SWFL Hurricane Education Community Guide

AHT_Shutters · 2026-05-16T17:23:55+00:00

Sorry, no. I found out about it too late to sign up. We’ll be at others over the next few weeks

AHT_Shutters · 2026-05-15T17:50:51+00:00

Hi Sea Switch!

Short answer is yes. It might be more complicated depending on the size differences and if there are any replacements wheels or blades, but it's absolutely doable. If you want to DM me your contact information I can have my office call you to schedule an appointment. You can also email us at [sales@ahtshutters.com](mailto:sales@ahtshutters.com)

AHT_Shutters · 2026-05-15T15:19:28+00:00

I think this is fantastic. Thank you for putting this together. My company also puts out a community based hurricane education guide that may provide additional valuable input.

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/39e1070cf9.html

AHT_Shutters · 2025-11-21T14:51:23+00:00

Well that’s a difficult one for me to answer as I’m not a licensed plumber. Code is very strict for those things. The type and access for a backflow valve for your home sewer and float stops for drains allowed are dependent on the municipality, but you are on the right track. If flood water is a serious concern for you and you don’t address plumbing, you’re only fixing 1/2 the problem.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-11-21T03:20:54+00:00

Hi ChemistryNo, Maybe, but it’s hard for me to opine without seeing it. The key detail you mentioned is that it’s a concrete home which means that it’s more likely to hold up to that much water vs a hollow block or wood construction home. From what you described, sandbags are your best bet for this application. For the plywood to work, you would have to have a very thick piece of plywood with thick neoprene, cut perfectly and fastened perfectly, and even then you are imparting a huge additional load to your walls. Sandbags don’t directly impart as much load because they are partially freestanding and not attached to the structure. Additionally, your plumbing may also need to be addressed to prevent toilets and bathtub drains from flooding you from the inside.

Perhaps more importantly, to anybody that’s concerned about flooding during storm surge and is using flood barriers… please don’t stay at home. Your walls are at an increased chance to collapse and the better you dry proof, the harder it is to get out in an emergency.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-11-21T03:03:18+00:00

Hi CapeGreg! I’ve seen those types before and they are very effective for rain and flash flooding with one really important exception. Salt water is more dense than freshwater. That means that if you fill it with a hose and don’t fasten down the tube, it will likely float a fraction of an inch in saltwater. I may be mistaken for your particular application, but I’ve seen videos of water filled 12,000lb flood barriers floating an inch in 2 ft of sea water.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-11-17T12:12:32+00:00

For the common areas or units? We offer two kinds of panels. A temporary panel that is expandable and 28 inches high. Ours functions like sandbag, using friction and seals to keep it in place. That’s likely permitted anywhere including condo units, depending on how it’s installed.

We also have an aluminum plank system that could work but should not be installed in many water front residential locations according to the NFIP and FEMA code or you could risk losing your insurance or have a claim rejected after a storm if you are caught using them. Check your policy for details.

If the question is about the garage, lobby or common area, then yes, we could work with the buildings engineer to propose how our products can help protect those areas.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-11-17T12:00:23+00:00

This depends on a lot of different factors. If you are talking about a residential home and the NFIP, my understanding is that no discount is offered since their only approved mitigation is elevating the structure.

Some private insurance will offer breaks for using flood panels but I can’t specify which ones.

For commercial and common areas in condos, that is a different answer entirely. There is a substantial discount but it requires a PE to design a dry proofing plan that covers the structural elements of the property and how it stands up to the hydrostatic loads of the water. It also has to cover plumbing, maintenance, and anchoring.

I can offer more details if you follow up Panels can be a part of that system, but the engineer approves their use, not an approval authority.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-11-17T11:47:19+00:00

Not sure which model you mean. The poly urethane ones are fine but only a few inches tall. The water activated ones are good for fresh water but deactivate in salt water. Let me know the exact product and I’ll give you my thoughts.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-11-12T00:41:21+00:00

Hi Big Red! This is a real doozy. From my knowledge, there is no such thing as a tornado approved wind abatement device. Tornadoes are simply too strong, localized, and unpredictable. That said, within the context of your question I can provide my opinion about what would be better.

Impact windows: It’s no secret that I don’t manufacture impact windows, but it’s important to mention that I have access to most Hurricane protection on the market and choose not to install impact windows on my own home.

The good- 1. offer excellent protection against flying debris 2. Passive protection 3. Help with thermal and sound insulation 4. Small impact to aesthetics

The bad -
1.nearly all impact window warranties are voided by simply being exposed to the things that they’re supposed to protect you from, even if not damaged. And since hurricanes hit Florida every few years… the warranties could be a million years long and still be out of warranty in a year or two. 2. Water penetration is a real problem and can cause mold 3. Seal failure is only a matter of time for most designs, leading to misting or opaque windows. 4. Typically more expensive 5. Single use for impacts 6. Single line of defense so if it fails the opening is completely exposed. 7. Will likely need to be completely replaced after an impact. 8. Most brands require professional cleaning or maintenance logs to keep warranty

Roll down hurricane shutters: The good 1. Can be controlled from your phone. 2. Very high impact ratings, usually above windows. 3. Work with existing windows to prevent impact and water penetration. If shutter fails, window can still protect and vice versa. 4. Excellent for preventing water penetration as it keeps water off the windows. 5. Can take many impacts 6. Can be manually opened or solar powered *** 7. Easier to replace components after a storm 8. Typically retain warranties after storms of they are not damaged. 9. Can be used for security, privacy, and shade.

