There's a First Time for Everything...Even with Shutters!

Pocket Shutter Door Design and Furnish Project.

Shutter Shack recently had a customer visit our retail outfit requesting an out of the ordinary design for her home  under construction.

Even with having over 40 years of experience performing custom installations, we've never done a job like this- until now!

Here you see the Master Bedroom under construction with no dry wall in place. The Client preferred 3 1/2"  Custom Plantation Shutters  to act as Pocket Doors and slide into her exitsting walls.

After many hours with Designers, Architects, and the on-site Foreman, we were able to come up with a plan to install the tracking prior to closing the walls. Measuring could only be done at certain periods of the project, and we all had to loose a little weight get the doors in the pockets. :)

Well after a few months of planning, ordering, and finishing construction of both the Shutters as well as the room itself we came up with the following results...

The project was quite a challenge, and we did need to close the louvers to stack the panels into the wall. We were quite pleased with the results, as was the customer!

Security Facts & Tips

According to FBI Statistics for 2009:

In 2009 there were an estimated 2,199,125 burglaries.

• Burglary accounted for 23.6 percent of the estimated number of property crimes committed in 2009.
• Of all burglaries, 61.0 percent involved forcible entry, 32.6 percent were unlawful entries (without force), and the remainder (6.5 percent) were forcible entry attempts.
• Victims of burglary offenses suffered an estimated $4.6 billion in lost property in 2009; overall, the average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,096.
• Burglaries of residential properties accounted for 72.6 percent of all burglary offenses.

Shutter Shack's Security Film is an important tool in the securing of your home.

A broken window is both an open invitation and a sign to intruders that other entry points may be just as neglected. Apply Security Film to make your glass shatterproof; tinted film can further prevent thieves from window-shopping and even block out UV rays so furniture won't be damaged by the sun.

 

In the event a burglar breaks your window, Shutter Shack's Security Film will hold the majority of broken glass fragments together, and will continue to resist penetration from wind, rain, and intruders.

Safety/Security/Solar Window Film(s)

Safety-Energy Efficiency-Ultraviolet Ray Protection-Security-Comfort.

 Security/Safety/Solar Film(s).

Now there is a simple way to enhance your home or businesses window integrity by adding our These films come in numerous thicknesses and tints to address your specific needs. This film is bonded by a special adhesive, and becomes part of the window.

It will help the window maintain its integrity and will increase the strength of the glass. We can use a thicker film if security needs are the issue, or use tinting films for energy efficiency needs.

Even the clear Security film will give you over 90% reduction in UV Rays.  These are the rays that fade furnishings, carpeting, artwork, window treatments, etc.

When violent acts of nature, natural disasters, vandalism or accidents shatter your window, flying glass and compromised windows can be responsible for most damage,and injuries.

Security film  helps increase the strength of the windows and possibly prevent additonal damage to your home or business.

These layers of polyester film bond to the inside of your home to give this added protection.  For extreme security and storm protection optional frame attachment hardware or silicone can be added.

Check out this YouTube vide demostrating the product...

Pros

-- never have to install or remove film, its always there!
--Comes in numerous thicknesses and tints to address your specific situation.
--Increases the strength of the glass.
--May help prevent the window from caving in.
--Helps prevent scards of glass from shattering.
--Helps prevent quick break and grab thefts.
--All films reduce at least 90% of fading UV Rays.



Cost
--Without optional attachment hardware aprox $25-$30per square foot installed. (Average thickness Film)

Hurricane, Storm, and Security Guide

With the increasing severity of storms, hurricane and storm and  protection products are becoming more imperative for your home or business.

This Blog will help you compare the pros and cons of various home/business protection products.

Protecting your home before a storm is the most economical and proactive way to protect your family and property.  There are numerous products which we explain below.

Storm Panel Hurricane Shutters

These steel or aluminum shutters attach to the walls around window and doors on bolts or tracks. Storm Panels are corrugated, and each piece overlaps the next for maximum strength. There are several styles of storm panels to choose from.

The style incorporates both track and bolts. The top of the panel is slipped into a track above the window, and the bottom of the panel is secured to bolts or tracking permanently attached beneath the window.

The second style uses a set of C-shaped tracks above and below the windows and doors. Bolts slide into the tracks from either side and must be manually aligned with the holes on the panels.

The third style uses only bolts permanently set into the wall beside the windows and doors.  they can be loosened as the panel is hung horizontally, and screwed down to secure it.

