Vanderheyden Inc

Roll-Up Shutters

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:40:00 -0400

Looking for top-notch storm protection that can be employed with a touch of a button? Roll-Up shutter systems can offer this feature along with providing some of the strongest storm protection available.

While these systems tend to be on the higher end of the price scale for storm protection, they offer features not found on any other system.

First and foremost, they are always there for the property owner once installed. Of all the systems we feature here at Coastal Storm Shutters, these are likely the easiest to deploy. The property owner or tenant simply has to pull the shutters down like a shade or push a button to deploy them if they are on a motorized system.

The motorized systems offer several unique features such as being able to be activate remotely from a computer or phone. They not only offer excellent storm protection but also are an effective security system for evacuated properties after a storm.

Here at Coastal Storm Shutters we offer the Super50 Roll Shutter from Town & Country. This system uses the best material in its construction such as extruded aluminum slats.

Before it’s too late check out the options for real storm protection. It is probably cheaper than you think and in the long run can save you money as you collect insurance discounts and preserve your biggest investment. Look here for detailed descriptions of our storm protection products: http://www.coastalstormshutters.com/products.htm

Corrugated Panels

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:15:00 -0400

Ever seen the wavy metal or clear panels on someone’s home or business? Well, that “bent” metal or plastic is actually affordable and strong storm protection.

The panels are bent or corrugated to add strength. These bends in the material actually make them much harder to penetrate than a flat piece of material. The bends also provide a good deflection surface for airborne debris in a storm.

As far as cost goes, these types of panels are not the most expensive storm protection; nor are they the cheapest. They provide are cost effective, meaning they provide good protection for the cost.

Installing these panels requires a bit more work when compared to something like Fabric, but it can be made easier with the installation of tracks for the panels around the openings to be protected. The use of tracks can cut the installation time before a storm to as little as five minutes per opening. These panels can be heavy depending on the material used and the thickness, but prior planning before installation will ensure a smooth install.

As with most building materials proper storage of these panels will extend life. They have to be kept dry and off of concrete to avoid surface corrosion, but that is a small price to pay for this level of protection.

Here at Coastal Storm Shutters we offer panels that are constructed of aluminum and polycarbonate, which is a clear plastic-like material. The polycarbonate has the added benefit of allowing light in after installation and is generally corrosion free.

As with all our storm protection products, these panels can qualify a homeowner for significant discounts on insurance.

Fabric Storm Panels

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:07:00 -0400

One of the most unique storm protection products available are what’s known as Fabric Panel shutters. Many people wouldn’t think a storm panel made of fabric would be very helpful, but there are some very big benefits.

First and foremost is price. Compared to plywood, fabric panels come in at just a few dollars more per square foot. In the long run they average out to be cheaper since plywood has to be replaced so often. In addition they qualify the homeowner for insurance discounts.

Ratings you say…well they are Miami Dade County approved so there is no issue there.

The biggest advantage is that they are so simple to install. Once the anchors have been put into place around each opening it only takes about 5 minutes per opening to install. You’ll be done and have your home protected while your neighbor is still trying to cut his plywood to fit. They are waterproof and can be rolled up for easy storage. Since they are made of fabric they are very flexible. This allows them to take a direct hit from flying debris and still keep the opening covered. Even if the glass behind the fabric panel gets broke, the opening is still sealed off.

Plywood...is it worth it?

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:38:00 -0400

With the first named storm of the season just officially behind us many of us up here in Florida are breathing a sigh of relief. If you were wondering what to do if that track would have brought the storm closer to home than you’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners likely had the same questions.

If you thought you’d just run out and get some plywood to protect your home or business than you might have been taking a huge risk. Although popular, plywood doesn’t offer the protection that most homeowners wish for. It can warp when it becomes wet and it shouldn’t be used for an opening larger than 4’ x 8’, like some doorways. Even ½” thick plywood can be penetrated causing glass to break and the home to be compromised. Furthermore, insurance companies won’t count plywood as storm protection. That means no insurance discounts for wind mitigation.

