Chase Roofing & Contracting

Why should I have hurricane shutters?

Security and peace of mind is well worth the price. Preventing loss from storms plus the added security from burglars, vandalism, and looting after the tragedy of a hurricane is a good reason. Insurance companies are moving toward requiring storm shutters before insuring properties in hurricane prone areas. In South Florida ’s coastal areas such as Fort Lauderdale , Deerfield Beach , Hollywood Beach , etc. it’s not a matter if a hurricane will hit, but when.

How much protection do Storm Shutters provide?

As of March 2002, standard building code requires a product to withstand 140 m.p.h. winds. The newer standard called ASCE-7-88, increases the wind-load standard and adds a positive and negative pressure loads test. It also adds a positive and negative cycling test plus an impact test. These new standards are much more stringent and expensive to satisfy but provide a real degree of protection. The only Florida counties that have formally adopted many of the new standards are Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach , and Monroe counties. Many counties around the country are beginning to look into adopting the new higher standards.

How fast is a Category Five Hurricane?

The National Weather Service describes a Category Five Hurricane as any hurricane meeting or exceeding 156 miles per hour and describes the damage as “ Catastrophic damage. Concrete power poles damaged. Total failure of non-concrete reinforced roofs. Extensive or total destruction to non-concrete residences and industrial buildings. Some structural damage to concrete structures, especially from large debris, such as cars, large appliances, etc. Extensive glass failure due to impact of flying debris and explosive pressure forces during extreme gusts. Many well-constructed storm shutters ripped from structures. Some fuel storage tanks rupture. Nearly all construction cranes blown down. Air full of very large and heavy projectiles and debris. Shrubs and trees up to 100% defoliated; numerous large trees blown down. Up to 100% of palm fronds bent, twisted, or blown off; numerous crowns blown from palm trees; flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required.”

Useful Links 

Hurricane Preparedness.

http://www.floridadisaster.org/

This government website answers hurricane shutter related questions.

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/shutters/index1.html

National Hurricane Center - Tropical prediction center.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administrations: Satellite browse server provides updated satellite photos and many weather links.

http://www.noaa.gov

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

http://www.fema.gov/

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation: Serves the needs of homeowners in high risk areas and others who cannot find coverage in the open private insurance market.

http://www.citizensfla.com/

American Red Cross.

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/hurricane.html