The biggest problem with storm panels is that homeowners don't check them they buy a home. Many discover later that panels are missing or were cut improperly, or are too heavy to install themselves.

Pros

-- Most inexpensive of the permanent shutter systems.

--Removable, so they don't change the look of the house when not in use

--Strong, and can provide excellent protection for both doors and windows.

Cons

--Require storage, but usually stack together tightly and take up little space

--Can be difficult to handle; hanging can require more than one person.

--Sometimes don't line up properly

--Have sharp edges.

Cost

Approx. $ 20.00 per square foot.

Roll-Down Hurricane/Security Shutters 

These shutters attach above the window. They roll up and store in an enclosed box when not in use.  They are lowered either manually by a hand crank or automatically by motorization. You can also have motorized with a manual override. These shutters have side channels where the slats slide to cover window or door area's. We have also used these shutters for garage doors and outdoor kitchens and cabana houses.

Pros

-- Are permanently affixed above the window or doors and don't require any extra storage space.

--Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.

--Offer some of the best Storm and Security protection, they make an excellent Security deterrent.
--Meets Florida Hurricane codes.

Cons

--Most expensive of the Storm/Security Protection Products.

--Motorized system may require optional manual override for use during power outages.

Cost

Approx. $ 20.00-$75.00 per square foot.

Cost depends on many factors...material we are attaching unit to, 1st/2nd floor etc., motorized or manual, wall switch or remote control, etc . . .

 Hurricane Fabric and Hurricane Roll-up Fabric

Hurricane EZ Slide Screen

This material is very similar to that used in our Sheerweave Shades but can withstand exterior elements. It is similar to the material used to cover swimming pools in the winter. Few, if any, types of window film as storm protection meet Florida hurricane codes, but many give some limited protection if properly installed. For this reason these fabrics screens should be initially  installed by a experienced installed, not the home owner.

There are numerous types of installation possibilities with these fabrics. Standard Mount Hurricane Fabric is the least expensive and we attach the Fabric directly to your home with hardware designed for this application.

We have multiple ways to utilize the Fabric for each specific preference and application needs.

We have the EZ Slide Panels (seen above) where we mount channels to your home and the screens slide into these channels.

We can also apply the Hurricane Fabric to a Roll-up system where the screen rolls into a box (or pack) over the window area. Side channels are used to hold the fabric in place. This is a great product because it can also be used for Solar Control and does not block your inside to outside view, will reduce UV ray and Solar Radiation.

--Pros

Fabric is very energy efficient, blocks at least 90% of UV Rays and significantly reduces Solar Radiation (heat).

Easy to store. can be rolled or folded.

Meets Florida Hurricane codes.

Does not make your home feel like a cave, you are able to see outside.

Many application types. Roll-up screens can even be motorized.

--Cons

Must be mounted and unmounted with some applications types.

Middle of the line protection, even though it meets Florida Hurricane codes.

Some applications have hardware showing on the exterior of your home of business.

Cost

Depends on the type of application that is desired . . .

Please see our next blog on an extensive discussion on Safety/Solar/Security Films

  

                  

Hurricane Irene: We Were Lucky!

Given our recent NY weather, it's apparent that storms are becoming stronger and more frequent, especially over the past decade.

Shutter Shack has always offered storm, security, and protection products. 

Coincidently, our February Blog was dedicated to these products as the Hurricane season was approaching.

Irene hit Long Island and New England on August 27th. It was downgraded to a Tropical Storm just as it passed over Cape May, New Jersey. Long Island had winds of about 80 MPH.
Irene caused over 1 billion dollars in damage across New York. Vermont lost roads, towns were cut off  my home Ski Area; Killington Vt. had their base lodge severely damaged.

Some residents of Long Island were without power for over 2 weeks. Make no mistake, this was a minimal storm? Was it a 20 year storm?, or is becoming the norm?
Who knows? But of couple things we definietly do know.....


It was the worst power outage in Long Island's history!

Had wind speed been just 30-40 MPH more (category 1 or 2) the scenenario on Long Island would of been quite different! The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale gives us some idea of specific damage we can expect during Storms.
Some Customers have even mentioned some of the Nor'easters we receive are more severe than Irene!

Shutter Shack, has been swamped with calls from customers who are seeing Irene as a wake up call!

