Hurricane Panel Problems & Solutions – Troubleshooting Hurricane Shutters

Nothing is more frightening than dusting off your old hurricane panels before a storm and discovering that you can’t install them properly. Hurricane shutters are vital to protect your home and ensure that your home is fully covered during a storm, especially if you take advantage of home insurance premium reductions for your hurricane protection. If you’re here, the bad news is that you likely have a problem with your hurricane panels. The good news is that we (almost definitely) have an answer or solution for you.

Let’s walk through the most common hurricane panel problems and troubleshoot this together.

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Common Hurricane Panel & Shutter Problems

I Can’t Unscrew my Hurricane Shutters – Troubleshooting Seized or Stripped Screws

Problems unscrewing hurricane panels is a common issue homeowners face after deploying their hurricane panels during a storm. While, thankfully, this hurricane panel problem happens after the fact of a storm, it doesn’t make it any less frustrating to deal with.

A stuck or stripped screw is the most often cause of this issue.

How did my panel’s screw get stripped or stuck?

While most problems related to a stripped or stuck screw are related to installation errors while deploying your hurricane panels, sometimes, corrosion can be to blame. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause screws to rust or corrode, eventually making your screw nearly impossible to remove without specialized tools.

Here are a few things you can try to address that pesky stripped or stuck screw.

How to fix a stuck screw

• Use Penetrating Oil: Applying a penetrating oil, such as WD-40, can help loosen rusted or stuck screws. Allow the oil to soak in for several minutes before attempting to unscrew.
• Use an Impact Driver: An impact driver provides better torque and can make it easier to remove stubborn screws. An impact driver delivers a sudden rotational and downward force, which can break the screw loose.

How to fix a stripped screw

• Use a Screw Extractor Tool: For screws that are stripped and can’t be removed with a standard screwdriver, a screw extractor tool can be used. This tool is designed to grip and remove damaged screws.

How to prevent a stuck or stripped screw in the future:

• Regularly lubricate the screws on your hurricane panels to prevent issues later on: To prevent future problems, regularly lubricate screws with a silicone-based lubricant or anti-seize compound. Regular lubrication can make your screws more straightforward to remove during the next storm season.
• Use the correct tools: if your screwdriver is too big or too small for your screw, don’t “just give it a shot.” Getting the right tools for the job will result in far fewer headaches in the future; shortcuts will eventually catch up to you.

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I Can’t Screw In My Hurricane Panels – Troubleshooting Screwholes

You just dragged out your shutters from their little corner in your garage, hauled them across the yard, and you’re almost done, but you find out that you can’t get your hurricane panels secured to your home because your screw doesn’t fit.

This is a story we hear often from hurricane panel owners before a storm.

The most common causes are a misaligned hole, debris in the screw hole, damaged threads, or something as simple as using the wrong screw, screwdriver, or drill bit. Although, we commonly get calls from customers after they’ve had a recent paint job done on their home, where the painters either painted over the screw or the screw hole. Either way, don’t worry, we have you covered.

What to do if you can’t screw in your hurricane panels:

• Clean and Debris-Free Holes: Before attempting to screw in the panels, ensure that the holes are clean and free of debris. Use a brush or compressed air to clear out any obstructions.
• Use New Screws: If the threads are damaged or the screws are stripped, replacing them with new ones can help. Make sure to use the recommended type and size of screws by measuring both the length and width.
• Apply Lubricant: Applying a small amount of lubricant to the screws can facilitate easier insertion. This is particularly useful for areas prone to rust or corrosion.
• Check Panel Alignment: Properly aligning the panels with the mounting holes is crucial. Ensure that the panels are positioned correctly and the holes match up before attempting to screw them in.

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I’m Missing Hardware or Screws – Finding & Identifying Missing Hurricane Panel Screws

We all make mistakes and misplace things from time to time. While this problem is a bit more challenging to fix (that is, if you aren’t an avid screw hoarder like us) it’s nonetheless fixable, and we’ll help you identify a solution to prevent this from happening again.

How to address missing screws

First, you need to take accurate measurements of the screw using a ruler, tape measure, or other measuring device to identify which screw you need.

