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Author: Jacob Zimemrman

Hurricane Shutters and HOA Approval in Lake Worth

Written by Jacob Zimemrman on . Posted in Hurricane Shutters, Hurricane Shutters Lake Worth.

Homeowners Associations are common in most Lake Worth residential communities. These associations regulate various aspects of your community from the color you paint your house to the types of hurricane shutters you use. Choosing hurricane shutters for your home is a big enough decision on its own and you do not want to be concerned with HOA fines. At Category 5 Manufacturing, we make, sell, and install a variety of hurricane shutters that are all HOA approved for your peace of mind.

A History of Hurricane Shutters is South Florida

Prior to Hurricane Andrew, HOA’s were able to ban hurricane shutter due to aesthetic reasons. However, following Hurricane Andrew, a law was passed stating that homeowners have a right to protect themselves. Even if a home has impact windows, no association can ban the use of hurricane shutters completely. What they can control is the type of hurricane shutters used, setting standards for color, attachments, location, when the shutters can be deployed and more.

Shutter Aesthetics

Although storm shutter options like plywood and corrugated storm panels are banned by some associations, generally it is the color and location that associations in Lake Worth limit. In order to blend in more with the homes, clear or white shutters may be required to get approval from your HOA. At Category 5 Manufacturing our Storm Panels are offered in multiple finishes including steel, clear, aluminum mill, or aluminum white. Other elements such as the type of bolts used are also commonly regulated. These types of requests are easy for our team to accommodate.

Duration of Shutter Deployment

A common limitation on shutters is how long you can keep them up. Some associations will enforce a limit when the shutters can be deployed during hurricane season (June 1st to November 30th). Other associations may not let you put them up until the first storm of the season is named and will require the shutters come down as soon as the storm no longer presents a threat. Regardless of the exact rule, you must follow them to avoid hefty fines from your HOA. These requirements may seem annoying and might cause you to put up and take down your shutters several times within one hurricane season, but it is best for your home and shutters anyways. Keeping hurricane shutters deployed for long periods of time may lead to damaged shutters and present a fire hazard. Hurricane shutters should only be deployed when they are needed and removed as soon as you are safely able to.

Required Notification from your HOA

If your HOA decides to amend any of their rules, they are required to send out notification 14 days prior to a Board Meeting. If you are not notified of the meeting or the proposed change in a timely manner, then you have a right to protest any vote or supposedly passed amendment.

Last Minute Precautions

Most associations with rules against plywood will not say anything while you are last minute installing plywood to protect your home from a tropical storm or hurricane. Preventing you from protecting your home could be a liability for the association. However, they will likely say something following the storm and warn that it cannot happen again. If you repeatedly go against your association’s rules, you can expect fines and possible legal action against you. Plywood is commonly not allowed by associations, takes hours to install, and can cause damage to your home when being installed. Our recommendation at Category 5 is to install proper HOA approved shutters prior to hurricane season to avoid conflict and ensure your home will be safe.

Shutter Styles Offered by Category 5:

Failure to follow rules set forth by your community’s HOA can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, balancing functionality, safety, and aesthetics is a priority for both HOA’s as well as individual homeowners. That is why at Category 5 Manufacturing we provide HOA approved hurricane shutters to residents throughout the Lake Worth area. Contact us to learn more about the hurricane shutter styles we offer.

Get a Free Quote Today! (561)777-2491

Storm Panels

How Hurricane Shutters Protect Your Home

Written by Jacob Zimemrman on . Posted in Hurricane Shutters.

The main cause of Boca Raton property damage during hurricanes is flying debris breaking through windows without hurricane shutters. Fastening or bringing inside any objects that could become debris is important, but anything can become a projectile to break windows. The best defense is to install hurricane shutters and Category 5 Manufacturing can help residents of Boca Raton purchase and install hurricane shutters.

As soon as there is a breach in the envelope of a house (the protective layer), the house is opened up to another host of problems. Winds that get inside the house can loosen some of the weaker supports and collapse the roof. Water damage is one of the main issues with houses that have been penetrated by debris. Keeping rain out is very important for avoiding these problems.

Hurricanes also have an effect on society by reverting people to their survival instincts. During the aftermath of a hurricane, there is a higher rate of crime and looting. Having an opening through a window only makes it more likely that someone will enter it. Hurricane shutters in Boca Raton protect property from the environment and from criminals in this way.

