When is the best time to get my shutters installed?

The ideal time to have shutters installed is when the house is built so they can be part of the design. If you own a house without shutters, have them installed as soon as is practical. Keep in mind that the beginning of hurricane season (June 1st through November 30th) is a busy time for most installation companies. Do NOT wait until a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area. If you have shutters, make sure at the start of each hurricane season your test out and maintain your shutters. For permanently installed shutters, test each one by closing them to make sure they work smoothly and lock tight. For panels and plywood shutters, try a couple of windows and doors to ensure the hardware works and check the time you need to complete the job. Check plywood for warping or other damage which could compromise it's integrity. Repair any problems at this time so that everything is ready when a storm threatens. When a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area, check all hardware and mechanisms again, and maybe pre-install the more difficult shutters. If you live in an evacuation zone and it will take 2 to 3 hours to complete your shutter installation, you may want to start during the Hurricane Watch phase. If you are not in an evacuation zone, you should time your installation early in the Warning phase so that you are not struggling with panels during high winds.