Storm panels can be steel, aluminum, or clear. These shutters are attached to the walls around windows 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 first style incorporates both tracks 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 that are permanently attached beneath the window.
The second style uses 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 or vertically and screwed down to secure it.
The biggest problem with storm panels is that homeowners often do not check them when 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 do not line up properly.
- Have sharp edges