There are different styles of hurricane shutters available for purchase and installation. We can help find the right style for any home:

The Accordion

This style of hurricane shutter, like all shutters offered by Category 5 Manufacturing, meets the Florida Building Code 2010 requirements. Accordion shutters are sliding panels which attach to the side of a window. When necessary, they expand across a stainless steel roller system to cover the entire window. The main benefit of the accordion shutter is the speed and ease at which they can be opened and closed. They are especially convenient in the case of more immediate disasters which do not give as much warning as hurricanes. There are also recessed track accordions which blend into the house more.

The Bahama/Colonial

These shutters give maximum protection from a category 5 hurricane but are a more restricting option than accordion shutters. The Bahama shutter fits over a window like a cap and can only be hinged up for slightly more sunlight. They are otherwise a stylish option for privacy and sunlight reduction. Colonial shutters are similar to Bahama shutters, but they open like doors for smaller windows with space on the sides.

Removable Storm Panels

These are the most popular option because they are affordable and can be removed completely. While they aren’t the most convenient, we can do the job of installing and removing in the future as well.

Cut out the middleman or sales deduction by ordering from Category 5 Manufacturing. We make and install hurricane shutters to make the process as simple and direct as possible. This allows us to afford to make the best product so that the customer’s safety is the number one priority. No money is due until the job is done. Please contact Category 5 Manufacturing now at 561-777-2491 for a personalized consultation and a free, no-obligation estimate.

Hurricane Shutters

Advantages of Hurricane Shutters in Boca Raton

Written by Jacob Zimemrman on . Posted in Hurricane Shutters.

Having the right hurricane shutters has the ability to provide home protection during a hurricane. Hurricane shutters are extremely beneficial during hurricane season because of their strength and durability. The hurricane shutters from Category 5 are constructed out of a solid steel or an aluminum frame. For residents of Boca Raton, it is especially important to have hurricane shutters as hurricanes have the potential to devastate a home. Here are the advantages of having hurricane shutters in Boca Raton.

Home Safety

Home protection from a natural disaster is a top concern for homeowners in South Florida. As any resident of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Boca Raton know, a hurricane can cause devastating damage. Even if a hurricane doesn’t make land contact, the high winds and rain can cause potential damage to a home. Hurricane-force winds can knock down power lines and uproot trees, causing them to fall and potentially damage roofs and windows. The rains down in Africa can cause flooding to the roads creating new leaks near windowed areas of the home. Installing hurricane shutters can safeguard the home, protecting it from hurricane force conditions.

Easy Installation and Operation

When people think about protection from hurricanes, the image of plywood affixed to a home’s window is what comes to mind. In a pinch, plywood can provide some protection from a hurricane, but they are not the best solution. Installing plywood is a two-person job and it isn’t an easy job to perform. However, installing hurricane shutters is easier to install than plywood and it provides superior protection. Some hurricane protection equipment like accordion shutters open/close easily while offering maximum protection. Roll down shutters are also easy to operate as they simply roll up and down to cover glass areas like sliding doors or storefronts doors.

Lower Insurance Premiums

A little-known benefit of hurricane shutters in Boca Raton is they actually increase a home’s worth. Insurance companies will often have policies in place to lower premiums if homeowners have hurricane shutters. Also, Homeowners Associations (HOA’s) allow for hurricane shutters to be installed as they do not violate any HOA policies. The hurricane shutters at Category 5 adhere to Miami-Dade County’s hurricane codes, which are the strictest in the United States. HOA’s also accept hurricane shutters from Category 5 as they are within HOA guidelines. Since Category 5’s hurricane shutters are hurricane impact ready, they help to lower the overall price of premiums.

Hurricane Shutters Types

Category 5 Manufacturing makes and installs a variety of hurricane shutters to accommodate the different type of homes in South Florida. The shutters that we create can serve for both function and style. Here are some of the shutters that we can install and make.

  • Accordion Shutters
  • Bahama Shutters
  • Colonial Shutters
  • Roll-Up Shutters
  • Storm Panels

Category 5 Manufacturing is South Florida’s premier hurricane shutter installer and manufacture. Our hurricane shutters are perfect for homes in South Florida cities like Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, and more. Having hurricane shutters installed is the best way to protect a home during a hurricane. Contact Category 5 Manufacturing today for a free quote on hurricane shutters at 561-777-2491.

Storm Panels: A Practical Home Protection Solution

Written by Jacob Zimemrman on . Posted in Storm Panels.

