“The shutters offer protection from debris during a hurricane, but they also protect against water infiltration,” says Stuart McDonald, Mercedes' vice president of corporate operations. McDonald explains that in 2004, when three hurricanes passed through the Orlando area, houses with shutters had less water intrusion than those without.
STAR TURNS: Alu Star rolling hurricane shutters help protect windows, sliding glass doors, and other glass openings from hurricane-force winds, but they also prevent water from infiltrating the home and provide shade and burglar resistance, the manufacturer says. The custom-sized units are made of extruded aluminum filled with foam and feature stainless steel or plastic parts to resist corrosion. The shutters come in standard and custom powder-coated colors. Alutech United. 302-436-6005. www.alutech.com. Circle no. 114.
Mercedes, like other builders, realizes the importance of a hurricane-resistant house, which is why the company has made efforts to incorporate more shutters in its houses. In June, the builder unveiled two prototype hurricane-resistant homes that include stronger structural design and removable hurricane shutters. McDonald says the products will play a major role in future efforts to help protect homes from violent weather.
COMPOSITE SKETCH: The manufacturer says its composite Bahama shutter is a maintenance-free product that is custom-made from structural PVC and thermally stable fiberglass. Historically accurate and architecturally correct, the shutters allow cool breezes and soft, diffused light to enter the house, but they also offer privacy and protection from the ravages of a hostile maritime environment. Each unit is hand assembled and comes in a variety of colors. Atlantic Premium Shutters. 877-437-0608. www.atlanticshuttersystems.com. Circle no. 115.
For more product information, visit ebuild, Hanley Wood's interactive product catalog, at www.builderonline.com or www.ebuild.com.