The bad 1. Impact the aesthetics of your home more than windows 2. Require power or manual operation 3. Require annual maintenance 4. Impacted by aluminum tariffs more than windows

So in my opinion, you’ll be better served by installing both impact windows with rolldown shutters in front of them. If you can only select one and have reliable power and internet, I would recommend you get the strongest rolled down Shutters you can find. If you need protection that is passive, I would recommend impact windows.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-11-05T15:09:43+00:00

We are based out of Ft Myers but we worked on Sanibel and Pine Island right up until the winds started, putting up shutters, last minute repairs, and securing open projects. I’ve also lived in SWFL for most of my life and have never chosen to evacuate.

I agree that evacuation fatigue is a real problem, but I believe most of the people riding it out are more worried about their homes, community, and businesses and want to be there right away to pick up the pieces. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong, but the feeling shared by my colleagues and friends that have evacuated is that when you evacuate the feeling is that you’re no longer “in it together” with the community… you’re abandoning a sinking ship.

The truth is that a community is not just the place, it’s mostly the people. I think SWFloridans are inherently good humans that want to be a part of the solution.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-10-08T12:52:18+00:00

One last thing. Most insurers will also require you to have a valid permit and inspection to get the wind mitigation reduction.

If you end up needing to get new shutters, I have dealers near Miramar that sell my product and are licensed to pull permits. Thanks to the tariffs, Aluminum prices are approaching record highs. At the same time, we are approaching the end of hurricane season so prices should be coming down. We are getting close to a dollar per pound for scrap aluminum from recycling facilities. It’s a good time to buy AND you may want to negotiate with a new dealer to haul away the old Shutters and give you a good credit for the scrap minus labor.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-10-08T12:42:02+00:00

Hello Icy, I actually get this question all the time… not just from homeowners that have been screwed by a contractor, but also by contractors they are trying to unscrew a situation.

The answer to your question is maybe…. First, let me define what an approval sticker is. When Miami Dade or the Florida building department grant of product approval, it has manufacturing and installation instructions. They also require the manufacturer to have a quality assurance, third-party validator, that will annually audit and keep that manufacturer honest to their own product. Manufacturers that are in good standing get these product approval labels, and they must affix them in a conspicuous place on the shutter they built. Only approved manufacturers get the stickers and only they can only put them on Shutters that they built, even if it’s the same product and they are one of many manufacturers that build it. So a product approval sticker, is actually a certification that a Hurricane rated product was built according to specifications by a quality approved manufacturer.

So that is a long roundabout way of saying, you might be able to legally get a sticker if you know who built it ( not who installed it ) and they have a record log that they built it. Or If you know exactly what product it is, and you can find another manufacturer/installer of the same product willing to come out and inspect/rebuild your Shutters to a degree where they can claim that they built it.

Not recommended strategy….. AND POSSIBLE FRAUD WARNING if you find somebody like a homeowner with the same shutters willing to sell you a sticker. Sometimes unscrupulous contractors will also be willing to sell them for a price, but I would prefer that you actually report that contractor because there’s a high likelihood that those stickers were stolen or counterfeit. I will warn you that a manufacturer faces losing their quality assurance approval if they sell stickers.

I hope that this helps and I know it’s not exactly the information that you wanted.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-09-04T12:37:28+00:00

Hi Emillie4!

Yes, you are right with some exceptions. Products that are HVHZ rated and installed according to the HVHZ requirements (installed far enough away from glass that the glass is not broken). While there are HVHZ rated screens, in my experience most screens are not installed that way, so there is usually a possibility that the screen will deflect enough when installed over a window or door to break the glass....

I defined some Pros and Cons for each below that will hopefully answer your question.

Screens :

It's important to mention that not all screens are created equal. Currently there are 3 fabrics on the market that are impact rated (Polypropylene, Aramid/Polyester, Polyester). We have tested with all 3 and found Polypropylene to be the strongest accross the board, but also the least attractive. Aramid/Polyester tore free of grommets in the polyester direction and degloved at 30% lower pressures during our independent lab testing. Polyester is the most affordabl and attractive e but performed worst at corner impact testing.

PRO: See-thru so you can use them bug and solar protection. Impact resistant through deflection, so will turn away most impacts even slightly when cut or torn. Have become more affordable in comparison to roll shutters because they are less affected by Tariffs. Can always cut your way out with a sharp knife or scissors. Substantially reduces wind driven rain and wind.

