roll ups are nice but were way out of my budget.

Fabric Shield cost,if I can remember correctly, was about 4300.00 for doors and windows. I saved around 15% to 20% by installing myself. With them being rated so well and meeting numerous codes, you will qualify for a break on your insurance. The website will identify all the codes they meet. So far we don't have a single complaint about them.

Hope it helps,

Curtis

It's obvious from the video that they "give" a bit, so there needs to be some amount of space between the fabric and the window. How much space? I assume that whatever hardware they're mounted on just stays on year-round.

**Lisa Ruby** · 08-22-2006, 02:48 PM

BR....you are correct, mounting the fabric shade requires special hardware that you leave in place. I couldn't get excited about filling my wood trim with all of those holes for each grommet to attach the shield.

I'm now looking into 3M's Ultrashield, a heavy duty tint (or clear) product applied inside the window...tested to 129mph, offers some energy savings, theft deterrent, and the best part, less $$!

**Beach Runner** · 08-22-2006, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by nowgirl

BR....you are correct, mounting the fabric shade requires special hardware that you leave in place. I couldn't get excited about filling my wood trim with all of those holes for each grommet to attach the shield.

I'm now looking into 3M's Ultrashield, a heavy duty tint (or clear) product applied inside the window...tested to 129mph, offers some energy savings, theft deterrent, and the best part, less $$!

Will have to get Mr. BR to check that out. Thanks.