Sure there are some advantages to plywood. It’s relatively cheap, although it needs to be replaced more often than real shutters, and it can be installed by most homeowners. Here is another problem though, many homeowners don’t install it correctly (not anchored properly). Along with that plywood can be heavy and hard to move and if there are any second floor openings, it becomes difficult and dangerous to install. Even the perceived advantages are not all that great.

Understanding Ratings

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:36:00 -0400

Many people understand that hurricane shutters are installed to protect their home or business. While some shutters do this by preventing the glass in a window from being broken; others do it by forming a tight seal if the window is compromised. This gets us to the real reason for hurricane shutters. Protecting the integrity of the whole building or house by preventing a pressure difference between inside the structure and outside. If this is not done it can lead to the roof of the structure being degraded to the point it comes off.

So how does a consumer know if their shutters can help protect their home or business from this type of catastrophic damage? Well Florida has some the toughest building codes in the country when it comes to external hurricane protection materials. A product is “rated” if it passes a series of independent tests that meet very high protection standards. This system is known as TAS and if a product passes this testing it can be used in a Florida HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone).

These tests are used to determine if a product can withstand impacts both large and small, wind and water. Not all products are rated and a consumer doesn’t just have to take their contractor’s word that a product is rated either. Consumers can look up products here: http://www.floridabuilding.org/c/default.aspx

Just click on the product approval section, fill in a few boxes about the product you are looking for and it will tell you if it’s indeed rated and approved for use.

Consumers should ask their contractor if they are using rated products. Besides piece of mind for the consumer this could translate into potential insurance discounts too. Most insurers will not offer mitigation discount if the storm protection has not been rated and approved. Here at Coastal Storm Shutters all our storm protection products meet this standard and offer you the best protection options for your biggest investment.

Evacuation and Recovery

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:15:00 -0400

Although we all hope the day never comes, odds are we will have to evacuate for a storm at some point while living along Florida’s beautiful coasts. Scenes of past evacuations on the news make it seem like complete chaos, but it doesn’t need to be that way. The theme in all of our preparation stories has been to have a plan; why wouldn’t you have an evacuation plan too?

The first step is to determine if you live in a mandatory evacuation zone. There are several resources for this and I’ve linked them all here.

http://www.santarosa.fl.gov/gis/index.html

http://www.co.escambia.fl.us/Bureaus/PublicSafety/

http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/dept_ps.html

http://www.co.bay.fl.us/emergency/management.php

http://www.co.walton.fl.us/index.aspx?nid=449

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/emerg/

Even if you are not in a mandatory evacuation zone you still may want to leave the area. Remember evacuation zones are designated based on storm surge not winds.

So if you want to get out of town you’ll need to plan a few things. It’s essential to be flexible since the evacuation route will be determined based on path of the storm. Have a couple destinations picked out ahead of any storm.

Next build a list of hotels, hospitals, restaurants, pet shelters etc. for each location. That will speed up the process of getting settled into your evacuation location. Have the phone numbers for each of those establishments included on the list.

If a storm is approaching and you expect an evacuation try to make any reservations as you need before you leave. That way you are assured a spot at your desired location. Remember to be flexible, if hotels are full move to your plan B.

Make sure you have a full tank of gas and maybe even a spare gas can that is full before you depart. There will be little time to stop and gas becomes a scarce resource when an evacuation order is issued.

Now that you’ve successfully evacuated you can begin the next phase of the operation. You’ll have to plan on recovery. Again, have a plan on what you are going to do once you return to your property. There could be no power so plan on ways to live without it for at least 3 days. Also have phone numbers for you insurance company, bank, doctor and place of employment handy. These organizations and people will want to know the status of you and your property.

