As a Florida resident, you know that tropical storms and hurricanes are a part of life. If you’re thinking about installing accordion hurricane shutters or already have them, performing routine maintenance now means you won’t have to scramble for protection.
This guide will provide tips on how to lock and unlock your shutters and how to clean, lubricate, and inspect them for damage. By taking these precautions now, you can rest assured knowing your home is ready for hurricane season. Let’s get started.
1. Perform Routine Track Cleaning
Keeping the tracks of accordion shutters clean is important to ensure that the shutters can open and close easily. Even though hurricane shutters are not used every month, the tracks should be cleaned monthly to prevent the buildup of dirt, salt, insects, and other debris. A soft brush can be used for debris removal, and a hose can be used for stubborn dirt and grime.
2. Use a Lubricant
Lubricate your hurricane shutters in the same way you would your garage door—with a clear silicone spray lubricant. This will help the shutters move smoothly on their tracks and prevent the thumbscrews from seizing up. Avoid using oil-based lubricants like WD-40, as they attract sea salt and grime.
3. Brush Shutters with a Cleaning Solution
To clean your shutters, you should plan to wash them at least once a month. You can use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. If the shutters are dirty, you may need to rinse them with a hose before washing them. In addition to washing the slats, don’t forget to clean the hinges. The hinges can collect dirt, salt, and debris, so clean them in open and closed positions. Avoid using anything abrasive, such as cleaners, hard brushes, or cleaning pads, when cleaning hurricane shutters.
To clean mold off your shutters, check with the manufacturer to see if they can tolerate a small amount of bleach in your cleaning solution. Add bleach to your cleaning solution and clean the mold if they can. Once you’re done, rinse the shutters with clear water to remove any residual cleaning solution.
4. Open and Close Them Monthly
It’s important to open and close your hurricane shutters every month, even if you don’t think you’ll need them. This helps to keep the rollers or wheels moving smoothly along the track. When you open and close the shutters, you should also take a minute to inspect the tracks, wheels, and other moving parts. In addition, check the mounting fasteners and replace them if necessary.
5. Get Shutters Inspected
It’s important to not only open and close your accordion hurricane shutters but also regularly check for any damage. By doing this, you can ensure that any necessary repairs are made on time. If you notice any damage that goes beyond basic repairs, be sure to call a professional for help.
Conclusion
Hurricane shutters are a great way to protect your home, but they require basic maintenance. By taking care of your hurricane shutters, you can ensure that they’ll be ready to protect your home when the next hurricane season rolls around.
At Hurricane Shutter Company Fort Myers, storm safety is our business! We are proud to provide safety to our customers’ homes. We all know how scary and dangerous hurricanes are, but knowing your house will be protected by storm shutters will hopefully ease your stress during the hurricane season. If you want to install accordion hurricane shutters in your home, we’ve got you covered! Book your at-home consult with us today!
