Follow our step-by-step hurricane protection guide for insights on what to look for in your hurricane protection and what to look for in hurricane protection companies. Looking for a step by step guide? We have you covered.
What to Look for When Searching for a Hurricane Protection Company?
Work with high-quality companies.
One of the most important tips in our hurricane protection guide is working with reputable companies! It’s essential to choose a company with a proven track record. Unfortunately, 40-60% of hurricane protection companies go out of business within five years, leaving their customers with no one to honor their warranty promises.
Having more reviews reflects the company’s time within the industry and ensures their rating is more accurate to the average customer’s experience. Choose a company with over 200 positive online reviews and an average rating of at least 4.5.
We have over 1,000 five-star reviews across the web, including over 400 on Google with a star rating of 4.6. We’ve been helping Floridians protect their homes for over 25 years.
Check The Credentials
During the consultation, ask the specialist about their experience, credentials, and the product that best suits your needs. Be sure to consider their responsiveness and willingness to answer your questions. Ask for licenses, insurance, and any other relevant documents to show their track record.
Product and Brand Diversity
Make sure that the company you choose offers a variety of products and brands. By doing so, you can find the right solution that meets your needs and budget. This also shows that the company is not just trying to sell you one type of product but is genuinely interested in finding the best solution.
Our previous hurricane protection guide recommends that customers work with companies that sell impact windows and accordion shutters.
Many different brands of hurricane windows, in particular, offer different manufacturer specials throughout the year. By working with a company that works with multiple brands, they can leverage each brand’s specials and pass the savings on to you.
We work with the top 6 window manufacturers to ensure our customers have various style options and all available features, styles, and colors.
Why Choose Assured Storm Protection?
Trusted Hurricane Service Provider for over 30 years
The Importance of Impact Testing
Always ensure that the hurricane protection company you approach offers Impact-Rated hurricane protection.
Impact testing is essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of hurricane protection systems. Two major certifying bodies, ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and Miami-Dade County Approval, set rigorous standards for these systems.
ASTM provides globally accepted comprehensive testing that evaluates performance under various conditions like impact and water resistance. On the other hand, Miami-Dade County Approval focuses on the severe weather conditions typical of South Florida, offering localized and highly stringent standards.
So, why is impact testing crucial?
- Safety: Systems that pass impact testing can withstand the debris and high winds in a hurricane, reducing the risk to life and property.
- Structural Integrity: Such testing ensures your building will maintain its structural integrity during severe weather events, avoiding long-term damage.
- Compliance: Local building codes often require adherence to these certified standards, and failing to do so can result in penalties.
- Cost Savings & Insurance: While there’s an initial investment, certified systems can result in long-term savings by minimizing damage. Additionally, some insurance companies offer premium reductions for installing impact-rated systems.
In summary, ensuring your hurricane protection is impact-rated provides safety, legal compliance, and potential financial benefits, giving you peace of mind during the hurricane season. This is a very vital part of your hurricane protection search and is one of the more important items in our hurricane protection guide.
Which Hurricane Protection is Right for You?
When it comes to safeguarding your home from hurricanes, choosing the right type of protection is crucial. Each option has its unique benefits and drawbacks. Let’s dive into three popular choices.
Accordion Shutters
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Accordion shutters are usually the most budget-friendly option, balancing cost and effectiveness.
- Ease of Use: Once installed, they are easy to deploy, often with just the pull of a lever.
- Quick Deployment: This makes them ideal for last-minute storm preparations.
Cons:
- Aesthetic Limitations: They may not be the most visually appealing option.
- Maintenance: They require occasional maintenance to ensure smooth operation.
Best For homeowners looking for a cost-effective and convenient solution.
Learn more about Accordion Shutters here.
Impact Windows
Pros:
- Aesthetic Value: Impact windows blend seamlessly into your home’s design.
- Natural Light: These windows allow natural light to filter in, even during a storm.
- Always Ready: No further action is needed for storm preparation once installed.
Cons:
- Cost: They are generally more expensive to install than other options.
Best For homeowners willing to invest in a higher-priced, aesthetically pleasing, hassle-free option.
Learn more about Impact Windows here.
Hurricane Panels
Pros:
- Budget-Friendly: Slightly cheaper than accordion shutters.
- Customizable: Can be installed for specific windows or areas.
Cons:
- Labor-Intensive: They require significant effort for installation and storage.
- Inconvenience: Not ideal for quick deployment in case of sudden storms.
Best For homeowners on a tight budget who are okay with the extra labor and storage requirements.
Our Recommendation
We typically recommend accordion shutters for convenience, cost-effectiveness, or impact windows for their aesthetic value and constant protection. Hurricane panels are generally only recommended for some customers due to their labor-intensive nature and inconvenience.
In the past, hurricane panel owners have not put up their hurricane panels for a storm, had damage, and the homeowner’s insurance providers refused to pay out their claim.
Red Flags to Watch For
What hurricane protection guide would be complete without discussing the biggest red flags? If you see any of these red flags in a hurricane protection company, approach cautiously.
Suspiciously Low Prices
Be wary of unusually low pricing. Cheap offers could mean lower-quality products, poor installation, or unreliable post-installation service. Unfortunately, there have been a few scams within our industry where contractors ran away with customers’ money or provided customers with a lower-cost solution than they paid for.
Permit Issues
If a company can’t pull its own permits for the work, it’s a red flag. This could indicate they’re not properly licensed or have had problematic permit applications in the past.
Never submit a permit for a contractor! If their work doesn’t pass inspection, you are on the hook for fixing it. Otherwise, you will be barred from submitting a permit again until the problem is resolved, and you may only be able to sell your home once the issue is resolved.
Payment Plans and Financing
We’re committed to ensuring that financial constraints never hinder securing your home against Mother Nature. That’s why we strive to offer budget-friendly solutions alongside various payment plans, enabling you to enjoy immediate protection while spreading the costs over time.
We’ve partnered with numerous reputable home improvement financiers to offer various financing options for your hurricane protection needs.
Please take advantage of our flexible payment plans, with terms spanning 0 to 25 years and no penalties for early repayment. Enjoy zero upfront costs or opt for a zero-interest financing plan*.
Contact us for more details on making hurricane protection affordable or check out the options below.
Please check our dedicated page here for more information on our financing options.
Industry-Leading Comprehensive Warranty
Look for companies that offer robust warranties. This shows their confidence in the products and assures you of long-term support.
At Assured Storm Protection, we’re proud to offer the most comprehensive warranty in the hurricane protection industry. We’ve got you covered on all fronts, ensuring your peace of mind for years to come!
Extendable and Customizable
Long-Term Security: Our warranties are designed to be extended. Want a 15 or 20-year protection plan? We offer hassle-free extensions at an affordable price.
Exclusions
While our warranty is comprehensive, it’s worth noting that it does not cover damages due to extreme circumstances such as fire, floods, or acts of God.
We hope that this hurricane protection guide has given you a bit more insight into how the hurricane protection industry works, and helped you pick the right options for you. If you are in the hurricane protection market, call us today!