Each hurricane season your impact shutters go through a lot. They help protect your home against wind, rain, and flying debris. You should inspect your hurricane shutters after each storm, but most homeowners simply take their shutters down. Unfortunately, this can lead to unforeseen damage. At Armored Dade Windows & Shutters we want to make sure your home is protected. So here are some tips to help keep your impact shutters in Venice, FL in top shape:
Store Impact Shutters Properly
Removable impact shutters, like hurricane fabric and storm panels, require storage in a garage, attic, or storage unit on site. You want to be sure you remove the shutters properly so they do not get damaged. You also want to fold or stack them neatly so they don’t take up as much space and are easy to grab. Permanent impact shutters attach to the outside of your home and come with permanent storage. You still want to make sure these shutters stack or roll properly every time you store them.
Keep Hurricane Protection Clean
Every couple of weeks you should clean your impact shutters to remove salt, dirt, debris, and insect nests. There is no need for harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or power washers. These can damage the material, causing premature wear and tear. For most impact shutters all you need is a mild detergent and warm water to keep them clean. And for accordion shutters and roll down shutters, you also want to clean and maintain the tracks. If debris accumulates it can jam the shutters so they do not deploy properly. If you have questions about how to take care of your hurricane protection products you can check the user guide or manufacturers website.
Inspect Impact Shutters
After each storm, you should give your impact shutters a quick inspection to make sure there are not any rips, tears, or broken panels. And once a year you should perform a more thorough inspection to make sure the pieces and parts are still in good condition. It is something you can do on your own with a little time and insight. You want to check to make sure the crank or motor are working properly. You should also check the rails, fabric, or panels for rips, cracks, or dents. Lastly, check for missing parts or broken slats. If you aren’t sure what to look for you can call a professional to come and inspect your storm protection.
Make Repairs
Do not try to store your broken shutters, or you might cause more damage. If during your inspection you notice some glaring problems you should call for repairs right away. Do not try to fix impact shutters on your own. You need a professional to assess the damage and take measures to properly repair the shutters and ensure your safety.
Looking for professional help repairing your impact shutters in Venice, FL? Contact Armored Dade Windows & Shutters today. You can call (941) 798-9010 to schedule a service or visit 8112 Cortez Rd. West, Bradenton, FL. 34210 with any questions you might have.
