Hurricane shutters are the most important protection for your home.Our guide helps you compare the pros and cons of various hurricaneshutter types. Hurricane shutters remain the most economical solution for mosthomeowners to protect window openings in a storm, althoughhurricane-proof glass is increasingly popular. Prepare ahead oftime, say experts, particularly with panels and plywood protection.Make sure the right tools and hardward are on hand before the stormnears. Here's the lowdown on hurricane shutters and windowprotection.These steel or aluminum shutters attach to the wallsaround windows and doors on bolts or tracks. Storm panels arecorrugated, and each piece overlaps the next for maximum strength.There are several styles of storm panels to choose from.The first style incorporates both tracks and bolts. Thetop of the panel is slipped into a track above the window, and thebottom of the panel is secured to bolts that are permanentlyattached beneath the window.The second style uses a set of C-shaped tracks above andbelow the windows and doors.
Bolts slide into the tracks fromeither side and must be manually aligned with the holes on thepanels.The third style uses only bolts permanently set into thewall beside the windows and doors. They can be loosened as thepanel is hung horizontally, and screwed down to secureit.The biggest problem with storm panels is that homeownersoften don't check them when they buy a home. Many discover laterthat panels are missing or were cut improperly, or are too heavy toinstall themselves. PROS -- Most inexpensive of the permanent shuttersystems. -- Removable, so they don't change the look of the housewhen not in use. -- Strong, and can provide excellent protection forboth doors and windows.CONS -- Require storage, but usually stack togethertightly and take up little space. -- Can be difficult to handle; hanging can requiremore than one person. -- Sometimes don't line up properly. -- Have sharp edges.Average cost: $7-$8 per square foot; Average storm preparation time: 15 minutes perwindow depending on the style.
These one- or two-piece hurricane shutters are housedbeside the windows or doors when not in use. They unfoldaccordion-style to cover and protect during a storm. PROS -- Permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require anyextra storage space. -- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person. -- Some models can be locked with a key and may be used as a theftdeterrent. CONS -- Can look bulky and out-of-place on some houses. Consider theaesthetics before having them installed. -- Glide on wheels, and have the potential to break more easilythan some of the other systems. Average cost: $16-$20 per square foot Average storm preparation time: 15-30 minutes foran entire houseThese are two-piece louvered shutters that attach to thewall beside each window. The fold together to protect thewindow. PROS -- Are permanently affixed beside the windows and don't requireany extra storage space. they can beautify as well as protect yourhome. CONS -- Some types of colonials require a storm bar or center rod tolock the shutters in place.
This can increase installationtime. -- Can't be used to protect doors, and must be combined withanother shutter system to ensure complete home protection. Average cost: $18-$30 per square foot Average storm preparation time: At least 45minutes to an hour for an entire house.These one-piece louvered shutters attach directly abovethe windows and prop open to provide shade for the window. Bahamashutters are storm-ready when lowered and secured to the wall. -- Provide permanent shade and privacy, even in the openposition. CONS -- Have traditionally been weaker than other systems, but thenewest models protect well. -- Some people complain that they block too much light. -- Design limits their use. They can't be used to protectdoors. Average cost: $18-$30 per square foot Average storm preparation time: 15-30 minutes foran entire house.These shutters attach above the window. They roll up andstore in an enclosed box when not in use. They are lowered eithermanually by a hand crank or automatically by push button, and lockin place for storm protection.
PROS -- Are permanently affixed above the windows and don't require anyextra storage space. -- Offer some of the best protection, and make an excellent theftdeterrent. CONS -- Most expensive of the popular shutter systems. -- Push-button-operated roll-down shutters require a batterybackup system so the shutters can be lowered and raised duringpower outages. Average cost: $30-$55 per square foot Average storm preparation time: Minimum; probablythe easiest shutter to operate.This glass can withstand hurricane debris and eliminatethe need for hurricane shutters. It costs more, especially toretrofit an older house. Modern code requirements, which alreadyrequire hurricane shutters or other protections on new houses, makethe glass a more practical option at the time of construction. PROS -- Eliminates the need for hurricane shutters. -- The most practical hurricane glass is similar to a carwindshield, with a durable plastic-like layer sandwiched betweenglass. The outside layers break, but the center prevents ahole.
The reason you're having a hard time getting clear information is because there are hundreds of companies saying their window is the best. There are probably millions of different features you can choose to have for your windows and in price ranges from $169-$1200 (per double-hung window). I've been in the business for 15 years and have seen many different window products from many different dealers and manufacturers. This all comes down to: "what's important for you and your home?" If you want a strong warranty from a company who has a full-time service department to give you piece of mind and service your windows should needs be, or are you looking at only those companies who offer true wood interior windows that you can paint or stain to match the home decor? Whatever is your hot-button, then that's where you want to start. I would recommend you first choose how you want your new windows to look. Wood-interior with vinyl clad is only offered by certain companies, while there is a vinyl woodgrain finish to give you similar results without the maintenance.
If you're only looking for a white interior and don't want the maintenance, a fiberglass or vinyl window would be the best choice from what is offered in the market today (vinyl will be less expensive - not necessarily cheaper quality). If you are going to change out a window to a french door and a door to a window, then you WILL NEED to find a contractor with some carpentry experience. Some companies will tell you upfront that they do not handle those sorts of remodeling projects due to the complexity and time it would take to get it complete. Unfortunately, we won't be able to personally help you with your project as we work in the New England Area. and I'll be happy to let you know our prices for what we offer so you can compare and hopefully find a similar company to do the work for you near the Austin area. Water coming in around windows & from above? What roofing or other issue is this? Get your roofer back out there. Course of shingles above the window need to be pulled, self sealing flashing, drip caps, and counter and step flashing are going to be required here.
This is a flashing issue as the window connects to the mansard roof surface. Condensation and a leak are two different and very noticeably different (i.e. volume) things. Flashing and roofing on Mansards can be tricky but is sounds very much like a roofing issue.How much does it cost to replace an average bedroom window For a broken window (or leaking seal in multi-pane unit), for a standard roughly 2x3 foot window, can run from low of about $75-125 for single pane to more like $200-300 range for triple pane, depending on construction and any special ultraviolet or heat reflective coatings. If a removeable window unit, of course cheaper to remove it and take to replacement glass place then have them come out, measure glass size, order glass unit, then come back to install. If taking in yourself, commonly they can do single-pane in an hour or two, but count on a week or so typically for sealed double or triple pane unit to come in, so you will have to seal the opening in the interim.