"BOCA" refers to the older Building Officials and Code Administrators code that many jurisdictions used before Florida consolidated everything into the statewide Florida Building Code (FBC) in 2002. BOCA vs. Non-BOCA refers primarily to the spacing and quantity of mounting hardware.
• BOCA: Fasteners/hardware sets are spaced no more than 6 inches apart. This uses roughly twice as much hardware and provides more attachment points.
• Non-BOCA / Florida Building Code option: Hardware sets may be spaced up to 12 inches apart, so fewer sets are required.
Hurricane season is the time of year when tropical storms and hurricanes are most likely to form and hit the U.S. It typically runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity from August to October.
Hurricanes can cause wind and flooding damage hundreds of miles inland.
Hurricanes form when warm ocean water, moist air, and low wind shear combine to create a rotating storm system that strengthens over time.
A tropical storm has winds between 39–73 mph, while a hurricane has winds of 74 mph or higher.
It’s a classification system (Category 1–5) based on wind speed used to estimate potential damage.
The eye is the calm center of the storm, surrounded by the most dangerous winds in the eyewall.
Most common shortages include: non-perishable food, water, batteries, generators, shutters, plywood, screws, and fuel.
11.What’s the most important thing to prepare before a hurricane?
The single most important step is protecting your windows and doors. Hurricane winds entering the house may destroy the structure of the house.
12.What are hurricane shutters and how do they work?
Hurricane shutters are protective panels installed over windows and doors to: block debris impact, withstand high wind pressure, and prevent glass breakage.
13.What types of hurricane shutters are available?
DIY Hurricane Supply offers three main types: Aluminum Panels, Lexan (Polycarbonate) Panels, and Combination Panels.
14.What are the main differences between the three hurricane shutters?
Aluminum Panels are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, cost-effective, and offer strong protection up to 150 mph. Lexan Panels are transparent (lets light in during outages), impact-resistant (stronger than plywood). Lastly, Combination Panels are a blend of aluminum strength and Lexan visibility. All options are DIY friendly, designed for durability, and ease of installation.
15.Are hurricane shutters better than plywood?
Yes. Hurricane shutters are significantly better because: they don’t warp or weaken like plywood, are engineered for impact resistance, can be reused for many seasons, and they meet building codes (in many cases). While shutters are quickly and easily installed, they are also more durable and reliable than plywood alternatives.
16.Can I install hurricane shutters myself?
Yes. DIY Hurricane Supply products are designed for DIY installation, meaning one person can install them. No contractor is required and Installation can be completed in advance or quickly before a storm. This reduces overall cost and gives homeowners full control over preparation
17.How long does it take to install hurricane shutters?
Initial installation takes about 20–40 minutes per window. Reinstallation (after setup) takes about 3–10 minutes per window. Mounting systems are designed so hardware stays in place, making future installs quick and easy.
18. Where should hurricane shutters be installed?
Shutters should be installed on all windows, doors, and any vulnerable openings. Full-home protection is recommended to prevent weak points during a storm.
19.How long does it take to receive hurricane shutters?
The typical timeline is less than 1 week for standard items and 1–2 weeks for stamped products.
20.Can hurricane shutters be reused?
Yes. Our hurricane shutters are durable, removable, and easy to store. They can be reused for the life of the structure, making them a cost-effective long-term solution.
21.Do hurricane shutters block light?
Aluminum panels block light completely, while Lexan panels allow natural light to pass through, which is helpful during power outages.
22.Can hurricane shutters be installed on any home type?
Shutters can be mounted on concrete, wood, and siding. Different mounting systems accommodate various structures.
23. Do hurricane shutters guarantee safety?
No. While shutters significantly reduce risk, they do not guarantee safety. Homeowners should always follow evacuation orders, monitor local authorities, and use shutters as part of a broader safety plan.
24.Do hurricane shutters meet building codes?
Many hurricane shutters meet Florida Building Code (FBC) and can comply with Miami-Dade impact standards. However, requirements vary by location, so homeowners must confirm local compliance before installation
25.What makes DIY hurricane protection cost-effective?
DIY Hurricane Supply reduces cost by shipping directly from manufacturers, custom-sizing panels to avoid waste. Eliminating contractor labor, this approach provides high-quality protection at a lower overall cost.
26.What is the biggest mistake homeowners make during hurricane season?
The biggest mistake is waiting too long to prepare. Late preparation can lead to: limited product availability, shipping delays, and insufficient time for installation. Early planning is critical for effective protection.
27.How early should I install shutters?
24–48 hours before landfall.
28.How long do shutters last?
Often 20+ years with proper care.
29.What is the best overall hurricane protection?