Storm panels are a trusted and practical option for protecting your West Palm Beach home during a major storm such as a hurricane or tropical storm. Preparing your home for hurricane season does not have to be costly or complicated when you opt for storm panels as your hurricane shutter solution. Category 5 Manufacturers will custom manufacture storm panels to fit your home and handle the permitting and installation process from start to finish. If you are looking for a new solution to protect your Florida home during the upcoming hurricane season, continue reading to learn more about why storm panels are a practical solution.

Benefits of Storm Panels

  • An economical solution
  • Easy to install quickly
  • Potential discounts on homeowners insurance
  • Strong against hurricane force winds

Storm Panel Installation

For the initial installation of storm panels, a permanent track will be secured to the top and bottom of the opening. These tracks are slim and can be painted to match the color of your home to blend in easily. The installation process is quick and easy for our experienced installation crews. During the installation, we will gladly show you how to put up the panels when a storm draws near. Before we are able to install your storm panels, a permit must be obtained by your municipality. If your home is in an area with a homeowners association, you may also require approval from the association. We will handle the entire permitting and installation process, so you do not have to put your life on hold to add protection to your home.

Preparing Your Home

Once the tracks are installed, the actual storm panels can be stored in your garage or a shed area on your property. It is best to keep the panels inside some sort of enclosure as opposed to leaving the panels outside year round. When a tropical disturbance threatens your home, take out the storm panels, simply slide them into place, and secure them with wing nuts. The process of putting up storm panels is rather simple and easy. Prepare every one of the openings to your home in no time when you are equipped with storm panel shutters.

Storm Panel Options

When you think of storm panels, you likely think of the mill finish panels that are not painted any other color and show the metal that they are made of. This option is the most affordable and is available at Category 5 Manufacturers. However, we do have other options available to meet the needs and preferences of all of our customers. Our steel panels only come with a mill finish and, as mentioned, are our most affordable option. The aluminum panels are lighter than steel and can be purchased with a mill or white finish. If you feel that neither mill nor white is the right options for your home, you may prefer clear panels. These panels are also made to exceed the necessary building codes, but they will allow the beauty of your West Palm Beach home to be seen even when they are up. All of our panels are strong and easy to deploy or take down during hurricane season.

To protect your West Palm Beach home during every year’s inevitable hurricane season, hurricane shutters are a must. Shutters do not have to be intrusive, ugly, or difficult to install. Storm panels are a practical solution for hurricane protection because they are easy to install, they come in multiple finishes, and they are affordable. Do not wait until a storm is approaching to purchase storm panels for your home. Call (561) 777-2491 today to speak with a representative at Category 5 Manufacturers and get a free quote!

A Guide to Florida Hurricane Shutter Manufacturers

Written by Jacob Zimemrman on . Posted in Hurricane Shutters.

Maintaining your home’s beauty and function involves many different tasks. In the state of Florida, homeowners have different risks to prepare for such as hurricanes. This means that homeowners are focused on minimizing wind and rain damage during tropical storms and hurricanes. Areas such as windows and sliding glass doors can be easily damaged during a violent storm, and they require temporary or permanent protection. Temporary solutions like plywood offer minimum protection during a hurricane, but they may not be enough for particularly violent storms. Hurricane shutters are a stronger and more permanent solution than plywood and will help protect your home and family. Researching what manufacturer to buy hurricane shutters from can be difficult, so here is a guide for hurricane shutter manufacturers.

Home Evaluation

Before researching hurricane shutter manufacturers, it’s important to note the protection needs of your home. For instance, keeping a record of how many windows are in your home, gives you an idea of how many shutters you will need to order. Also, it helps to notate any sliding glass doors, or potentially vulnerable areas in your home, in case they require storm panels. Every home is constructed differently and may have unique features to protect.

Types of Hurricane Shutters

Once you have an idea of how many hurricane shutters you may need, the next research topic are hurricane shutter types. A variety of hurricane shutter companies may offer similar style shutters, but it is important to note that some style of hurricane shutters may not go with your home’s aesthetic. Hurricane shutter manufacturers that offer the combination of style and protection for their products are usually a safe bet for homeowners. Here are some of the common types of hurricane shutters that homeowners can purchase from manufacturers.

