Hurricane season has just begun, but folks in the mid-Atlantic should still have a little while before hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions start hitting in earnest. If you are a homeowner in a traditionally storm-prone area like Annapolis, you should look into reinforcing your home’s storm protection now. One great way to prevent damage from hurricanes and storms is by installing hurricane shutters. But what kind of hurricane shutters should you install? Here are three different types of stylish, strong, and safe hurricane shutters for you to consider for your home.

• Accordion Shutters

Accordion shutters get their name from their folding panel shape. Accordion shutters are often manufactured from aluminum and can be produced in a range of colors to suit your home’s style. Due to their folding accordion design, these hurricane shutters can be used for windows and doors of almost any size. Many accordion shutters include a lock on either the inside or outside of the shutter for added security. When not in use, the shutters can be folded away. This means that unless the shutters are deployed, they do not significantly impact the visibility of your windows. Putting the shutters in use is as simple as pulling them along their track until they have extended from one side of the window to the other and locking them into place.

• Roll-down Shutters

Roll-down shutters are another excellent hurricane shutter option. As their name suggests, roll-down shutters are suspended from the top of your door or window and are rolled down during use. When not in use, the shutters remain rolled up in a metal housing above your windows or doors. These shutters are made from a wide variety of materials, and they can be operated from inside or outside of the home depending on the unit installed. Some roll-down shutters are powered by a hand crank; others are propelled by an electric motor. This makes them ideal for people who may have issues physically operating other types of hurricane shutters.

• Bahama Shutters

While accordion and roll-down shutters are often a purely practical fixture, Bahama shutters offer a distinct aesthetic appeal. As such, they are perfect for homeowners who want their hurricane shutters to be a design feature rather than a purely functional piece. Bahama hurricane shutters are often made from aluminum, but a wide variety of colors can be used to finish the product. These shutters consist of a frame filled with horizontal slats which is permanently mounted from the top of each window. A hinge allows the shutters to be opened from the bottom while two arms can prop the shutter open at a 45-degree angle. Although they offer an aesthetic element that other shutters do not, Bahama shutters can diminish the visibility of your windows. This is something to consider if you value the view from your home’s windows.

Architectural Window Supply Can Help You Find the Perfect New Windows and Doors

If you are ready for professionally installed new windows or doors at a competitive and honest rate, Architectural Window Supply is ready to help! We have been working for over 20 years at giving business owners and homeowners gorgeous windows and incomparable customer service. For more information on our services, give us a call at (410) 266-5254 or visit us online. For more tips and tricks for getting the most out of your windows, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Houzz.