Recovering From Sandy

WELCOME BACK!

After about a month of difficult times, we are happy to report that we are getting back on our feet and a return to some normalicy.

Unfortunately, we cannot say the same for some of our neighbors.

As our previous post mentioned, I too, (Bruce), the owner of Shutter Shack, ShutterShack.com have also been a victim of Sandy.

I posted a pic of my home post Sandy with a picture of the huge tree that fell on my home on our previous Blog. I am happy that the tree(s)finally have been removed. Here are some picture(s) of the ordeal of removing the mess!

As you see this is only the beginning for my own personal recovery. I still have so much work to do to bring back my home to the way it was before the storm.  I do however consider myself lucky! Firstly because had the tree fallen in a different direction, the house may have become uninhabitibable, or even worse it could have fallen on the opposite side of my home where myself and daughter, Alyson were staying.

After the tree fell, we went into the basement. So all considered, I feel very lucky, as if the tree fell where we were staying, we could of been in a lot worse shape.

As you can see by photo below, Aly is very happy we survived the storm. We have lots of damage, but we are very happy because it could of been a lot worse! (for us anyway)

 I, as well as the entire Shutter Shack staff are here for our customers to be more pro-active if god forbid, we have to deal with this type of storm again. Also, our hearts go out to all our neighbors who did not have the luck we did.

If there is any way Shutter Shack can be of assistance to anyone who needs advise or help, or would like to share their "Sandy" experiance, we are here for you and welcome your comments. As bad as the storm was, we at "The Shack" all have more experiance now, and it can only benefit us with the fact that we have "been there"! 

One thing I personally learned is that you receive a discount on your homeowners insurance for installing storm protection products.

We now understand what Florida, New Orleans, The Carolina's, and residents of the Southern states have to endure on a ongoing basis.

We have been selling Storm Protection Products for some time now, but we now have a newfound appreciation, as well as experiance on how inportant it is to be proactive and prepared.

We are going to be enhancing our Storm Protection section with more products from "Solar" Generators, to "Hurricane survival kits", so please check our website on a ongoing basis to see our revisions and check out what new storm protection products we will be offering!

Remember Northeasterners, we now are heading into winter season, and we all know that some "Nor-easter Storms" we have can be pretty bad. Now is not the time to let our guard down.

Once again, please if anyone can offer any advise or share their experiance, we are happy to benefit from your experiance as well. 

Finally, and most importantly we wish all our friends and customers; past, present, and future, have a happy, healthy, and SAFE Holiday season.

By the way, during the storm we found lots of Shutter Shack Ad's from as far back as 1970 which we will be posting. Thanks for reading our Blog!
Remeber to "Like us" on facebook for a special coupon code that will give you a discount for any of our products.

Bruce

ShutterShack.com
"You conceive it, we achieve it!"

We Told You !!!

Hurricane Sandy Strikes Shutter Shack and Long Island!!

As we long have been advising our customers and neighbors, the "Big One", Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast with devistating results.

I, as the owner of Shutter Shack have always been an adovcate for more Storm protection for Long Island.... So much so, that I even created our Storm Protection Products section as a major product line for Shutter Shack.com.  I today am also a victim now as this is my house on Long Island Post Sandy!

 

"My House "

 The Picture to the right is my  home and when the tree fell, It sounded like the house blew up. We were very lucky to be on the other side of the house!!
 I can see now how important being pro-strom active is!
We also had four other trees fall on our property.

This storm they say was a once in a life-time storm, but as our blog has mentioned these storms seem to be getting worse. As mentioned the Long Island NYC area is in the worst possible place for these storms.

We hope all our neighbors from Long Island are doing OK. If there is any way Shutter Shack can be of assistance feel free to call or email us. We are here to help. Remember, they are saying this was the big one, but we are very vulnerable to these storms and there will be more. It's not if, it's when.
We would love to hear from our previous customers whom we have done Hurricane Protection for to hear how well things stood up. I am confident these customers were a bit more confident with the many storm products we have provided for them.
ShutterShack.com

We also were effected by the storm. Our Computers are down and have no power. (just like 90% of Long Island). We ask for your understanding in this difficult time, and if you have any orders currently outstanding with us, we will be and up and running ASAP!     Even better now because now we've been there!!