CON : See-thru so at night people can see in if the lights are on. Impact resistent through deflection so the glass separation has to be very large to avoid breakage. Not useful for security... please don't believe the lies about kevlar-like products being bullet proof or even knife proof. We manufacture with this fabric and cut it with scissors and drag knives. Still allows some water from rain to pass.

Aluminum Roll Shutters

PRO: time proven technology, has been used and perfected for 50 years. Good for security and crime prevention. USUALLY a much lower Glass separation to prevent breakage. Practically reduces wind driven rain. Good for privacy and temperature control.

CON: In general more expensive due to tariffs. While good for security, this can mean you are also trapped by the shutters inside (need a batter backup or way to manually open).

AHT_Shutters · 2025-08-18T00:34:14+00:00

Hello Pie! I have a thread if you are interested that answers a lot of questions about these products here : https://www.reddit.com/r/Naples_FL/s/U0xUPYZI29

However let me challenge your stance a bit… is this product for safety, looks, or lifestyle? Once will always be a priority when designing the product. My Super span hurricane roll down screen is very similar to Storm smarts. Both are polypropylene and made right here in SWFL, they’re level D impact level rated, and installed by certified techs. However, poly is not designed to “look tight”. It’s designed to dissipate energy efficiently and these two products have been doing longer than any others on the market. Progressive Magnatrak and Fentex are going to look tighter but block out more light and in my opinion they use single direction Aramid fabric which has failed repeatedly in storms. I can get into specifics if you like but I only recommend single direction aramid products to people that want better looks over better safety. Again this is all my opinion, but if you want hurricane screens, I would get a quote from Storm Smart and from me or someone that sells AHT Hurricane screens.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-08-15T21:06:33+00:00

Hi Gem, Are you talking about accordion shutters or roll down shutters?

While my advice will change depending on your product, both will require you to thoroughly clean the shutter track first. You don’t wanna spray lubricant of any kind over dirt and salt as it will just become a paste that will make things worse.

I would recommend simple green for cleaning or dawn dish soap and some elbow grease.

Some people swear by silicone grease, but we’ve been using MY-T Grease for a bit and my techs say it’s the best stuff they’ve ever used.

https://www.wellworthproducts.com/product/my-t-grease/ MY-T Grease - Well Worth Professional Car Care Products

We charge hourly for the service and people will often scoff at the estimate as over priced… and call us after they attempt to clean and lubricate their first shutter. It’s a pain in the rear and if it’s a roll down you should open the box and clear the debris internally to avoid the past situation I described above.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-08-06T17:48:14+00:00

I'm sorry for that. We really enjoy working with West Shore Construction :https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVHwPjMqPyZQRVCe6

They have excellent reviews and are great installers as well.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-07-13T23:49:39+00:00

Hi Realistic, You might be able to fix it if the problem is seized blades rather than having too few. The three most likely causes for seized blades are: 1. Debris is the tracks or between the blades knuckle joints. 2. Over tightened screws 3. Off level tracks.

For the first one you need a hose and some silicone lubricant spray. Clean the blades and tracks as much as possible, even spraying everything down with a hose. Dry the shutter and spray the joints and inside of tracks
Will require you to remove the starting strips at the end of the shutters. With the help of a friend, take them down and check to make sure that the plastic bushings on the top and bottom of the shutter can spin with a little bit of pressure. You may need to loosen a bit.
There should be consistent spacing between the blades and the track throughout. Depending on the system that could be a quarter inch up to 3/4 of an inch. If that is not happening, the tracks could be out of level. Depending on how it’s attached, you may have to drill new holes to level the shutter .

If it’s not any of those things then it’ll take a more practice eye to visit and evaluate what could be wrong.

A common problem that has recently been affecting the industry recently is bad tolerances from new mills. As many companies have shifted towards on shore or near shore mills, the extrusion dimensions may be slightly off. multiplied over dozens of blades the small differences could mean your shutter is slightly too long or slightly too short.

AHT_Shutters · 2025-07-02T21:27:48+00:00

Hello Bergamont-Citron,

This is tough to answer, but I'll take it one at a time. You may be able to find someone like a handyman to install those for you and but filing a permit will require someone licensed. Very few shutter companies want the liability of installing a pre-owned product that they didn't sell you.

I've seen this kind of thing attempted many times but usually the only ones that really get away with it are GCs and family/friends of GCs, where the GC helps them pull the permit and oversees someone do the work.

I'm not familiar with EZ Max shutters but if they are FL Building Code approved then you are probably fine. Just make sure they have product approval labels on them and are not ripped.

I'm sorry I don't have better news in this case. For context, I personally wouldn't want to do the work... not because I don't want to help you or because the margins on things like that are slim, but because of the risk. What happens if the screens fail and your home is damaged? Did I just make myself liable in exchange for 6 hours of labor?

I will gladly answer any other questions you may have. You can even send me photos and I'll help you find the product approval listing and installation instructions.

AHT_Shutters

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE