Hurricane shutters are one of the most important protections for homes and businesses in storm-prone areas. Designed to withstand high winds, flying debris, and heavy rain, they play a critical role during hurricane season. However, even the strongest shutters require seasonal maintenance to perform reliably year after year.
This guide covers essential seasonal maintenance tips to help keep your hurricane shutters in top condition, extend their lifespan, and ensure they’re ready when storms approach.
Hurricane shutters are exposed year-round to sun, moisture, salt air, and movement. Seasonal maintenance helps address gradual wear before it turns into costly or dangerous problems.
Well-maintained shutters open, close, and lock properly when time is critical. Seasonal checks help ensure smooth deployment and dependable protection.
Routine maintenance prevents corrosion, mechanical wear, and alignment issues—helping shutters last many years longer than neglected systems.
Preventive maintenance reduces the likelihood of expensive repairs or full shutter replacement by catching small issues early.
Some building codes and insurance policies require storm protection systems to remain operational. Seasonal maintenance helps ensure continued compliance.
Before hurricane season begins, inspect shutters for:
Any damage should be addressed before storms arrive.
Clean shutter surfaces to remove dirt, salt, and debris. Lubricate hinges, rollers, tracks, and locking mechanisms using a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
Tighten loose screws, bolts, and anchors. Replace corroded or damaged hardware to maintain strength and stability during high winds.
Inspect seals and weather stripping around shutter edges. Replace worn or damaged seals to prevent water intrusion and maintain a tight storm barrier.
Metal shutters benefit from corrosion-resistant coatings. Treat early signs of rust to prevent long-term structural damage—especially in coastal environments.
Open and close shutters fully to check for:
Operational issues should be corrected immediately.
Trim nearby branches and secure loose outdoor items that could strike shutters during high winds.
After a storm, inspect shutters for damage—even if none is immediately visible. Address issues promptly to prepare for future weather events.
Most homes benefit from maintenance at least twice per year—before and after hurricane season. Coastal properties may require more frequent service.
Solution: Remove rust, apply corrosion-resistant treatments, and maintain protective coatings.
Solution: Replace deteriorated seals with durable, weather-resistant materials.
Solution: Clean and lubricate moving parts, adjust tracks, or replace worn components.
Solution: Tighten or replace fasteners to ensure shutters remain securely anchored.
Solution: Inspect and replace seals regularly to maintain a watertight barrier.
At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we understand the real-world demands hurricane shutters face in Florida’s climate.
We provide:
Our team helps ensure your shutters remain reliable, compliant, and storm-ready year after year.
Hurricane shutters should be inspected and serviced at least once per year, ideally before hurricane season. Coastal homes may need more frequent maintenance.
Basic cleaning and visual inspections can be done by homeowners, but professional service is recommended for repairs, alignment, and mechanical components.
Yes. Post-storm inspections help identify hidden damage and ensure shutters remain fully functional.
Neglected shutters may corrode, stick, fail to lock, or lose impact resistance—putting your property at risk.
Proper maintenance helps ensure shutters meet building code and insurance requirements, which may affect coverage or discounts.
The best time is before hurricane season begins, with a follow-up inspection after the season ends.
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