4 Alternatives To Install Hurricane Shutters Without A Track

Hurricane season can be a stressful time for homeowners living in areas prone to tropical storms and hurricanes.

Installing hurricane shutters is an effective way to protect your home from strong winds and flying debris, but what if your home doesn’t have a track system for installing shutters?

There are several methods for installing hurricane shutters without a track, including hinged shutters, rolling shutters, storm panels, and plywood.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the most efficient method will depend on the specific requirements of the installation and the preferences of the homeowner.

In this article, we will explore the different methods for installing hurricane shutters without a track, as well as the pros and cons of each method, to help you make an informed decision about which method is right for you.

If you do not have a track system in place, there are a few different methods for installing hurricane shutters

1-Anchors and Bolts

This is a common method for installing hurricane shutters without a track. The shutters are fitted with anchors and bolts that are drilled into the exterior walls around the window or door.

The shutters are then attached to these anchors using wingnuts, which can be easily removed when the shutters are no longer needed.

The type of anchor bolts used for installing hurricane shutters without a track will depend on the specific installation method and the type of wall construction.

In general, anchor bolts should be selected based on the weight and size of the shutter, as well as the strength of the wall.

Common types of anchor bolts used for hurricane shutters include wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, and lag shields.

Wedge anchors are designed for use in concrete and masonry, while sleeve anchors are suitable for use in concrete, brick, and block. Lag shields are used for attaching shutters to wood or stucco surfaces.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the recommended anchor bolts for your specific installation to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the hurricane shutters.

2-Hinged Shutters

Another option is to install hinged shutters, which are attached directly to the exterior wall using hinges. These shutters can be easily swung closed when needed and secured with bolts or latches.

The type of hinged shutters used for installing hurricane shutters without a track will depend on the specific installation requirements and the style preferences of the homeowner.

There are different types of hinged shutters available:

Bahama Shutters: These shutters are hinged at the top and can be propped open to provide shade and ventilation. They are typically made of aluminum or wood and are popular in tropical regions.

Colonial Shutters: These shutters are hinged on the sides and fold inwards. They are made of wood or aluminum and are popular in traditional-style homes.

Accordion Shutters: These shutters are hinged together and can be opened and closed along a track. They are made of metal or polycarbonate and are popular in areas with high wind speeds.

Rolling Shutters: These shutters roll up and down on a track and can be operated manually or with a motorized system. They are made of metal or polycarbonate and are popular in commercial buildings and large residential windows.

3-Storm Panels

Storm panels are another option for installing hurricane shutters without a track. These panels are made of metal or polycarbonate and are cut to fit the size of the window or door. They are then attached to the exterior wall using anchors and bolts.

There are different types of storm panels available, depending on the specific installation requirements and the type of window or door being covered, including:

Aluminum Storm Panels: These panels are made of lightweight aluminum and are installed using a track system or anchor bolts. They are highly durable and offer excellent protection against strong winds and flying debris.

Clear Polycarbonate Panels: These panels are made of polycarbonate material and are transparent, allowing natural light to enter the room.

They are highly durable and as aluminum storm panels, offer excellent protection against strong winds and flying debris.

Fabric Panels: These panels are made of heavy-duty fabric material and are attached to the exterior walls using straps and buckles.

They are lightweight and easy to install, but may not offer the same level of protection as other types of storm panels.

Plywood Panels: Plywood can also be used as a temporary storm panel solution. Cut to size and attached to the exterior wall using screws and anchors, plywood can provide some protection against strong winds and flying debris.

Plywood

If you do not have hurricane shutters available, plywood can be used as a temporary solution. Cut plywood to the size of the window or door and attach it to the exterior wall using screws and anchors.

When using plywood as a temporary solution for installing hurricane shutters without a track, it’s important to choose the right type of plywood.

The most common type of plywood used for hurricane protection is called “CDX” plywood, which stands for “C-D Exposure 1.”

CDX plywood is made from thin layers of wood that are glued together, and it is rated for exterior use.

