Storm Proofing

DIY Storm Shutters: Affordable Protection for Windows

DIY Storm Shutters

When extreme weather hits, protecting your home’s windows becomes crucial to prevent costly damage. High winds, flying debris, and heavy rain during storms can easily break windows, allowing water and debris to flood your home. Storm shutters are one of the most effective ways to safeguard your windows and minimize damage. But professional storm shutters can be expensive. Fortunately, creating your own DIY storm shutters is an affordable and efficient solution. This article will guide you through the types of DIY storm shutters, the materials needed, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for effective installation.

Why You Need Storm Shutters

Storm shutters serve as a protective barrier for your windows, shielding them from the force of extreme weather. Without shutters, windows are at risk of being shattered by debris or intense winds, leading to significant water damage inside the home. Installing storm shutters is an investment in both safety and long-term cost savings, preventing the need for expensive window repairs or replacements. DIY storm shutters offer an affordable, customizable solution that provides robust protection without breaking the bank.

Benefits of DIY Storm Shutters

  • Cost-effective: DIY storm shutters cost a fraction of professionally installed options.
  • Customizable: You can tailor the design and materials to your specific window size and storm conditions.
  • Quick Installation: DIY shutters can be installed quickly and removed after the storm season, offering flexibility.
  • Personal Satisfaction: Building your own shutters gives you a sense of accomplishment and control over your home’s safety.

Types of DIY Storm Shutters

Wooden Storm Shutters

Wooden storm shutters are the most common and affordable DIY option. They are easy to build, provide strong protection, and can be customized to fit any window size.

  • Materials Needed: Plywood, screws, hinges, wood sealant or paint, brackets for mounting.
  • Pros: Strong, durable, easy to modify, and inexpensive.
  • Cons: Heavy and may need regular maintenance to avoid rotting or warping.

Polycarbonate or Acrylic Storm Shutters

Polycarbonate or acrylic sheets are transparent, impact-resistant materials that offer good protection while still allowing light to enter. These are ideal if you want to maintain visibility and natural light during storms.

  • Materials Needed: Polycarbonate or acrylic sheets, screws or clips for installation, drill.
  • Pros: Lightweight, clear for visibility, highly impact-resistant.
  • Cons: More expensive than wood, can be scratched easily if not maintained.

Fabric Storm Shutters

Fabric storm shutters are a quick and temporary solution to protect your windows during extreme weather. These shutters are typically made of heavy-duty canvas or tarp material and can be rolled up for easy storage when not in use.

  • Materials Needed: Heavy-duty tarp or canvas, bungee cords, hooks or Velcro strips.
  • Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, easy to install and store.
  • Cons: Not as durable or long-lasting as other materials.

Metal Storm Shutters

Metal shutters provide excellent protection against high winds and flying debris. While a bit more complicated to install, they are a great long-term investment.

  • Materials Needed: Aluminum or steel sheets, screws, hinges, or mounting brackets.
  • Pros: Highly durable, long-lasting, provides excellent protection.
  • Cons: Heavier, requires more tools to install, can be more expensive than wood.

Accordion-Style Shutters

Accordion-style shutters offer a compact solution, folding in and out like an accordion for easy deployment during a storm.

  • Materials Needed: Metal or aluminum sheets, hinges, locking mechanisms.
  • Pros: Easy to open and close, compact for storage, provides strong protection.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive, requires more complex installation.

