Storm shutters are one of the most important defenses a home or business has against hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe weather. However, even the best storm shutters require regular repair and maintenance to remain effective over time.
In this guide, we’ll explain why storm shutter maintenance matters, what should be inspected and serviced, common issues to watch for, and how professional care helps protect your investment.
Storm shutters are exposed year-round to sun, wind, salt air, moisture, and movement. Without proper upkeep, their performance can decline when you need them most.
Routine maintenance ensures shutters deploy correctly and remain strong enough to withstand high winds, flying debris, and heavy rain during severe storms.
Storm shutters are a long-term investment. Regular inspections and timely repairs help prevent premature wear, allowing shutters to last many years longer than neglected systems.
Addressing minor issues early—such as loose fasteners or track debris—helps avoid expensive repairs or full system replacement later.
Many local codes and insurance policies require storm protection systems to remain in good working condition. Maintenance helps ensure ongoing compliance and eligibility.
A thorough inspection should check for:
Any damage should be addressed promptly.
Remove dirt, salt, and debris from shutter surfaces and tracks. Lubricate hinges, rollers, and moving components to ensure smooth operation—especially before storm season.
Inspect all screws, bolts, anchors, and locking hardware. Tighten loose components and replace corroded or damaged hardware to maintain strength and stability.
Seals and weather stripping help prevent water intrusion during storms. Worn or damaged seals should be replaced to maintain a tight protective barrier.
Metal shutters benefit from protective coatings that resist rust and corrosion. Treat early signs of rust before they compromise structural integrity.
Open and close shutters fully to check for:
Operational issues should be corrected before storms arrive.
Damaged slats, hinges, rollers, tracks, or locking mechanisms should be repaired or replaced promptly to restore full protection.
Solution: Remove rust, apply corrosion-resistant treatments, and maintain protective coatings—especially in coastal environments.
Solution: Replace damaged slats to restore impact resistance and proper operation.
Solution: Tighten or replace hardware to keep shutters securely anchored during high winds.
Solution: Replace deteriorated seals to prevent water infiltration and air gaps.
Solution: Clean and lubricate tracks, adjust alignment, or replace worn rollers or components as needed.
At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we specialize in keeping storm shutter systems storm-ready and code-compliant throughout Florida’s demanding weather conditions.
We offer:
Our team understands the real-world demands of hurricane exposure and delivers dependable, long-term solutions.
Storm shutters should be inspected at least once per year, preferably before hurricane season. Coastal homes may benefit from more frequent maintenance.
Basic cleaning and visual inspections can be done by homeowners, but professional service is recommended for repairs, alignment, and hardware replacement.
Neglected shutters may fail to deploy, lose impact resistance, or suffer corrosion—putting your property at risk during storms.
Yes. Even if no visible damage is present, shutters should be inspected after major storms to confirm they remain fully functional.
In many cases, yes. Slats, tracks, rollers, and locks can often be repaired or replaced without installing a new system.
Properly maintained shutters are more likely to meet insurance and building code requirements, which may impact coverage or discounts.
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