These steel or aluminum shutters attach 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 a set of C-shaped 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, and screwed down to secure it.
The biggest problem with
storm panels is that homeowners
often don't 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
don't line up properly.
-- Have
sharp edges.
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