If you don’t have anything reliable to measure the screw with, you can take a picture of your screw next to a quarter or another size reference. Bring the quarter and the picture (on your phone) to the hardware store. Match the size of the quarter on your phone to the real-life quarter by zooming, and compare screws until you find the one you need.

Once you’ve identified the screw, take a drive, walk, or bike over to your nearest hardware store and grab it. Pro tip: you can see if your local Home Depot has what you need online before you stop by the store.

Preventing missing hurricane panel screws in the future:

• Inventory Spare Parts: Keeping an inventory of spare parts and hardware can save time and effort. Purchase extra screws, bolts, and other fasteners in advance to avoid last-minute trips to the hardware store.
• Labeled Container: Use a labeled container or organizer to keep track of all screws and fasteners during removal. This can help ensure that all necessary components are available when it’s time to reattach the panels.
• Color-Coding or Labeling: Consider color-coding or labeling hardware during disassembly. This makes it easier to identify and match each piece during reattachment. You can use a paint marker, sharpie, or other means.

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My Hurricane Panels are Jammed / Stuck – How to Fix Stuck or Jammed Shutters

Stuck or jammed panels can be frustrating and time-consuming to deal with. This issue is often caused by debris in the tracks, lack of lubrication, or improper handling during installation and removal.

What to do if you have stuck or jammed shutter panels:

• Clean and Lubricate Tracks: Regularly clean and lubricate the tracks or mounting points to ensure smooth movement. Use a mild detergent and water to clean, followed by a silicone-based lubricant.
• Remove Debris: Ensure that no debris is obstructing the tracks. Use a brush or compressed air to clear out any blockages.
• Use a Rubber Mallet: Gently tapping the panels into place with a rubber mallet can help if they are slightly misaligned. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage.
• Correct Order: Verify that panels are being installed in the correct order. Marking the panels and their corresponding positions can help with proper alignment during reinstallation.

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My Shutters Are Not Aligning Properly – How to Troubleshoot Panel Alignment

Improper alignment of hurricane panels can create gaps and reduce their effectiveness. This can be due to bent brackets, misaligned holes, or incorrect panel positioning.

How to troubleshoot and adjust panel alignment:

• Inspect Brackets: Check for any bent or damaged brackets and adjust or replace them as necessary. Straight brackets are essential for proper alignment.
• Realign Panels: Loosen and reposition the panels as needed to ensure proper alignment. Some adjustments may be required to get the panels to sit correctly.
• Alignment Marks: Use alignment marks made during the initial installation to guide reattachment. These marks can help ensure that panels are placed in the correct positions.
• Double-Check Orientation: Double-check the order and orientation of the panels. Installing panels in the wrong order can lead to misalignment issues.

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My Hurricane Shutters Don’t Fit – Troubleshooting Panel Fit or Size

Sometimes, homeowners find that their hurricane panels do not fit properly, either appearing too large or too small for the openings. This can be due to warping, deformation, or incorrect panel selection.

How to troubleshoot when panels appear too large:

• Verify Correct Panels: Ensure that you are using the correct panels for each window or door. Mixing up panels can lead to fit issues.
• Verify Alignment: Check if your panels may be misaligned.
• Check for Warping: Inspect panels for warping or deformation, which can occur over time. Slight warping can sometimes be corrected, but severely warped panels may need to be replaced.
• Consult Manufacturer Guidelines: Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper fitting techniques. They may have specific instructions or recommendations for addressing fit issues.

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There Are Gaps in My Panels – Troubleshooting Gaps in Hurricane Panel Installations

Gaps in hurricane panels can compromise their effectiveness, allowing wind and water to penetrate. Worn gaskets, improper seating, or uneven tightening of fasteners often cause this issue.

Inspecting and fixing hurricane shutters that have gaps:

• Inspect Gaskets: Regularly inspect gaskets or seals for wear and replace them if necessary. Worn gaskets can create gaps and reduce the effectiveness of the panels.
• Realign and Seat Panels: Ensure that panels are properly seated and aligned. Repositioning the panels and ensuring they fit snugly can help eliminate gaps.
• Uniform Tightening: Tighten fasteners uniformly to pull panels flush against the mounting surface. Uneven tightening can cause gaps.
• Additional Weather Stripping: If recommended by the manufacturer, add additional weather stripping to improve the seal and eliminate gaps.

