Buying Hurricane Shutters, Read This First

Do you want to make your home safer from natural disasters? Having hurricane shutters installed may be one of the best ways to go about doing it. But it's important to know which shutters you need and more importantly who should install them, according to Stan Udele, owner of Pasco Window and Door.

Generally constructed of steel or aluminum, hurricane shutters are used to cover windows and other openings protecting a home from heavy winds and flying debris. The shutters are attached in a variety of ways including a track system, screws or clips. Some are removable, others remain up.

The state and county dictate the strength of hurricane shutters required based on where residents live.

Udele, who has been in the business more than 30 years, is a licensed contractor specializing in a wide variety of services including all styles of hurricane shutters.

Udele, whose business is located at 5838 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey, shared some of his knowledge with Patch about what every person should know before purchasing hurricane shutters.

Make sure you can physically handle your shutters. "You have to be able to physically handle a storm panel," Udele said adding that storm panels have to be put up and taken down by the homeowner. "The accordions and roll downs are more expensive but less labor intensive."

Only licensed contractors should install your shutters. "You have to pull a permit on everything we do," Udele said adding that customers should check with the Better Business Bureau and search any complaints filed against the contractor by searching their license number before hiring anyone to install shutters. "It's about your protecting yourself," Udele said.

While some insurance companies promise a discount to homeowners for having hurricane shutters installed, be sure to read the fine print. In many cases other requirements must be in place before someone can qualify for an insurance discount, including a newer roof or other structural improvements, Udele said. So before installing hurricane shutters for an insurance discount, be sure to check what other requirements you must have.

Looking for hurricane shutters in New Port Richey? Contact these companies:

- Pasco Windows and Doors, 5838 Trouble Creek Rd New Port Richey, FL 34652;727-847-225; www.​pascowindow.​com

- DeCillis Construction, Inc., 6040 Saragossa Ave New Port Richey, FL 34653; 727-848-8018; www.​decillis-construction.​com

- Moser Home Solutions, 8233 Royal Hart Dr, New Port Richey, FL 34653; 727-569-7072; http://mosershomesolutions.com