Shutters could go a long way in protecting one of your biggest investments from the elements.
Sean caught up with East Coast Shutters and Awnings to find out some of the other added benefits.
The safest place to be when a storm comes up the east coast is indoors, but putting shutters on your windows makes your home even safer.
“Most windows and doors will leak at around a 30 mph wind driven rain, they are only rated to withstand that much water resistant. So by putting a shutter on the outside – an exterior layer of protection – you’ve created a barrier,” George Pfaller says.
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George Pfaller is the General Manager of East Coast Shutters and some of the shutters he sells are tested to withstand winds of 140 mph, which is a huge improvement over the plywood some people rely on to protect their home.
“Once plywood gets wet, it’s a throwaway item. There are inexpensive, removable panel systems that you can talk about that people have done if you really want to go economical,” George says.
Some systems are more advanced and can be raised and lowered by a remote control. Shutters can also be installed on doors to help keep the elements and unwanted visitors out.
Not sure where to start? George says you don’t need to get shutters on all the openings of your home at once.
“Do things in stages. Most people do north and east for obvious reasons. And then they work their way around the house from there,” George says. “The lower you are to the elevation, the more chances flying debris is going to impact your windows and doors.”
Besides protection from the burglary, and the elements, shutters also can help with heating and cooling cost.
“Your windows are your second biggest, worst enemy in the house, as in reduction in energy. By creating a pocket of air between your window and your window attachment, that helps losing hot air out of the house by blocking the light 100% before it transmits into the home, you reduce solar heat gain inside the home,” George says.
When the shutters are down, you can rest easy knowing one of your biggest investments is safe.
“A lot of people here are absentee owners. Their place at the beach is an investment. It’s like having a valuable collectible item you’re going to pass along to generation to generation,” George says.
East Coast Shutters and Awnings:
Address: 117 Dixon St, Selbyville, Delaware 19975
Phone: 302-436-9796
Email: sales@ecshutters.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 am – 4:30 pm