 

We were voted one of the 10 best "Storm Protection Companies", by the Long Island Press. We now know what it takes to be # 1.

Additionally

..to any of our current customers;

Please use our Contact Form to inquire about any "in house" orders, we will do our best to contact you ASAP.

Thanks for all the best wishes! We'll get back on our feet before you know it.

Bruce

Shutter Shack

ShutterShack.com

Hurricane Protection Products...FAQ

Welcome to Shutter Shack's Hurricane Product Question and Answer Blog

Q: Should I tape my windows when a hurricane threatens?
A: NO! It is a waste of effort, time, and tape. It offers little strength to the glass and NO protection against flying debris. After the storm passes you will spend many a hot summer afternoon trying to scrape the old, baked-on tape off your windows (assuming they weren't shattered). Once a Hurricane Warning has been issued you would be better off spending your time putting up shutters over doors and windows.

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Q: Should I put shutters over my doors ???
A: Obviously sliding glass doors, french doors or any door with considerable glass in it should be protected. Some double doors or garage doors should either be shuttered or reinforced. In Hurricane Andrew many of these type doors gave way.

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Q: Why should I get hurricane shutters ?
A: People who live in coastal counties from Texas to Maine, and those in other hurricane prone areas, such as most of the Florida peninsula, will find shutters an excellent investment for protecting their lives and property. They protect against wind and wind-borne debris. These shutters protect not only the windows or doors they cover, but also possessions and people inside the building. Once a window or door has been breeched by hurricane winds tremendous pressure is brought to bear on interior walls and upward pressure on the building's roof. This can lead to roof failure which exposes the entire contents of the building to the storm. Shutters are a first line of defense against the hurricane. Much of the damage and building failure in Hurricane Andrew could have been prevented by well installed hurricane shutters over windows and doors.

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Q: Why should I bother with shutters if I live in an evacuation zone?
A: Shutters will protect your house and possessions from wind damage whether you are there or not. If the storm surge should reach your home then the shutters won't protect against the flood of water. But not every place in the evacuation zone will flood. You should take every reasonable precaution to protect your property.

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Q: What kinds of shutters are available ?
A: Click Here for a listing.

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Q: What are the best kind of shutters ?
A: The best kind are those that are affordable, are easy to install, and offer the greatest protection. Which of these properties is most important to you depends on individual circumstances. For a disabled or elderly person it may be ease of installation with either an automatic closing mechanism or accordion type shutters. For those with limited incomes plywood shutters may be the only affordable option. For most people the best compromise would be steel panels, which offer good protection, but are expensive and take effort to install. Aluminum panels are lighter and easier to install, but offer less protection and may not meet the building codes for your area.
Which ever type you decide on it is important to remember that shutters are only as good as the quality of their installation. Ensure that the shutters or their anchors are installed by qualified workmen and that quality materials that meet the building codes for your area are used.

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Q: What about the plastic film and shatter resistant windows I've heard about ?
A: Although these are remarkable products that are being improved every year, they are no substitute for shutters. If you have windows that for some reason, such as access, can't be shuttered then you may wish to consider using the film or installing the shatter resistant glass.
Remember that the film only protects the glass. The frame is still under pressure and the whole window could fail. Windows with these treatments will still suffer damage from the impact of debris and may have to be replaced after a storm, whereas a shutter would take most or all of the energy of such an impact. Films and special glasses also might not meet the building codes for your area.

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Q: How do I choose an installation company I can trust ?
A: The same way you go about choosing any company that performs a service. Make sure they are licensed, get references, and then check the references. Ask your neighbors and friends about who installed their shutters and if they had any complaints or recommendations. Check out a company with the Better Buisness Bureau, your local licensing authority, or contractor accociation.

