Many products have been developed to meet the need of homeowners to protect their doors and windows from hurricane damage. These products vary in appearance, functionality, operation, price and ease of use. The table below summarizes the principal certified hurricane protection solutions currently available. Plywood is also included in the table since it is widely used for this purpose.
Comparison of Hurricane Protection Solutions
(approximate prices as of June 2007)
 |
| 1 Small Window (3' x 4') |
18 lbs. |
$13 |
$1.10 |
| 1 Med. Window (4' x 6')(8 sq.ft. throwaway from a 4 'x 8' panel) |
36 lbs. |
$26 |
$1.47* |
1 Lg. Window (6' x 6')-- requires 2 panels (use a
4' x 6' and a 2' x 6') |
54 lbs. |
$40 |
$1.47* |
| 1 Door (3' x 6'6") |
29 lbs. |
$22 |
$1.47* | |
 |
| 1 Small Window (3' x 4') |
< 1 lb. |
$ 102 |
$8.50 |
| 1 Medium Window (4' x 6') |
1¾ lbs. |
$204 |
$8.50 |
| 1 Large Window (6' x 6') |
2⅝ lbs. |
$306 |
$8.50 |
| 1 Door (3' x 6'6") |
1½ lbs. |
$166 |
$8.50 | |
 |
| 1 Small Window (3' x 4') |
check |
$143 |
$12-22 |
| 1 Medium Window (4' x 6') |
|
$286 |
|
| 1 Large Window (6' x 6') |
|
$440 |
|
| 1 Door (3' x 6'6") |
|
$231 |
| |
 |
| 1 Small Window (3' x 4') |
N/A |
$208 |
$17-27 |
| 1 Medium Window (4' x 6') |
|
$416 |
|
| 1 Large Window (6' x 6') |
|
$640 |
|
| 1 Door (3' x 6'6") |
|
$336 |
| |
 |
| 1 Small Window (3' x 4') |
N/A |
$585 |
$49-59 |
| 1 Medium Window (4' x 6') |
|
$1,170 |
|
| 1 Large Window (6' x 6') |
|
$1,800 |
|
| 1 Door (3' x 6'6") |
|
$945 |
| |
 |
| 1 Small Window (3' x 4') |
N/A |
$520 |
$44-54 |
| 1 Medium Window (4' x 6') |
|
$1,040 |
|
| 1 Large Window (6' x 6') |
|
$1,600 |
|
| 1 Door (3' x 6'6") |
|
$840 |
| |
 |
| 1 Small Window (3' x 4') |
N/A |
$780 |
$65-75 |
| 1 Medium Window (4' x 6') |
|
$1,560 |
|
| 1 Large Window (6' x 6') |
|
$2,400 |
|
| 1 Door (3' x 6'6") |
|
$1,260 |
|
|
*including throwaway
Note: even though panels can be abutted they must run the full length of the opening
Price Comparison
To compare the cost to protect your home using different types of hurricane protection products, we recommend that you visit the website of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (www.flash.org) a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety and property loss mitigation. Their Interactive Shutter Tool at www.blueprintforsafety.org/tools/shuttertoolhome.aspx will calculate costs based on either the livable square footage of your home (Easy tool) or on more detailed information about your doors and windows (Comprehensive tool).
As a new, state-of-the-art, revolutionary solution to hurricane protection, Diamond Hurricane Screens are not yet included in the tool. Still, this independent site validates the competitive price advantage of Barrier Island Shutters' hurricane screens for total protection of your property.
Remember: The hidden cost of labor to put up and take down hurricane panels could be your greatest cost in the long run. Lifting heavy, rigid hurricane panels usually requires the help of another person in addition to the homeowner, especially when a ladder is required.
Weight Comparison
Plywood panels vary extensively in weight and price based on grade, interior vs. exterior, wood type and manufacturer. A 4'x8' sheet (32 sq ft) could vary as much as $11 and 25 lbs. for an interior ½" poor grade, to $150 and 50 lbs. for a top of the line marine grade sheet.
Most jurisdictions recommend 3/4" pressure treated or marine grade plywood for strength, warp resistance and reusability. The median price/weight is approximately $35 and 49 lbs. ($1.10 sq/ft at 1.5 lbs). We chose to use the median in our comparison chart.
The weight of plywood and metal panel shutters makes it considerably harder for an individual to put up and take down these shutters, and can pose a safety risk to the do-it-yourselfer, especially when a ladder is required
Other Advantages of Diamond Hurricane Screens
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