Hurricane Screens: What Are They?

Now that we&#;re fully in the midst of the hurricane season, storm damage protection is a hotter topic than ever. If you&#;re looking to increase your property&#;s storm damage protection, but you&#;re not sure what the best route to go is, you&#;re not alone.

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One common commercial storm damage mitigation barrier you might find mentioned frequently is something called a hurricane screen. But do you really know what hurricane screens are? 

In this article, we&#;ll cover all the need-to-know details about these types of screens, as well as go over some great alternatives that do more than just prevent storm damage.

What Are Hurricane Screens and How Do They Work?

A hurricane screen, also known as hurricane fabric, is a piece of trampoline-like material that you stretch over glass doors and windows to keep debris and rain propelled by strong, hurricane-force winds out of your home.

These large pieces of mesh fabric are much stronger than standard door and window screens. They can also be stretched over other openings, such as carport entrances and porches. 

Hurricane screens vs hurricane shutters

Hurricane screens are a popular alternative to hurricane shutters, but each storm damage mitigation solution has its pros and cons. Let&#;s take a look at how these two common hurricane barriers compare below.

Pros of hurricane fabric

• Can install it with permanent or temporary mounting hardware

• Allows some natural light to filter through

• Doesn&#;t completely block visibility

• Easy to have custom-cut for a good fit

Cons of hurricane fabric

• Can&#;t put it in place at the last minute before a storm

• Debris can bounce off of it into other nearby objects

• Temporary-mount models require storage space

Pros of hurricane shutters

• Many visually attractive models available

• Easy to put into place at the last minute

• Can be electronically operated

• As strong as or stronger than board ups

Cons of hurricane shutters

• Require lots of permanent-mount hardware

• Require regular maintenance to keep them working

• Electronic components can fail or become stuck

• Completely block natural light and views

• Standard sizes may not be perfect fits for windows

Best Alternatives To Hurricane Screens

Now that you know more about hurricane fabric and how it compares to storm shutters, you might be wondering what other alternatives to board ups are out there? 

Below, we&#;ll go over a couple of other commercial storm damage prevention solutions that might be an even better choice for you and your property.

Security screens

Security screens are different from hurricane screens, in that they are not designed for the sole purpose of mitigating storm damage. However, they can add storm protection to your doors and windows, in addition to boosting the overall security of your property.

So, what exactly are security screens? Well, these are a type of window and door screen made from steel mesh. Unlike standard mesh bug screens, security screens provide a high level of impact resistance. 

Security screens are also slashed- and scratch-resistant, providing forced entry protection and creating a barrier that keeps your furry friends inside, while still allowing you to keep doors and windows open for ventilation.

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Keep in mind that security screens are not rated for hurricane protection, but they can be used in tandem with other impact mitigation solutions to achieve a very high level of protection against a full range of threats, both man-made and from mother nature.

Impact windows

When you want an alternative to hurricane shutters that is rated for storm damage protection, impact windows are the best option. The term &#;impact windows&#; can refer to a variety of security glazing products that can be retrofitted over your existing glass doors and windows to protect the glass from flying storm debris and other impacts.

That being said, there is one type of impact glass (spoiler: it&#;s not actually glass) that&#;s far superior to other options available on the market: polycarbonate security glazing. Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that is far more impact-resistant than any type of security glass out there.

For more hurricane window screensinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

The best part about using polycarbonate glazing shields for storm damage prevention is that it looks, feels, and functions just like traditional window glass. So, it doesn&#;t significantly change the appearance of your property, hurt its curb appeal, block out natural light, or inhibit views.

What polycarbonate does is create an invisible protective barrier that is virtually unbreakable, preventing your existing glass from shattering dangerously inwards and keeping your property sheltered from heavy rains and wind-borne storm debris. 

Polycarbonate&#;s extreme impact resistance makes all the difference between weathering a storm with minimal damage and financial loss, and facing potentially devastating damage that requires expensive repairs after a hurricane or windstorm.

Besides being the ultimate commercial storm damage mitigation solution, polycarbonate also provides the highest level of security against forced entry, burglary, smash-and-grab theft, rioting, looting, vandalism, and more. Polycarbonate glazing shields are even available with ballistic resistance ratings for active shooter protection.

Can you use security screens and impact windows together?

Yes, in some cases you may be able to combine security screens and impact windows for maximum security and convenience. 

For example, you could retrofit polycarbonate sheets over a sliding glass door to protect the glass, and install a security screen on the outside. That way, you can leave the door open for ventilation on hot days without leaving your building totally exposed to would-be intruders and other threats.

Conclusion

Hurricane screens and storm shutters are good alternatives to board ups for storm damage prevention, but they do have their downsides. They also don&#;t provide 24/7 protection against other security threats, such as forced entry.

When you want a comprehensive security solution for glass doors and windows, consider a security glazing retrofit and security screens.

