Storm shutters are one of the most important investments Florida homeowners can make to protect their property during hurricane season. They help shield windows and doors from flying debris, strong winds, and heavy rain during severe weather.
However, even the best storm shutter system requires routine maintenance. Dirt, salt air, corrosion, and everyday wear can affect how well shutters perform over time.
The good news is that regular inspections and basic maintenance can help keep your shutters operating properly while extending their lifespan.
Whether you have accordion shutters, roll-down shutters, Bahama shutters, Colonial shutters, or motorized hurricane shutters, preventative maintenance can help ensure your system is ready when a storm approaches.
Many homeowners don't realize their shutters need attention until they try to close them before a storm.
Watch for these common warning signs:
Addressing these issues early can often prevent more costly repairs later.
One of the simplest ways to avoid unexpected problems is to operate every shutter before hurricane season begins.
During your inspection, look for:
Testing shutters regularly helps identify issues before they become emergencies.
Florida's climate can be tough on exterior components.
Wind, rain, dirt, and especially salt air can accumulate on shutters throughout the year. Over time, this buildup can contribute to corrosion and operational issues.
We recommend:
Homeowners near the coast should consider cleaning their shutters more frequently because of increased salt exposure.
Moving parts require periodic lubrication to operate smoothly.
Apply a silicone-based lubricant to:
Avoid heavy oils or grease-based products that can attract dirt and debris.
A properly lubricated shutter system is easier to deploy and experiences less wear over time.
Storm shutters depend on secure mounting systems to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Inspect:
Replace any corroded or damaged components immediately.
Even a small amount of movement can reduce the effectiveness of a shutter system during severe weather.
Rust is one of the most common issues affecting storm shutters in Florida.
Exposure to moisture and salt air can gradually break down metal components if left untreated.
To address corrosion:
Regular cleaning is one of the best ways to prevent corrosion from developing.
Storm shutters rely on properly aligned tracks for smooth operation.
Tracks can become damaged due to:
Minor track issues can often be repaired, while severe damage may require replacement.
Strong winds, accidental impacts, or storm debris can damage individual shutter sections.
Damaged panels should be repaired or replaced promptly to maintain the integrity of the system.
Even small cracks can compromise protection during severe weather.
Weather seals help prevent wind-driven rain and debris from entering around the edges of shutters.
If seals become:
They should be replaced as soon as possible.
A properly sealed shutter system offers better protection during storms.
"One of the biggest mistakes we see is homeowners waiting until a hurricane is already in the forecast before testing their shutters.
Unfortunately, that's often when they discover a lock isn't working, a track is damaged, or a motorized system won't operate correctly.
We recommend testing every shutter before hurricane season begins and addressing any issues immediately. It's also important not to overlook routine cleaning. Salt buildup can cause problems that aren't visible right away but may significantly shorten the lifespan of the system.
A little maintenance throughout the year can make a huge difference when a storm is approaching."
— Lafferty Hurricane Protection Installation Team
While homeowners can handle many routine maintenance tasks, some repairs require professional attention.
Professional service can help identify:
An experienced technician can also recommend repairs before they become major problems.
Homeowners throughout Brevard County and Indian River County trust Lafferty Hurricane Protection because we understand the unique demands Florida weather places on storm protection systems.
Our team provides:
We work with a variety of shutter systems and help homeowners keep their hurricane protection operating as intended.
Most homeowners should inspect their shutters at least twice per year and before hurricane season begins.
Common causes include dirt buildup, corrosion, lack of lubrication, damaged tracks, and worn components.
Yes. Minor corrosion can often be cleaned and treated before it causes significant damage.
A silicone-based lubricant is typically recommended because it helps reduce friction without attracting dirt.
With proper maintenance, many hurricane shutter systems can provide reliable protection for decades.
If shutters are difficult to operate, damaged, corroded, or showing signs of mechanical failure, professional service is recommended.
Routine maintenance helps ensure your storm shutters are ready when severe weather strikes.
If your shutters haven't been inspected recently or you're experiencing operational issues, our team can help.
Call (321) 652-1078 or fill out our contact form to schedule a storm shutter inspection, repair, or maintenance service.
Protect your investment and gain peace of mind knowing your storm shutters are ready before the next hurricane season arrives.
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Great company and quality work!
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Great price and the installation technician did an outstanding job.
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"Lafferty did a fantastic job from start to finish on the patio pavers and aluminum screening. They completed the project on time, and perhaps even a little ahead of schedule!"
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