Pros:
- Lets in natural light and enhances attractiveness of home
- Enhances security
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Has four times the impact resistance of a half inch of plywood
- Designed to be left up for the entire hurricane season
- Outperforms metal - does not rust or corrode
- Retains their shape after impact
- Eliminates the need for multiple panels
- UV-protected on both sides
- Vandal resistant
The Lexan panels are ideal for patio doors and windows where they can provide complete, visually clear coverage.
Cons:
- Two Valley Overlap- The manufacturers engineering requires a 2 valley overlap (or 9 inches) on every panel over 1 that is used on an opening. The result is increased square footage that has to be purchased because you “loose” 9 inches of each panel over one to that overlap requirement.
- Although the wider panels can save on storage space they can become cumbersome in longer lengths making them more difficult to install especially if you’re in a hurry or under stress to get them in place.
These panels for the DIY customer require the customer to drill holes in the panel where needed as they do not come already “punched” like some other panels.
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Pros:
- Will not shatter, rust, or corrode
- Ultra light-weight, compared to steel panels
- Highly dent-resistant, compared to aluminum panels
- Made from super tough polycarbonate resin. No sharp edges
- Completely transparent, allows light inside & vision outside
- Meets or exceeds ICC, TDI, FBC, Dade, and new ASTM req.
- UV inhibitors protect home furnishings. Security when left up
- Standard widths allow for compatibility with metal panels
- Easy for handling, stacking, and allows for metal upgrades
- TEN YEAR warranty against breakage and yellowing
TOTALLY TRANSPARENT PANELS
ClearGuard panels are completely transparent, offering up to 85% light transmittance.
With ClearGuard panels installed, you are no longer dependent o n candles or flashlights. Virtually all available ambient daylight is transmitted directly into your home or business with ClearGuard panels, giving you a safer, more normal environment.
ADDITIONAL SECURITY
Due to its high light transmittance (similar to glass), ClearGuard panels can be seasonally installed in hard to reach areas such as upper stories, or as an additional security measure to protect windows from breakage due to vandalism or attempted robbery.
INSTALLATION EASE
Installation of ClearGuard panels is quick and easy, and in most cases requires little or no modifications and additions to existing framing systems. Your local ClearGuard Authorized Dealer/Installer can handle all aspects of your installation efficiently and economically. Give them a call today to see first hand the dramatic, clear improvement ClearGuard panels will make in your home or business.
Cons:
- There are length limits when using the track method of installation which may cause you to change products when covering larger doors and windows.
- Since the panels are only 12 or 24 inches in width, many panels are required to cover your openings which means more walking to and from the garage to your openings.
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Pros:
- Builder grade pricing
- Easy to store (they nest together)
- Meets all Florida, Texas and Miami/Dade code requirements
- Aluminum is lightweight and won’t rust
- Can be installed using either the track or the direct mount method
Cons:
- Heavier than other panel system products
- Makes the house dark causing the "cave" affect
- The steel panels are sharp and heavy making installation difficult and/or dangerous (gloves are recommended during installation)
- After a period of time the steel panels will begin to rust while in storage and can allow “rust colored runs” on your house when installed
- If impacted by debris, any dented or damaged panels must be replaced
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Pros:
- DuPont KEVLAR® Reinforced Soft-Sided Hurricane Panel
- Underwriters Lab Quality Assurance Program
- Florida Building Code State Wide Approval Number Fl 7343
- Same protection as 'hard shell' panels
- Unique mounting systems can be used to address issues of egress.
- Flame Retardant, UV Inhibitors and Anti Mold and Mildew Inhibitors Added
- Attractive - No exterior housing or tracks as with aluminum or steel panels
- Natural color is standard
- Convenient – ArmorPanel™ panels may be rolled, laid flat or hung for compact, easy storage.
- Ultra Lightweight – ArmorPanel™ panels weigh a fraction of steel or aluminum panels yet they still pass the same stringent State of Florida Building Commission test protocols for steel, aluminum and polycarbonate panels.
- Quick to deploy and remove. The ArmorPanel™ grommet and wing nut installation system allows homeowners to easily put up panels as a storm approaches.
- Panels are translucent, allowing natural light into your home during a storm. This reduces reliance on candles, flashlights or a generator if power outages occur.
- No special tools required – ArmorPanel™ panels attach to structure using grommets and wing nuts.
- Easy to clean and corrosion resistant
- Smooth safe edges
- ArmorPanel™ provides an economical alternative to more expensive products and are well suited for larger openings such as lanais and sliding glass doors
- Unlike steel, aluminum or polycarbonate panels, which only come in widths of 6' or 12', ArmorPanel™ comes up to 144" in width. Large openings can often be covered with a single light weight panel, reducing installation time and storage space.
Cons:
- Doesn’t stop the window from breaking
- Larger openings may require 2 people to install
- Although translucent, they don’t allow full light to come and they offer zero outside visibility
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Storm Catcher Screens:
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Pros:
This highly innovative hurricane fabric provides serious protection — like having a bulletproof vest for your home. Storm Catcher’s cutting-edge mesh structure:
- filters light in, allowing you to see outside.
- guards against hurricane-force winds and driving rain.
- blocks 97 percent of all wind and rain, protecting the envelope of your home.
- lightweight and easily installed.
- meets stringent Florida Building Codes (#6288).
- eliminates that cave-like feeling produced by aluminum and steel shutters.
- secures to the walls of your home or office building.
- stores in a fraction of the space of other removable systems.
Screen Panels
The screen panels are constructed of 100% polypropylene mesh. This hurricane fabric material is solid enough to block 97% of all wind and rain, yet still allows natural light to filter through. This feature provides visibility from the inside when the screen is deployed.
Screen Types
Storm Smart can design your hurricane fabric screens in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Shapes include everything from the basic square or rectangular design, to semi-circles for arches, to more complex configurations with cut outs and angles. Our four screen color choices include beige, black, grey and the newly introduced bone. (see photo to right)
Fastening Systems
The screens may be designed to use a variety of mounting techniques including several methods of strap and buckle applications and grommet installation methods. A strap system may utilize a fixed strap attached to a fastening device as well as an adjustable buckle to which the strap attaches. Grommet installation systems can use a combination of a wide variety of structure mounting frames. We offer wall- and floor-mount tracks in a variety of shapes and sizes, all with corrosive-resistant materials and finishes. Also, our optional, code-approved emergency escape panel provides the ability to protect you inside your home knowing that you can get out if you have to.
Cons:
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