Campbell offers fully custom security screens as well as the ArmorPlast® line of polycarbonate glazing shields from Riot Glass®. Contact us today to discuss your options and come up with the best solution for you, your property, and your budget. 

Mother nature can transform your tranquil backyard into turmoil in the blink of an eye. 

So, what&#;s the secret to protecting your property?

Hurricane screens. They offer protection from hurricane-level storms, including vicious wind and rain. There are many different types available that can protect you from not just storms but also bugs, UV rays, and more. 

Keep reading to learn more about this type of screen and how you can benefit from it. 

Understanding Hurricane Screens

Hurricane screens are uniquely designed to withstand intense storms caused by hurricanes. They protect vulnerable entry points from storms, particularly your windows and doors. Damage caused to your window or door during a storm can cause dangerous debris to fly into your home, placing your building at risk. 

Hurricane screens are crafted from hurricane-tested materials. They can be used on residential and commercial properties, patios, or anywhere a building needs protection from a storm. 

In contrast with traditional storm shutters or even plywood, hurricane screens leverage advanced engineering techniques to withstand even more damage. As a result, they can easily stand up to torrential rain, hurricane winds, and even debris. 

Do Hurricane Screens Really Work?

The secret to how hurricane screens work lies in their design and construction. Most are made from durable materials like high-strength fabric, impact-resistant polycarbonate panels, or mesh. They are securely anchored to doors, windows, and outdoor spaces, creating a protective barrier to penetration. 

Depending on the brand, the anchoring process is different. For example, most use either a zipper or a fixed track to stay secure. However, brands like Magna Track use a patented magnetic anchor instead. This unique design prevents hang-ups, jams, or snags. 

However, all hurricane screens have the same goal: to stand up, absorb, or buffer the energy from debris and wind. 

So, yes, they work to keep the force of the storm outside the home and protect the interior of your property. 

The Benefits of Using Hurricane Screens&#;There is More Than Meets The Eye

Aesthetically Pleasing 

Hurricane protection doesn&#;t have to be unattractive. High-end hurricane screens come in a variety of colors and materials and are much different from bulky shutters. You can order ones that match your home or building&#;s design or have professionals recommend them. Since they&#;ll be attached to your building all year round, you should like how they look. 

Ventilation Friendly

Florida gets hot. To enjoy those lovely summer days, you&#;ll want outdoor screens that offer proper ventilation. Hurricane screens do! Made of mesh materials, don&#;t sweat using hurricane screens.

Effortless Deployment  

Most hurricane screens are easy to deploy. Either rolling out manually or using motorized retractable tracks, you can choose which option you prefer for deploying your screens. You can also leave them down all year round if you prefer. 

Shade & UV Blocking 

Hurricane screens don&#;t just protect you from destructive storms. They also provide continuous shade and UV protection&#;which is particularly important in Florida. Filter out harmful UV rays without blocking ventilation with the help of hurricane screens. 

Enhanced Privacy 

While they don&#;t completely block out any outside view, these screens provide enhanced privacy. Again, you can choose the right material for your home to determine the amount of protection offered. 

Bug Protection 

Some screens even offer protection from Florida&#;s infamous insects. From mosquitoes to flies and beyond, you can keep out pesky bugs without reducing ventilation when you choose bug-resistant screens. 

Energy Efficiency 

Adding a layer of material between the outdoors and your home can increase energy efficiency. This leads to significant cost savings on both your heating and cooling bills. 

What To Keep In Mind If You&#;re Thinking About Hurricane Screens

Yes, hurricane screens can be excellent tools for protecting your home. Still, you should consider a few things before investing in them. 

Quality and Certifications: 

The type of screen you buy matters. Ensure the brand is hurricane tested and certified and comes with a guarantee and warranty. 

Local Regulations: 

Does your HOA allow hurricane screens? If you&#;re not sure, check with your HOA board. Get answers before you order new screens.

Installation Expertise: 

Check with the company you&#;re buying from to ensure they are experts at installing hurricane screens. Without proper installation, your screens won&#;t function as intended. Choose experienced installers for the best results. 

Cost vs. Value 

Think about the cost of the screens versus their long-term value. The long-term value could include protection from damage caused by hurricanes and storms. While they can be expensive, most homeowners find the benefits far outweigh any upfront costs. 

Wrapping Things Up Making an Informed Decision

Investing in protection and safety for your home is essential in a world where weather patterns are unpredictable. Hurricane screens, with their advanced design and proven effectiveness, provide a compelling way to fortify your property against the forces of nature. 

If you&#;re trying to decide whether or not this type of screen is right for your home, feel free to reach out to us. 

We offer a variety of the industry&#;s best hurricane screen brands. We are happy to consult with you about your options. Call us to learn more, or browse our brands here. 

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