Shutters, proper installation, early preparation, and evacuation.
30.When should I start preparing hurricane panel?
Start now—don’t wait for a storm. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity from August to October. The biggest mistake people make is waiting until a storm is already on the radar—by then, supplies are limited, and shipping delays are common.
31.What supplies sell out fastest before a hurricane?
Common shortages include:
Water
Batteries
Generators
Shutters
Fuel
32.What’s the most important thing to prepare before a hurricane?
The single most important step is protecting your windows and doors. Hurricane winds turn debris into high-speed projectiles that can shatter glass and cause catastrophic internal damage. That’s why our custom-fit hurricane shutters are designed to withstand winds up to 150 mph and protect your home’s weakest points.
33.What’s the difference between a hurricane, tropical storm, and tropical depression?
Tropical depression: winds < 39 mph
Tropical storm: 39–73 mph
Hurricane: 74+ mph
34.What does Category 1–5 mean?
Hurricanes are ranked using the Saffir-Simpson scale:
Cat 1: 74–95 mph (minor damage)
Cat 3: 111–129 mph (major damage)
Cat 5: 157+ mph (catastrophic)
35.What should be in a hurricane emergency kit?
Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3–7 days)
Non-perishable food
Flashlights + batteries
First aid kit
Medications
Portable phone charger
Important documents (waterproofed)
36.How much water and food do I need?
Plan for at least 3 days, but ideally up to a week.
37.What is the safest room in a house during a hurricane?
An interior room without windows, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
38.How do I protect my home?
Board up or shutter windows;
Bring in outdoor furniture;
Clear gutters and drains;
Trim trees;
Secure doors and garage;
Use sandbags if flooding is possible.
39.How do sandbags help during a hurricane?
Sandbags help redirect water and reduce flooding, especially around doors and low entry points.
40.When should I evacuate?
Follow local officials. If you’re in an evacuation zone, leave early—don’t wait for conditions to worsen.
41.Where do I go if I evacuate?
Friends/family inland;
Hotels outside evacuation zones;
Public shelters (last resort but safe;
42.What should I do while the storm is happening?
Stay indoors in a small, windowless interior room;
Avoid windows and glass doors;
Keep monitoring weather updates;
Don’t go outside—even if it suddenly gets calm (the eye);
43.Is it safe to go outside during the eye?
No. The calm “eye” is temporary. Winds will return just as strong or stronger from the opposite direction.
44.When is it safe to go outside?
Only after authorities say it’s safe. Watch for:
Downed power lines
Floodwater (can be contaminated or electrically charged)
Structural damage
45.What should I do if my home is damaged?
Document damage with photos
Contact insurance ASAP
Avoid entering unsafe structures
Watch for mold and electrical hazards
46.How long do hurricanes last?
Typically hours to a few days, but impacts (power outages, flooding) can last weeks.
47.Do I need flood insurance?
Probably, yes. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
Flood insurance typically comes from the National Flood Insurance Program.
48.What’s the safest place in my house?
Interior room
Lowest level (but not flood-prone)
No windows
A closet or bathroom often works
49.How dangerous is flooding compared to wind?
Flooding is often more deadly:
Fast-moving water
Hidden debris
Contaminated water
50.Why do inland areas flood so badly?
Because hurricanes dump huge amounts of rain, even far from the coast.
51. How early should I finalize preparations?
Start prepping at the beginning of hurricane season;
Be fully ready before any storm is named.
52.What are the best foods for a hurricane kit?
Choose foods that:
Don’t require refrigeration
Are easy to prepare
Have long shelf lives
Examples include canned goods, protein bars, peanut butter, and dried foods.
53.Does this hurricane shutter meet Florida Building Code requirements?
Our panels are engineered to withstand winds up to 150 mph, and our Lexan panels are built to pass Florida code standards. That said, code requirements vary by county, municipality, and wind zone, and it's ultimately the purchaser's responsibility to confirm that the product and installation meet the codes at your specific address. We're glad to email prospective buyers our product specifications so they can be reviewed and approved by your local building department — just email sales@diyhurricanesupply.com.
54.How do I know which hurricane shutter size I need?
Use our
measuring guide: print the measuring worksheet, then measure each window horizontally (inside edge to inside edge of the recess) and vertically (top of the recess to the top of the sill). For doors, measure inside-edge to inside-edge and from the top of the opening to the floor. Enter those raw measurements into our Buy page — our system automatically adds the correct overlap and build-out for the mounting style you choose, so you don't need to do that math yourself.
55.How much do hurricane shutters cost?
