Latest news with #hurricaneprotection
CBS News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
How to choose the right storm shutters in South Florida this hurricane season
With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season reaching its most dangerous point, South Florida homeowners are once again preparing for the possibility of destructive tropical storms and hurricanes. Installing storm shutters remains a critical step to safeguard homes from powerful winds and flying debris, officials say. These protective barriers, designed to shield windows and doors, are more than a precaution — they're a necessity in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) like Miami-Dade and Broward counties, where strict building codes require durable defenses. CBS News Miami has put together a guide covering what you need to know about storm shutters: from types and materials to costs, codes and common pitfalls, to help ensure your home is storm-ready. Storm shutters are coverings installed over windows, doors, and other openings to protect homes from hurricane-force winds, airborne debris, and water intrusion. In Miami-Dade and Broward, shutters must meet stringent standards to withstand winds up to 175 mph and impacts from large objects. Common types of storm shutters include: Accordion shutters Folding shutters that slide on tracks, offering permanent installation and easy operation. Popular for their durability and compliance with HVHZ standards. Roll-down shutters Sleek, motorized or manual shutters that roll down from a housing above the opening. Known for strong protection and remote operation. Bahama shutters Tropical-style shutters with fixed louvers, hinged at the top. When hurricane-rated, they provide both shade and storm protection. Colonial shutters Traditional shutters that swing closed from the sides. Visually appealing and storm-safe when HVHZ-approved. Storm panels Removable panels made from metal or polycarbonate, installed ahead of storms. Cost-effective and compliant when tested for HVHZ. Hurricane fabric Lightweight, resin-coated fabric deployed over openings. Approved for HVHZ when properly certified, such as with Florida Product Approval FL15208. Plywood A temporary, affordable solution. Only code-compliant when meeting Florida Building Code (FBC) specifications — less common due to HVHZ restrictions. In South Florida, accordion, roll-down, and storm panels are the most popular options due to their balance of protection, ease of use, and code compliance. Aluminum Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and commonly used in accordion, roll-down, Bahama, and panel shutters. Durable and low-maintenance — ideal for South Florida's humid climate. Steel Heavier and stronger than aluminum, often used in panels. Offers excellent protection but is prone to corrosion near the coast unless treated. Polycarbonate Used in clear panels and some fabrics. Translucent, impact-resistant and lightweight, but can scratch or yellow over time. Hurricane fabric A UV-resistant, flexible, resin-coated hybrid. Weighs about 8 oz/sq. yd. Easy to store and deploy, though less durable than metal. Plywood Inexpensive and temporary. Prone to water damage and not suitable for long-term use in HVHZ unless installed to FBC standards. Composite materials Found in some Bahama and Colonial shutters, often combining fiberglass or polycarbonate. Durable and stylish, though more expensive. Best overall choice: Aluminum offers the best mix of strength, corrosion resistance, and HVHZ compliance, especially in accordion and roll-down systems, according to experts and county officials. The cost of storm shutters depends on type, size, materials, and complexity. In Miami-Dade and Broward, expect to pay $2,000 to $8,000+ for a typical home. Price breakdown: Accordion shutters: $15–$30 per sq. ft.; total installation: $3,000–$4,000+ Roll-down shutters: $25–$60 per sq. ft. (motorized options cost more); installation: $3,000–$10,000+ Installation tips: Always use licensed contractors and secure county permits. Installations take 1-3 days, depending on number of openings. Installers must use HVHZ-approved products and follow all specifications. Under the Florida Building Code (FBC), all shutters must pass rigorous tests: Large missile impact test: 9-pound 2x4 at 34 mph. Cyclic pressure test: 9,000 cycles of positive/negative pressure. Wind load resistance: Up to 175 mph in HVHZ. Miami-Dade product approval: Must carry a verifiable Notice of Acceptance (NOA). Permits are required for permanent shutter installation. Some temporary solutions (e.g., panels or plywood) may not require permits, but check with your city or county first. Permitting involves: Submitting product NOA and engineering drawings. Post-installation inspection by local building departments. Helpful links: Miami-Dade Product Control Search Broward County Building Permits Florida Building Code Online Unapproved products Always confirm NOA numbers through the Miami-Dade Product Control Search. Improper installation Skimping on anchoring or not following manufacturer specs can lead to failure. No permits Unpermitted shutters may result in fines or removal orders. Inadequate testing Using products not HVHZ-rated is a major risk. Plywood misuse Must be at least 5/8" thick and fastened with appropriate anchors. Unlicensed contractors Avoid installers who can't legally pull permits or guarantee code compliance. Lack of maintenance Rusted tracks, missing bolts, or cracked panels can compromise safety. Before hurricane season peaks, make sure your storm shutters are properly installed, tested, and up to code. Non-compliance can lead to fines, failed inspections, or worst of all: property damage and injury during a storm.
Finextra
3 days ago
- Business
- Finextra
VYRD and ZestyAI partner for home insurance analytics
VYRD, a Florida-based homeowners insurance company focused on delivering stability and protection in a challenging coastal market, has partnered with ZestyAI, the leading provider of AI-powered property risk analytics, to gain deeper visibility into property condition and risk exposure across its book of business. 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. By leveraging the ZestyAI platform, VYRD gains access to advanced risk insights that help identify vulnerabilities contributing to hurricane-related losses, such as roof degradation, overhanging vegetation, and yard debris. These insights support more accurate underwriting, proactive portfolio management, and better visibility into changing property conditions over time. VYRD is using two core capabilities of Z-PROPERTY: Digital Roof applies AI to high-resolution aerial imagery to assess roof complexity, materials, and condition, highlighting structural vulnerabilities before they become claims. Location Insights evaluates the broader parcel, surfacing risk factors like vegetation overhang, yard debris, and secondary structures that can amplify storm losses or drive claims severity. 'Staying ahead of risk requires strong partnerships and smarter data,' said David Howard, President and CEO of VYRD. 'ZestyAI's ability to deliver timely, property-level insights helps us strengthen our understanding of exposure across the homes we protect and continue delivering on our promise of dependable coverage for Florida policyholders.' Z-PROPERTY helps VYRD assess properties at scale, surface emerging risk patterns, and make more informed decisions across the policy lifecycle. This partnership extends VYRD's tech-forward, policyholder-first strategy—using trusted data not just at point-of-quote, but throughout ongoing portfolio management. 'Florida is one of the most unforgiving insurance markets in the country,' said Attila Toth, Founder and CEO of ZestyAI. 'VYRD is taking a proactive, data-driven approach—using AI to uncover hidden property-level vulnerabilities, strengthen portfolio decisions, and build resilience where it matters most.'