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Q: When is the best time to get my shutters installed ?
A: The best time to have shutters installed is when the house is built so they can be a part of the design. If you own a house without shutters have them installed as soon as is pracitcal. Keep in mind that the beginning of hurricane season may be a busy time for most installation companies. Do NOT wait until a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area.
At the start of each hurricane season you should test out your shutters. For permanently installed shutters try closing each one to make sure they work smoothly and lock tight. For panels and plywood shutters try a couple of windows and doors to ensure the hardware works and check the time you need to complete the job. Check all panels for warpage or other damage which could compromise its integrity. Repair any problems at this time so that everything is ready when a storm threatens.
When a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area check all mechanisms and hardware again, and maybe pre-install the more difficult shutters. If you live in an evacuation zone and it will take 2 or 3 hours to complete your shutter installation, you may want to start during the Watch phase. If you are not in an evacuation zone you should time your installation early in the Warning Phase so that you are not struggling with panels during high winds.

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Q: Can condominium associations prohibit shutters ?
A: The short answer in Florida is NO. Chapter 718 of Florida Statutes of the Comdominium Act (1991) permits each board of administration to adopt specifications as to color, style, etc., but all specifications "shall comply with the applicable building code". The Florida statutes further state "... a board shall not refuse to approve the installation or replacement of hurricane shutters conforming to the specifications adopted by the board." 

Gearing up for Hurricane Season 2012

Hi to all our Shutter Shack followers!

We are starting to receive calls about Hurricane protection, it's that time of year!

FYI, we carry Storm Panels, Colonial Hurricane Shutters, Bahama Hurricane Shutters, Safety Glass Laminating, Roll-Down Shutters, and Hurricane Fabric and Screens.

  

  

   

 

 

Our next Blog will provide you with the pros and cons of each porduct.

Featured Hurricane Protection: Security Film

Today's Hurricane Protection Tip focuses on Security and Solar Films. 

(A.k.a. Impact glass, Impact Resistant or Live Impact Windows)

Why Go With Security Film?

Hurricane Protection  

With hurricane season just around the corner, one issue that comes to every homeowner's mind is the possibility of damage caused by intense winds, rain and debris. Everything from lumber to toys can pose a serious threat in the event of a natural disaster, hitting windows and causing breakage on impact. Shattered glass can cause damage, or worse, serious bodily harm.

Fortunately, one thing you can do to prevent such a tragic outcome is have Security Film professionally installed. Security Film is bonded by a special adhesive, becoming a permanent part of the window, increasing the overall strength of the glass and greatly reduces the chance that glass pieces will scatter in the event of breakage. Upon impact, while glass may break, it can remain held together, preventing a window from caving in, as seen in video below.

Security

For security needs, thicker film is available.  

Fact: As of 2011, The FBI estimates that over 2,22,196 burglaries occur each year in the United states and result in an average of over $2,000 worth of property stolen. Residential burglaries occur for 73% of all robberies.

This film can prevent break-ins and secure your home from intruders, giving you and your family peace of mind. For extreme security and optimal storm protection, optional frame attachment hardware or silicone can be added.

Protect Your Investments

 Whether clear or tinted, 90% of the sun's harmful UV rays are blocked for treated glass, saving your furniture, window treatments, home decor and carpets from fading. 

Tinted windows additionally reduce home energy costs and are available in a wide variety of tints for each person's individual needs. 

Overall, these products offer your home or business:

• Direct Installation on Glass (never needs to be removed or re-applied).
• 24/7 Protection.
• 90%+ Blocked UV Rays.
• Improved Energy Efficiency and Reduction in Home Cooling Costs.
• See-through Visibility.
• Variety of Thicknesses and Tints.
• Protection From Grab-and-Go Thefts 
• Prevention of Scattering of Broken Shards
• Greatly Reduces Chances of Glass Shattering or Separating
• Affordable protection at only $14-$16 per square foot for average protection.

For more information, please Contact Us!

Check back again for more Hurricane and Security Products! Next time, we'll discuss Security Shutters

2012 Hurricane Season Predicted

With all this rainy weather on Long Island lately, Hurricane Season is on our mind!

Hurricane season generally lasts from June 1 to November 30th, though tropical storms can occur at any time of the year.

While 2012 is predicted to be a milder year than past years, there are still 3 major storms predicted which could reach category 3, including 111MPH winds.