Shutter Shack has always provided all types of Window Products...Decorative, Functional, both for the Interior and Exterior of your home, office, etc.

But most importantly Shutter Shack is proud to help residents of the Northeast protect their homes, businesses, and families.

We are in the process of upgrading our Hurricane/Security section. The next Blog will explain all the products old and new that can be used to protect your home, as well as benefits, drawbacks, even basic costs for each specific protection product.

We currently offer...

                 

Hurrricane Fabric                

Roll Down Security Shutters

Storm Panels
Impact Shutters

Security/Safety Film

Hurricane Screens

We will be updating this section on a ongoing  effort to provide detailed information about each specific product to protect your home. Please feel free to call (toll-free) 877-913-3100 if you would have any questions concerning any of these products.

We aim to make our Blog not only a source for product information but also a tool for Storm Preparation and a detailed resource guide. We invite any comments or suggestions to help the public.
 We especially welcome residents in the Hurricane Belt...Florida,Carolina's, etc. for advise you may have for us yanks. (Met fan here tho!)
We ever reamiaing compancent and arrogant (me to)  could use some expert advise on  and tips as it seems we are having to deal with these severe storms more frequently, not to mention, more severe.

Shutter Shack Room Dividers

The Shutter Shack's Room Dividers and Shoji Screens can be used in many different ways. Looking to create a functional section out of a large room or do you just need a screen for privacy? Our Room Dividers and Shoji Screens also can be used simply as a design element for any homes decor.

Our Room Dividers and Shoji Screens come in a wide variety of sizes and colors.

Learn More

Archive; ShutterShack.com featured on CBS's Early Show.

We found an archive on CBS.com we did a few years back which featured some of our Exterior Shutter Choices. We decided to post it because we found it to be very informative.

This was a segment featuring Harry Smith and Danny Lipford in how to "Dress Up Your Home With Shutters"

Window Shutters have been around for hundreds of years. In addition to the practical aspects of providing privacy and protection from the elements, there is a wide range to choose from to enhance a home's appearance.

Shutters were originally used on the inside of windows before glass to protect indoors from the elements and pests. In the 19th-century, they slowly made their way to the exterior of homes. People chose to use them not only for protection, but also for decoration. Since then, shutters have come a long way and are now available in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes. 

 Danny Lipford mentioned shutters can be used on the inside and outside of a home. Plus, they can be painted or stained -- depending on the overall look that you want to create.

The following are the shutters that were featured on the show:

Exterior Shutters

Exterior shutters are available in two styles -- fixed and operable. Fixed shutters are those that are attached permanently to the outside of your home. Since the shutters cannot be moved, they simply serve as a decorative feature to your home. Lipford says adding this type of shutter to your home can help increase its curb appeal by adding color and architectural accents. Operable shutters are hinged so that they can close over the glass of your windows. This type of shutter helps ward off intruders, provides protection during storms and protects you from the glare of the sun.

There are numerous options for shutter materials. Lipford highlighted a few of the most popular on the market.

Wood Shutters
Wood Shutters are the most common shutters on the market. They come in a variety of patterns.  If you choose to use wooden outdoor shutters, they must be not only finished correctly, but maintained properly for them to last.

To enhance the look of wooden or composite shutters, many homeowners add shutter hardware. This hardware has evolved over the years into stylish shutter accessories. It is available in many styles and finishes.

Composite Shutters
Provide a great alternative to wood shutters. These shutters, which are virtually maintenance free, are custom manufactured from state-of-the-art PVC and thermally stable fiberglass.

Vinyl Shutters
Vinyl shutters are the most reasonably priced shutters on the market. They are lightweight, easy to install. ShutterShack.com sells many different types, styles, and even custom made exterior vinyl shutters.

Storm Shutters
For those of you who are concerned about hurricanes or tornadoes, you may want to invest in storm shutters. These aluminum shutters protect glass from high winds and blowing debris. Storm shutters are available in several different types.


Interior Shutters
Interior shutters are becoming more popular with homeowners across the country. Wooden "plantation shutters" with working louvers serve as interior window treatments that allow you to control both light and privacy. This type of shutter can be painted or stained and used on almost any type of window or door.

Lipford says a few of the benefits of wooden plantation shutters are that they require virtually no maintenance, enhance your home's resale value, consist of a one time investment and the insulation and reflecting properties of shutters help conserve heating and cooling costs.

Please feel free to call us if you have questions about any of our products.

877-913-3100