Last but not least, go into the recovery phase expecting some damage. Have a list of local contractors to call that can be there to begin repairs. Here at Vanderheyden Inc. we are not just there at the beginning of a storm, we are there for you after as well. There are not many companies like ours that offer before and after storm services. In fact this is where a lot of good people go wrong, they’ve planned all the way up to the storm but failed to have a recovery plan. They then fall victim to fly-by-nite operations that come in after a storm to try to make a quick dollar. Use a reputable local company like Vanderheyden Inc.’s Coastal Storm Shutters to protect your property today!

Personal Preparation

Tue, 25 May 2010 22:58:00 -0400

It’s just a week away! The 2010 Hurricane season is almost here and are you ready! Sure you may have your shutters ready, have your flood insurance, wind insurance and maybe even an evacuation plan but are you ready?

This week’s hurricane prep tip can be summed up pretty easily: have a plan. Just as you prepare your property for a potential storm you need to be prepared too. First, not every storm we get here causes us to evacuate. In this case you’ll need to have a storm kit assembled. It should include at a minimum: food, water, flashlights, batteries, radio and a first aid kit. There are many suggestions for a personal survival kit and you can check them out at www.coastalstormshutters.com.

This topic goes beyond the basic survival needs though. You should have accurate and up to date important papers stored in a lockable fire and waterproof safe, preferably one that’s easy to move. These records should include passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses etc. Having these documents safe will give you piece of mind and help reestablish your life after a disaster.

Along the same lines, if you have any property you’re protecting then you probably want to inventory it. It will help any claims process go a bit smoother if you can prove to the insurance adjuster what exactly you had. A good tip here is to be sure to take photo’s or video of high value items to actually display what condition they were in before the event. Once the inventory is complete store that in the safe too.

Taking these simple steps can help you recover quickly after a storm and give you piece of mind during the season. As always stay tuned as our next topic covers evacuation planning.

Property Preparation

Sun, 09 May 2010 23:14:00 -0400

Fortunately most hurricanes and tropical storms give us some advanced warning. A lot can be done to the property you own to minimize any potential damage that the approaching storm may cause.

First make sure you pick up and store inside any loose items around your property. This includes lawn ornaments, children’s toys, patio furniture, grills etc. If an item is too big to be put away (like a trampoline) secure it in some way. A trampoline can be flipped over and sand bags placed on top to hold it down. Sheds for instance can be cargo strapped shut to help them maintain their integrity. This important step can save a lot of headache down the road as any of the above items can quickly become debris in a storm.

Next, prepare your home for the approaching storm. Make sure that you cover any openings or vulnerable areas on your home. The windstorm mitigation report talked about in our last discussion should help you identify these potential vulnerable areas. If you need some ideas before storm season is upon us check out http://www.coastalstormshutters.com/products.htm for valuable information.

Most people understand that they need to take these steps in order to protect their investments. However, what most people fail to account for is the amount of time needed to prepare. If a storm threatens, preparation should start immediately. That way no corners are cut and you’re not outside trying to secure the property when you should be evacuating. Keep checking back as we discuss this topic more and get into some preparation tips for yourself and family as well.

Windstorm Mitigation

Tue, 04 May 2010 22:38:46 -0400

It’s almost that time of year again. Storm season will be here June 1st and it’s time to start getting things together. For homeowners it starts with a windstorm mitigation inspection. Learn more about what these inspections are and how they can benifit by visiting our blog at the link below.

http://coastalstormshutters.com/wordpress/

Who we are

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:56:25 -0500

Vanderheyden is your one-stop hurricane protection and security center, specializing in commercial and residential storm shutters. We are licensed, insured, and have references upon request. We are proud members of the International Hurricane Protection Association. Providing state-of-the-art protection at affordable prices.

Vanderheyden has become a leader in the industry because of quick turn-around time and professional service.

Coastal Storm Shutters

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:09:00 -0500

Coastal Storm Shutters:

Check out our homepage with plenty of information on our products plus lots of useful storm preparation information.

Protect your biggest investment!

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:04:00 -0500

Protect your biggest investment!