Materials You’ll Need for DIY Storm Shutters

To build effective DIY storm shutters, you’ll need a variety of materials, depending on the type of shutter you choose. Here’s a general list of materials and tools required for different types of shutters:

  • Essential Tools:
    • Screwdrivers or power drill
    • Measuring tape
    • Saw (for cutting wood or metal)
    • Paintbrush or spray for finishing
    • Sandpaper for smoothing rough edges
  • Materials:
    • Wooden Shutters: Plywood, screws, hinges, wood sealant/paint.
    • Polycarbonate/Acrylic: Polycarbonate/acrylic sheets, screws/clips, drill.
    • Fabric Shutters: Heavy-duty fabric (canvas or tarp), bungee cords, Velcro.
    • Metal Shutters: Aluminum or steel sheets, screws, drill, mounting brackets.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Wooden Storm Shutters

Cutting and Preparing the Wood

  1. Measure your windows to determine the correct dimensions for the shutters.
  2. Cut the plywood to the required size, ensuring that each panel is large enough to cover the entire window.
  3. Smooth the edges of the plywood with sandpaper to prevent splinters and rough spots.

Assembly of Wooden Shutters

  1. Attach hinges to the side of the plywood to allow for easy opening and closing.
  2. Add locks or latches on the opposite side of the hinges to secure the shutters when in place.
  3. Paint or seal the wood to protect it from weather damage. A coat of exterior paint or wood sealant will help preserve the wood for years.

Installation of Wooden Storm Shutters

  1. Mount the brackets on the window frame using screws.
  2. Secure the shutters to the brackets with additional screws, ensuring that they are tightly fitted but can still be easily removed when not needed.

DIY Storm Shutters

Building and Installing Polycarbonate or Acrylic Storm Shutters

Cutting and Preparing Polycarbonate Sheets

  1. Measure and cut the polycarbonate sheets to fit your windows. Use a fine-toothed saw or a circular saw to avoid cracking the material.
  2. Drill holes along the edges for securing the panels to the window frame.

Attaching the Shutters

  1. Use clips or screws to attach the polycarbonate sheets securely to the window frame.
  2. Ensure the sheets are tightly sealed, preventing air or water from entering the window.

Benefits of Polycarbonate Shutters

  • Allow natural light to enter, making your home less dark during storms.
  • Offer strong protection without obstructing visibility.

Creating Fabric-Based Storm Shutters

Choosing the Right Fabric

  1. Select heavy-duty fabric that is waterproof and strong enough to withstand high winds and rain.
  2. Canvas or tarps are the most commonly used materials due to their durability and affordability.

Designing and Cutting the Fabric

  1. Measure your windows and cut the fabric accordingly.
  2. Reinforce the edges of the fabric to prevent tearing using a sewing machine or fabric glue.

Mounting Fabric Storm Shutters

  1. Use bungee cords or Velcro strips to attach the fabric securely to the window frame.
  2. Ensure a tight fit to prevent gaps that could let wind or rain inside.

Building Metal Storm Shutters

  1. Cut the metal sheets according to your window measurements using a saw designed for metal.
  2. Install mounting brackets and secure the metal sheets in place using screws.
  3. Ensure a tight seal to prevent wind or rain from getting through.

Accordion-Style Storm Shutters: DIY Option

  1. Construct the folding mechanism using hinges and durable metal sheets.
  2. Install the accordion shutters with mounting brackets that allow them to open and close easily.
  3. Ensure secure locking mechanisms to keep the shutters in place during high winds.

Installing DIY Storm Shutters

Preparation and Safety

  1. Ensure all tools and materials are ready before installation.
  2. Use safety goggles and gloves when cutting materials or handling power tools.

Methods of Mounting and Securing Shutters

  1. Use brackets, screws, or clips to securely fasten the shutters to the window frames.
  2. For temporary shutters, make sure the mounting system allows for quick installation and removal.

Maintenance and Care for DIY Storm Shutters

Regular Inspections

  • Inspect your shutters regularly for wear and tear.
  • Check screws, hinges, and latches to ensure they’re secure and functioning properly.

Repairs and Replacements

  • Replace cracked or damaged materials immediately to maintain effective storm protection.

Conclusion

DIY storm shutters provide an affordable and effective solution to protect your windows during extreme weather. Whether you choose wooden, polycarbonate, fabric, or metal shutters, creating your own protection can save you money while ensuring your home stays safe. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily build and install your own storm shutters, providing peace of mind when storm season arrives.