When it comes to protecting your windows during a hurricane, Floridians have the choice between impact windows, screens and shutters. Hurricane shutters are a common choice due to their versatility, strength and cost. Accordion hurricane shutters roll across a track and are fairly easy to use. To use accordion shutters, all you need to do is pull the two sides together, snap them into place and then lock the shutters.
This seems easy enough, but if you don’t maintain your shutters, you’ll have a harder time getting them to close the next time you need to use them. It’s important to care for your hurricane shutters each season, regardless of if they actually get used. Counting on your shutters to work at a moment’s notice without checking their condition could be dangerous. Here are four tips on how to properly maintain your accordion hurricane shutters:
Keep the tracks clean
It’s important to keep the tracks of the shutters clean by washing them regularly. While washing the tracks, inspect for buildup of dirt, salt, insect nests and other particles that may cause problems with the operation of your shutters.
Lubricate the shutters at least twice a year
- Lubricate the tracks at least twice a year.Use a clear silicone spray lubricant, such as Permatex Superlube, that can be purchased in a hardware store. DO NOT USE WD-40 OR ANY OILY LUBRICANT. Dirt and salt will build up faster with this type of lubricant.
- Lubricate the thumbscrews at least twice a year.We recommend using a product such as Never-Seize. DO NOT USE WD-40 OR ANY OILY LUBRICANT. Lubricating the thumbscrews will ensure that you can remove your locking pins to close the accordion shutter. If you do not perform this maintenance, the thumbscrews will seize against the locking pins and you will not be able to close your shutter.
Wash with soap and warm water
Wash your accordion shutters with warm water, soap and a soft brush at least twice a year. Wash the slats and the “ribs” (hinges) connecting the slats. The ribs should be cleaned in both the open and folded positions to better remove dirt, salt and anything else that may be trapped. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, pads or hard bristle brushes as this may damage your shutters.
Operate your shutters at least once a month
Even if you don’t need to use your shutters every month, it’s important that you close and open them at least once a month. This will help keep your tracks clear and moving smoothly. Keep an eye out on the tracks and other movable parts, and examine the mounting fasteners to make sure that none are broken. Regularly operating your shutters will give you peace of mind knowing that your shutters are working in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm.
Please remember that your accordion shutters are moving walls of metal, not precision instruments. They must have some “play” in them and will make some noise when used. This is especially true during high winds when positive and negative wind pressures will cause the shutters to flex in and out. The noise your hear is normal and no cause for alarm.
Contact JNR Consulting Services, your Florida hurricane shutter maintenance specialist
If you’re looking to maintain your hurricane shutters prior to hurricane season but don’t know where to look or care to handle the tedious maintenance yourself or need your shutters placed during a hurricane, contact JNR Consulting Services at 561-706-0837.
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Jarrett Rudnick – JNR Consulting Services