Cost depends on panel material and mounting style. Aluminum storm panels run about $4.65/sq. ft., clear Lexan (polycarbonate) panels about $7.94/sq. ft., and combination aluminum-Lexan panels range from $8.10–$10.35/sq. ft. Mounting hardware adds $1.50/linear ft. for a horizontal direct-to-wall mount or $3.50/linear ft. for a vertical track mount. Since every kit is custom-sized, your exact total is calculated from your own measurements at checkout.
56.How long does it take to receive my hurricane shutters after ordering?
Since each kit is custom-manufactured for your exact openings, standard orders typically ship in under a week, while stamped/engineered products can take 1–2 weeks. Orders often ship in two parts — headers, footers, and hardware first, then panels — so you can start installing as soon as the first box arrives.
57.Do you ship hurricane shutters to my state?
Yes — we ship nationwide (and internationally) from our facility in Odessa, FL. If you're outside the continental U.S., note that duties and taxes aren't included in your purchase price and are the buyer's responsibility.
58.Can I install hurricane shutters myself?
Yes — our panels are designed for one person to install with no contractor needed. Initial installation runs about 20–40 minutes per opening; after the hardware is in place, reinstalling before future storms takes just 3–10 minutes per opening since the tracks or mounting screws stay put. Full instructions and installation videos are on our
Install page.
59.What is your return or cancellation policy?
We accept returns on in-stock items within 30 days of purchase, subject to a 15% restocking fee, with original shipping charges deducted. Items must come back in the same condition they were shipped in and require a return authorization (RA) number.
60.Are aluminum or Lexan hurricane shutters better for my home?
It depends on your priorities. Choose aluminum for the lowest cost per square foot and maximum durability; choose Lexan if you want to keep natural light in the house during an extended outage; choose combination panels if you want a middle ground on both cost and visibility. All three materials are engineered for winds up to 150 mph and are designed for DIY installation.
61.What tools do I need to measure for hurricane shutters?
Just a tape measure, a pen or pencil, and our printable
measuring worksheet (a blank sheet of paper works too). No special equipment is required — most homeowners measure their whole house in under an hour.
62.Can I install hurricane shutters myself?
Yes — our panels are engineered specifically for DIY installation, and one person can complete the job without hiring a contractor. Initial installation takes about 20–40 minutes per opening; once your hardware is mounted, reinstalling before future storms takes only 3–10 minutes per opening.
63.How long does it take to install hurricane shutters?
Plan on 20–40 minutes per window or door for the first installation. After that, your tracks or mounting hardware stay in place, so putting the panels back up before the next storm takes just 3–10 minutes per opening.
64.What's the difference between a vertical track mount and a horizontal direct mount?
A vertical track mount attaches a track above and below the opening; panels slide into the top track and lock in at the bottom with wing nuts, and the tracks can stay mounted year-round for the fastest reinstall. A horizontal direct mount attaches panels straight to the wall — wood, siding, or concrete — using screws and wing nuts that stay in place between storms. Vertical is faster to redeploy; horizontal is the lower-cost option.
65.Do hurricane shutters work on concrete, wood, or siding homes?
Yes — our mounting systems accommodate concrete block, wood-frame, and siding construction. The right hardware and installation approach depends on your wall type, which our support team can help confirm.
66.How do I get help if I'm not sure which product is right for me?
Our team offers installation and product support daily from 9am–9pm ET, seven days a week, with extended availability by appointment. Call (813) 969-2000 or 877-363-3262, or email us — we can walk through measuring, material choice, and mounting options before you order.
67. How do I store hurricane shutters when they're not in use?
Panels are lightweight, removable, and designed for easy storage between storms. Many customers leave the track or mounting hardware in place year-round and store the panels, screws, and wing nuts together — numbering each panel to match its opening makes next season's reinstall faster.
68.How long do hurricane shutters last?
With proper care, our hurricane shutters are built to last 20+ years, making them a one-time investment rather than a seasonal expense.
69.What wind speed rating do DIY Hurricane Supply shutters have?
All of our aluminum, Lexan, and combination storm panels are engineered to protect windows and doors from winds up to 150 mph.
70.Will my order be prioritized if a hurricane is approaching?
Yes. Under our Safety First Shipping Policy, orders located in a storm's projected path (based on NOAA National Hurricane Center forecasts) are prioritized whenever possible. This doesn't guarantee expedited shipping or a specific delivery date — we strongly recommend ordering early in hurricane season rather than waiting for a storm to form.
71.Do hurricane shutters guarantee my home's safety?
No — while hurricane shutters significantly reduce the risk of wind and impact damage, no product can guarantee safety. Always follow evacuation orders and local authority guidance, and treat shutters as one part of a broader hurricane preparedness plan.