Residential Storm Protection

Protecting your home's vulnerable openings is an important part of preparing for hurricane season. Windows, doors, sliding glass doors, lanais, patios, and other large openings can all be exposed to wind and windborne debris during severe weather.

At Lafferty Hurricane Protection, we install custom residential storm protection systems throughout Brevard and Indian River Counties, including accordion shutters, Bahama shutters, Colonial shutters, motorized roll-down shutters, and impact storm screens.

Every home is different, which is why we help homeowners compare protection options based on the size and location of their openings, ease of deployment, appearance, budget, and how they want to prepare their property before a storm.

Why Residential Storm Protection Matters

Windows and doors are vulnerable areas of a home during hurricanes and severe storms. Impact from windborne debris can break unprotected openings and allow wind and rain into the structure.

Properly selected and installed hurricane protection helps protect these openings and gives homeowners a system they can deploy before severe weather arrives. For Florida homeowners, the right solution depends on more than hurricane protection alone. Ease of use matters too.

A system that can be quickly and safely deployed may be particularly valuable for large openings, second-story areas, or homeowners who don't want to install removable panels every time a storm approaches.

Residential Storm Protection Options

Accordion Shutters

Accordion shutters are permanently attached beside the opening and slide closed when needed. They're a practical choice for windows, sliding glass doors, and other residential openings because they can be deployed without storing or installing separate panels.

For many homeowners, accordion shutters offer a strong balance of convenience, hurricane protection, and cost.

Bahama Shutters

Bahama shutters combine hurricane protection with a distinctive coastal appearance. They are mounted above the window and can also provide shade during everyday use.

They're often selected by homeowners who want storm protection to complement the architectural style of the home rather than remain purely functional.

Colonial Shutters

Colonial shutters are mounted on each side of a window and close toward the center when storm protection is needed.

Their traditional appearance makes them particularly popular on front elevations and homes where aesthetics are an important consideration.

Motorized Roll Down Shutters

Motorized roll-down shutters provide convenient protection at the push of a button. When needed, the shutter lowers over the opening and retracts when no longer in use. They're particularly useful for large openings, sliding glass doors, patios, and areas where fast deployment is a priority.

Impact Storm Screens

Impact storm screens provide another option for protecting larger residential openings and outdoor living areas. They are commonly considered for lanais, patios, garages, and other wide openings where homeowners want storm protection without permanently closing off the view or outdoor space during everyday use.

Which Hurricane Protection System Is Best for Your Home?

There isn't one storm protection product that's best for every house.
We recommend comparing systems based on:
Type and size of the opening
Number of openings requiring protection
How quickly you want to prepare before a storm
Manual versus motorized operation
First- or second-story location
Appearance
Outdoor living space
Storage requirements
Budget

The goal is to select a system that provides appropriate protection and that you can realistically deploy when a storm threatens.

Comparing Residential Storm Protection Options

Accordion Shutters vs Roll Downs

Accordion shutters are a practical, permanently attached option that can be manually closed when needed. Motorized roll downs generally offer faster, easier deployment and can be especially convenient for large openings, but typically represent a higher level of investment.

Bahama vs Colonial Shutters

Both combine storm protection with architectural design. Bahama shutters extend outward above the window and can provide everyday shade, while Colonial shutters sit on either side of the opening and create a more traditional appearance.

Impact Screens vs Traditional Shutters

Storm screens can be particularly useful for patios, lanais, garages, and wide openings. Traditional shutters are commonly selected for individual windows, doors, and sliding glass doors.

The right combination can also vary throughout the same home. You don't necessarily have to use the same type of storm protection on every opening.

Our Recommendation as a Florida Hurricane Protection Contractor

One of the most important considerations we discuss with homeowners is how they plan to prepare their home when a storm approaches. Accordion shutters are popular because they remain attached to the home and can be closed relatively quickly. For larger lanais, outdoor living areas, or openings where convenience is especially important, a roll-down system or impact storm screen may make more sense.

We also recommend planning hurricane protection before a storm is approaching Florida. Custom measurements, product manufacturing, permitting, and installation all require time, and demand can increase significantly during hurricane season. Our job is to help you compare those tradeoffs rather than simply recommend the same product for every home.

Built for Florida Homes

Storm protection installed in Florida needs to account for more than severe weather. Exterior systems are regularly exposed to:
Intense UV exposure
Heavy rain
High humidity
Coastal conditions
Salt air
Repeated outdoor exposure

That's why product selection, proper installation, hardware, and ongoing maintenance all matter when considering the long-term performance of a hurricane protection system.

Florida Building Code & Permitting

Hurricane protection systems must be selected and installed according to applicable product approvals, building requirements, and installation specifications.

Depending on the project and jurisdiction, permitting may also be required. At Lafferty Hurricane Protection, our team handles the applicable permitting process for our installations and installs each system according to the requirements associated with the specific product and project.

Maintaining Your Hurricane Protection

Storm protection shouldn't be ignored until a hurricane is in the forecast.

Before hurricane season, homeowners should inspect and operate their systems to identify potential problems early. Depending on the product, routine maintenance may include cleaning tracks and components, removing salt and debris buildup, checking hardware, and following manufacturer recommendations for moving parts.

The key is to test your protection before you need it. If a shutter doesn't close correctly or another issue appears, you'll have more time to address it before severe weather threatens the area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Storm Protection

What is the best hurricane protection for a Florida home?

There isn't one system that's best for every home. Accordion shutters are a popular practical option, while roll-down shutters can offer greater convenience. Bahama and Colonial shutters combine protection with architectural appeal, and impact storm screens can be well suited for larger outdoor openings.The best choice depends on your openings, budget, desired appearance, and how quickly you want to prepare before a storm.

What is the easiest hurricane protection to deploy?

Motorized roll-down systems can be among the easiest options to operate because they are designed for convenient deployment. Accordion shutters are also popular because they remain attached to the home and don't require homeowners to store and install individual panels.

Can I use different types of hurricane protection on the same house?

Yes. In many cases, combining systems makes sense. For example, a homeowner might choose accordion shutters for standard windows and doors while using a motorized roll down or impact storm screen for a large lanai or patio opening.

When should I install hurricane protection?

Ideally, well before a hurricane is approaching. Storm protection systems can require measurements, ordering or manufacturing, permitting, and installation. Starting early gives you more time to compare products and complete the project without the increased demand that can occur when hurricane activity rises.

Do hurricane shutters require maintenance?

Yes. Maintenance requirements vary by system, but homeowners should periodically inspect and operate their hurricane protection and keep tracks, hardware, and other components clean.

Why Choose Lafferty Hurricane Protection?

Lafferty Hurricane Protection serves homeowners throughout Brevard and Indian River Counties with storm protection solutions designed for Florida homes. Our team has experience protecting everything from individual windows and doors to sliding glass doors, patios, lanais, garages, and other large residential openings.

We provide:
Custom-measured storm protection
Multiple hurricane protection options
Local experience with Florida homes
In-house installation
Permitting assistance when required
Product and workmanship warranty coverage
Guidance on choosing and operating your system

Most importantly, we help homeowners choose protection based on the actual layout and needs of their property, rather than treating every home the same.

Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm

Hurricane protection is easier to plan when there isn't already a storm approaching Florida. Lafferty Hurricane Protection installs custom accordion shutters, Bahama shutters, Colonial shutters, motorized roll-down shutters, and impact storm screens for homeowners throughout Brevard and Indian River Counties.

Call 321-652-1078 today to schedule your residential storm protection estimate and compare the options available for your home.