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My Panels Are Damaged – How To Deal With Damaged Hurricane Shutters

Damaged panels can compromise the effectiveness of your hurricane shutters. Dents, bends, or cracks in the panels can weaken their structure, and make them far less effective. A hurricane protection system is only as strong as it’s weakest link. here’s a what you should do if you have a damaged hurricane panel.

Asses and Replace Damaged Panels:

• Assess Damage: Carefully assess the extent of the damage to determine if the panels can be repaired or need to be replaced. Minor dents can sometimes be hammered out, while cracks, holes, or other severe damage usually require replacement.
• Replace or board up any windows with severely damaged hurricane panels, and contact us after the storm for replacement panels or a replacement system.

Consider upgrading to easier options that do not require extensive manual labor. Accordion shutters typically only take 30 minutes to deploy before a storm and cost only 10% more. Hurricane impact windows never need to be deployed before a storm and are always ready to protect your home. Check our hurricane protection guide for guidance on purchasing new hurricane protection, or call us.

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My Panels Are Rusted or Corroded – Dealing with Rusted or Corroded Hurricane Shutters

Rust and corrosion can weaken hurricane panels, making them less effective. This issue is common in areas with high humidity or salt exposure, which is all too common in South Florida.

How to reduce and repair rust damage on hurricane shutters:

• Clean Rusted Areas: Clean rusted areas with a wire brush and apply a rust inhibitor. Removing rust can prevent it from spreading and weakening the panels.
• Replace Corroded Panels: Replace panels that are extensively corroded. Corrosion can compromise the structural integrity of the panels, making them less effective.
• Corrosion-Resistant Materials: Consider using panels made of corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminum or polycarbonate, less prone to rust and corrosion.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain panels to prevent rust buildup. Apply protective coatings or paint to metal panels to shield them from moisture and salt.
• Keep your panels indoors, in a cool, dry place when not in use; if you can’t, consider using protective covers: Use protective covers when the panels are not in use to prevent damage. Covers can protect against rust by keeping your panels out of the rain, and minimize salt-air exposure.

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Problems Related To The Nature of Hurricane Panels

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I Can’t Lift My Panels – What To Do When You Can’t Lift Your Shutters

Hurricane panels are seriously heavy, making them very difficult to handle for most, especially for individuals who need assistance or proper tools. We always recommend that you have a friend to help you out. Hurricane panels should be operated by 2+ people whenever possible.

Tips for lifting hurricane panels:

• Proper Lifting Techniques: Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs.
• Seek Assistance: If panels are too heavy to handle alone, seek assistance from another person. Working in pairs can make the process safer and more efficient.
• Use Lifting Tools: Use tools like dollies or carts to move panels safely. These tools can reduce the strain and make it easier to position the panels.
• Accordion Shutters or Impact Windows: Newer products in hurricane protection do not require lifting. Not being able to install your hurricane protection is dangerous, not only to your home and family but also to your wallet. Many insurance companies have gotten away with not having to pay their claimants if the homeowner had hurricane protection premium reductions and did not install their hurricane protection before the storm.

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Problems Storing Panels

Proper storage of hurricane panels is essential to prevent damage and ensure they are ready for use when needed. Poor storage practices can lead to warping, corrosion, and other issues.

Tips for storing hurricane shutters when not in use:

• Dry, Flat Storage: Store panels in a dry, flat, and cool place to prevent warping or damage. Avoid storing panels in areas prone to moisture or extreme temperatures.
• Protective Covers: Use protective covers to shield panels from moisture, dust, and pests. Covers can help maintain the panels’ condition during storage.
• Organized Storage: Organize panels and hardware systematically for easy access and reattachment. Labeling panels and keeping hardware in labeled containers can streamline the process.
• Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect stored panels for signs of damage, rust, or warping. Address any issues promptly to ensure the panels are ready for use when needed.