The “C” and “D” refer to the quality of the wood veneer used on the front and back of the plywood, while “Exposure 1” indicates that the glue used to bond the layers of wood together is suitable for use in exterior applications.

CDX plywood is commonly available in thicknesses of 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch, which is thick enough to provide adequate protection against strong winds and flying debris.

When installing plywood panels, it’s important to use screws and anchors that are long enough to penetrate the exterior wall and provide a secure hold.

Additionally, plywood panels should be cut to fit the specific size of the window or door being covered, with a little extra allowance for overlapping and attaching the panels to each other.

Pros and cons of each method

Here are the pros and cons of each method for installing hurricane shutters without a track:

1. Hinged shutters: Pros:

• Easy to operate and can be quickly opened or closed as needed
• Durable and can offer a high level of protection against strong winds and flying debris
• Can be customized to fit a wide range of window and door sizes and shapes
• Adds aesthetic value to a home and can enhance curb appeal

Cons:

• May be more expensive than other methods
• Requires adequate wall space to install and operate properly
• May require periodic maintenance and repairs

2. Rolling shutters: Pros:

• Easy to operate and can be quickly opened or closed as needed
• Durable and can offer a high level of protection against strong winds and flying debris
• Can be operated using a motorized system for added convenience
• Can be customized to fit a wide range of window and door sizes and shapes

Cons:

• May be more expensive than other methods
• Requires adequate wall space to install and operate properly
• May require periodic maintenance and repairs
• May be more difficult to install than other methods

3. Storm panels: Pros:

• Can be an affordable option for hurricane protection
• Offers a high level of protection against strong winds and flying debris
• Can be customized to fit a wide range of window and door sizes and shapes
• Can be stored when not in use, taking up less space than other methods

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming and labor-intensive to install
• Requires storage space when not in use
• May not be as aesthetically pleasing as other methods
• Can be heavy and difficult to handle

4. Plywood: Pros:

• Can be a cost-effective solution for temporary hurricane protection
• Offers a high level of protection against strong winds and flying debris
• Can be customized to fit a wide range of window and door sizes and shapes

Cons:

• Requires cutting and installation each time a storm approaches, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive
• May not be as durable as other methods and may require replacement after each storm
• May not be as aesthetically pleasing as other methods
• Requires storage space when not in use

Which of the alternatives is the most reliable and resistant?

When it comes to the reliability and resistance of hurricane shutters, hinged shutters and rolling shutters are generally considered to be the most reliable and resistant options.

Hinged shutters are typically made from durable materials such as metal or impact-resistant glass, and they are designed to provide a high level of protection against strong winds and flying debris.

They can be customized to fit a wide range of window and door sizes and shapes and can be quickly and easily opened or closed as needed.

Hinged shutters are also a permanent fixture on your home, which means that they can provide protection year-round.

Rolling shutters are also made from durable materials such as aluminum or polycarbonate, and they are designed to provide a high level of protection against strong winds and flying debris.

They can be operated using a motorized system for added convenience, and they can be customized to fit a wide range of window and door sizes and shapes.

Rolling shutters are also a permanent fixture on your home, which means that they can provide protection year-round.

However, it’s important to note that the reliability and resistance of any hurricane shutter will depend on the quality of the materials used, as well as the quality of the installation.

Which method is the most efficient?

The most efficient method for installing hurricane shutters without a track will depend on the specific requirements of the installation and the preferences of the homeowner.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on factors such as the size and shape of the windows and doors, the strength of the walls, the desired level of protection, and the budget.

In general, hinged shutters and rolling shutters are considered to be the most convenient and user-friendly, as they can be quickly and easily opened or closed as needed.

Additionally, these types of shutters are typically made from durable materials and can offer a high level of protection against strong winds and flying debris.

Storm panels and plywood, on the other hand, are generally more affordable but require more time and effort to install.

While storm panels can provide a high level of protection, they must be stored when not in use, which can take up valuable storage space.

Plywood can be a cost-effective solution for temporary hurricane protection, but it requires cutting and installation each time a storm approaches, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Ultimately, the most efficient method for installing hurricane shutters without a track will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner.