A Complete Hurricane Shutter Maintenance Guide People living in storm-prone areas require hurricane

People living in storm-prone areas require hurricane shutters. They are essential to keep the property protected. Otherwise, the windows and other weak points in the property can get damaged due to the strong winds. Not only will it cause water to rush into your home but it also can injure someone sitting close to the window. You can avoid these problems by investing in good-quality hurricane shutters. They will prevent strong winds and debris flying around from breaking through your glass windows.

Many people consider particleboards a great alternative for hurricane shutters. Although they may be effective in stopping strong winds and debris, using them is very inconvenient. Every time you hear about a storm, you will have to rush. Also, you will have to invest a lot of time in the entire process. It will involve nailing them one by one on your windows. You may also require another person's assistance since someone has to hold the particle board while you nail it. Moreover, the particleboard pieces will have to be removed once the storm stops, which will require additional time and effort. Investing in hurricane shutters instead proves to be very convenient.

Hurricane shutters are quite popular in Florida properties. People prefer them over other alternatives because they are durable and sturdy. You will not have to worry about damages. Moreover, they are reasonably priced. You will not have to spend a fortune on them. Their versatility makes them a great choice as well. You can get them in many different colors, styles, and designs.

However, investing in good-quality shutters is not where your responsibility ends to keep your property protected. Like other items, hurricane shutters require maintenance from time to time to operate smoothly. Timely maintenance will ensure that your hurricane shutters stay functional and can be used during a storm. You do not want to find out that your hurricane shutters are not working right after a hurricane warning. Therefore here are a few easy tips you can follow to keep your hurricane shutters maintained:

1. Always clean the hinges

The hinges of the hurricane shutters should always be kept clean so you can operate them smoothly. You do not want to find out that the shutter is stuck right when you need it. They can be kept clean by timely washing. You just have to carefully check the area for an accumulation of dirt or other small particles. If you notice anything, just wash it clean with water. You can also use some kind of small stick to clean the area and remove any small particles. This will ensure your shutters always operate smoothly. Experts suggest cleaning the hinges every 3 to 4 months to prevent the shutter from getting stuck.

2. Lubrication of hinges is required every six months

You should always keep the hinges of your hurricane shutters clean. However, it is not the only factor that will ensure the smooth operation of your hurricane shutter. Experts recommend lubricating the sliding hinges so that they operate smoothly. Apply a clear silicone spray lubricant to clean and lubricate the hinges of your Bahama shutters. It is very effective. You can easily find silicone spray lubricant at any hardware store. Just make sure that you choose something other than an oily lubricant. It can have an adverse effect on the hinges. This is because oily lubricants trap dirt and dust faster than other alternatives. Therefore, you will have to clean the hinges more frequently so that they continue to function smoothly.

Also, make sure that you lubricate the locking system. Just like the hinges, the locking system requires cleaning and lubrication to function smoothly. Doing it only twice a year is sufficient to ensure your hurricane shutters operate perfectly.

3. Use warm water and soap for cleaning

Cleaning hurricane shutters is easy. You do not require any complicated cleaning process. You can clean them the same way you clean the rest of the items in the house, with soap and warm water. Create a mixture of soap and warm water, and pour it on the shutter. Use a brush to carefully scrub and clean the shutter's dirt and wash it with clean water. Ensure you thoroughly clean all the areas, including the hinges, brackets, and other parts. Besides cleaning the shutter, it will elevate its aesthetic beauty as well. Make sure you do not apply any harsh cleaning chemicals, as they can damage your hurricane shutters.

4. Use the hurricane shutters sometimes

You may not require hurricane shutters for months if there are no storms. However, this does not mean that you should not pay attention to your hurricane shutters during this period. Leaving the hurricane shutters idle for too long can impact their smooth functioning, as the hinges can get jammed over time. You will sometimes have to use the hurricane shutter to ensure they operate smoothly. Simply opening and closing them once a month can help to ensure it stays functional. This will also ensure that you do not have to worry about making additional expenses on repairs.

5. Always choose the right hardware

The hardware used in the installation process of your Bahama shutters greatly influences the overall functionality and security. Experts always recommend choosing good quality hardware for the shutters so that they last long and do not get damaged. You must put some thought into choosing the shutter hardware. You need to consider various factors, like the property's location, the shutter's weight, etc. Always look for hurricane-resistant hardware since you need protection from hurricanes. This will ensure that your shutters do not require frequent maintenance.

Maintaining your shutters will only be useful if you invest in good-quality shutters in the first place. To buy good quality hurricane shutters, you can get in touch with us at (239) 895-4383. The FL Bahama Shutters experts will offer swift solutions at very reasonable rates.