  • Storm Panels – They are affixed to walls around doors on bolts or tracks
  • Accordion – Housed beside windows and unfold over the window for protection
  • Colonial – Two-piece louvered shutter that attaches beside windows and folds together for protection
  • Bahama – Installed directly above the windows and propped open for shade and can be lowered for storm protection
  • Roll Down – Attached above the windows, they roll up in an enclosed box or roll down for storm protection

Each of these types of hurricane shutters can protect your home from hurricane force winds and impacts. Some style of hurricane shutters offer better practicality for your home, and stylistic features to accentuate your home. Researching what type of hurricane shutters you may want for your home will help guide what manufacturer to choose from.  

Materials and Construction of Hurricane Shutters

Hurricane shutters are constructed in a variety of ways and styles. Depending on your HOA or municipality, there may be restrictions on the type of shutters you can have installed, or what material they are constructed with. This is important to note as you don’t want to end up with fines from purchasing incorrect hurricane shutters. Here are some of the more commonly constructed hurricane shutters that manufacturers make.

  • Aluminum – Lighter than other metals and resists corrosion
  • Steel –  Heavy in weight and offers maximum strength
  • Lexan – Translucent durable plastic that allows light in
  • Fabric – Made with geo-synthetic PVC coated fabric or Kevlar

When shopping for hurricane shutters, performing research is crucial so you know what company or manufacture to pick. Considering factors like the types of shutters available, or what materials they were made out of will help you decide what type of hurricane shutter is best suited for your home. At Category 5 Manufacturing, we offer the highest-quality hurricane shutters in a variety of styles and colors. As a top hurricane shutter company in South Florida, we offer excellent customer service and advice, so that you’ll have the best hurricane shutters for your home. For a hurricane shutter quote, contact us today at 561-777-2491.  

The Best Hurricane Shutters In Lake Worth

Written by Jacob Zimemrman on . Posted in Hurricane Shutters, Hurricane Shutters Lake Worth, Uncategorized.

Homeowners in Lake Worth need a hurricane shutter company they can trust to assist with protecting their home, whether installing new shutters or repairing existing shutters. Installing hurricane shutters is a critical measure for all property owners when preparing for hurricane season. The monetary and sentimental value of the items inside of a home means the world to most families. Do not take a chance, if you are a Lake Worth homeowner, you need hurricane shutters to protect your family and your possessions.

The Best in Manufacturing Hurricane Shutters

Category 5 Manufacturing is one of the best hurricane shutter manufacturers that services the Lake Worth area. Our shutters are the best because they are made to meet or exceed the toughest building codes in the entire State of Florida. When installed properly, our hurricane shutters can protect your home from strong winds, rain, and flying debris.

The Best at Installing Hurricane Shutters

Making quality hurricane shutters is only half of the battle. Hurricane shutters are virtually useless if they are not installed properly. Our team of installers are highly trained and experienced when it comes to installing our hurricane shutters on a variety of homes and properties. Hurricane shutters do require a permit to be installed. The shutters themselves must be made from approved materials and the installation must meet your municipalities building codes. We take extra care to match our installation to the approved permit plans and make sure the shutters are safe regardless of any existing conditions. Down to the nuts and bolts, you can be confident that your hurricane shutters are installed right.

HOA Approved Shutters

One of the other factors that make Category 5 the best is all of our hurricane shutters are HOA approved. We do not want homeowners to face hefty HOA fines from installing shutters that are not approved, so we handle that detail for you. From aesthetics to strength, we design and build all of our hurricane shutters with common HOA guidelines in mind.

Types of Category 5 Hurricane Shutters

Preparing Your Home for a Storm

In the event of an approaching tropical storm or hurricane, you will need to close or put up your hurricane shutters. Many of the hurricane shutters designed by Category 5 Manufacturing, such as roller shutters and Bahamas shutters, can easily be deployed in a matter of minutes. Options such as storm panels may take a little longer to put up, but can also be completed easily in much less time than it takes to hammer up plywood. When you are deciding on the type of hurricane shutters to secure your home, we provide top quality customer service and discuss what options might be best for your needs and why. Our installers will also gladly show you how to use your shutters before leaving the job site so that you are comfortable handle the job when the time comes.

If you are looking for the best hurricane shutter company in Lake Worth, look no further. Category 5 Manufacturing takes pride in providing the best-manufactured hurricane shutters, hurricane shutter installation, and overall customer service in South Florida. Hurricane season is right around the corner and we want your home to be prepared. Call Category 5 today to request a free quote on hurricane shutters for your Lake Worth Home.