This year's storm names:

It's always better to be prepared than have a storm develop and be caught offguard! Shutter Shack offers the most up-to-date Hurricane Protection products to ensure your home's safety in the event of a natural disaster. Our Security Film is just one example of the many products you can add to increase the value of your home. Security Film holds your windows together during severe weather (up to category 2) or even a break in attempt!



Other hurricane protection Shutter Shack offers includes Security Shutters, Storm Panels, Hurricane Screens, Hurricane Fabric, and Impact Shutters,.  Over the next few weeks, we will describe and explore the various options you can use to increase your home's value and level of protection. As always, Shutter Shack offers our local and tri-state customers the same professional, high quality installations it has over the past 40 years!

Making it Last

There are many options available when it comes to shutters for your home. One question we get often is what is better for a home? Do Vinyl Shutters last as long as Wood Shutters or is there a noticeable difference in quality?


While wooden shutters have been around far longer than their vinyl cousins, they aren't necessarily "better." A large percentage of homeowners stick with wooden shutters due to the age of their home and the desire to maintain the look of the home's era. An older home with a traditional look and feel can benefit from an authentic Exterior Shutter option, especially when paired with flower boxes. Interior homes that benefit from a more natural look or customers looking for a wood grain appearance might choose wooden shutters.

In today's difficult economic times, many homeowners are looking to save on the custom look their home deserves without sacrificing quality. Shutter Shack offers economical solutions and a few tips to get the look you want without breaking the bank:

Realistic Wood Grain

Knowing What You Want

So you've decided that you want the look of wood, but have heard that vinyl is the way to go to save and have your products last. Shutter Shack offers Exterior Vinyl Shutter options that are as realistic as natural wood with the most economic options.


Whether you choose wood or vinyl, the end decision is ultimately yours. Both vinyl and wood options have pros and cons, both for interior shutter and exterior shutter options. What should matter is that you can achieve the look you want without sacrificing quality. The look you put on your house makes it your home and can be there for quite a while.





Interior Vinyl Pros:

High Humidity Area

• Interior Vinyl Shutters are easier to clean.
• Virtually no maintenance.
• Humidity will cause damage to wood, making vinyl the better choice for bathrooms, kitchens and other high-humidity areas
• Vinyl Interior shutters will not crack, peel, fade or deteriorate.
• Vinyl is available in fire retardant materials that insulate better than wood.
• Vinyl is usually manufactured in half the time as wood and cost less.

Interior Vinyl Cons: 

Convinced vinyl shutters are the absolute solution for your home decor needs? Before you hop online and place an order with Shutter Shack, take into consideration that most interior vinyl shutter options offer less color choice than their wood counterparts. If you're looking for a shade of white or a more neutral appearance, this isn't an issue for you. If you're looking for a more colorful alternative, that is a factor to consider. Remember, Shutter Shack can always show you what your window will look like with different interior shutter options BEFORE you order- we have an application that can show you all the style choices and color choices you might want! Simply email us at shuttershk@gmail.com with a clear picture of your window (the bigger, the better) and measurements and we'll send it back with your options and a quote!


Exterior Vinyl Pros:

• More cost effective option
• Usually manufactured in less time
• Can achieve the look of natural wood 
• Less maintenance- perfect for today's busy lifestyle!
• Easier to clean

Exterior Vinyl Cons:

Faded Exterior Vinyl Shutters

Obviously, cost is a major reason why many homeowners choose to go with vinyl. White you CAN make vinyl shutters look realistic by using appropriate shutter hardware, some argue it just isn't the same as "the real thing." High quality basswood will also give you the option of wood cutouts and other decorative options vinyl simply won't.









Downsides to vinyl include:

• Shorter lifespan; Over a period of years, vinyl will crack and become brittle, especially when exposed to a lot of heat and sun. 
• Color Choices are more limited and painting is not recommended
• Some vinyl options are not sturdy enough to open and close, making them look less realistic
• Less lifetime value when considering the need to replace them more than wood options
• Cannot get cutouts

Regardless of personal preference, every option is going to have positives and negatives. For expert advice or information about local installation, consultation and measuring service, don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-877-913-3100 or send a message! We're here to help!