Removable storm panel systems are a workhorse shutter system for many
homeowners who are able to manually deploy shutters prior to a storm.
These products rely on the strength of permanently-mounted headers and sills (or
tracks on the left and right side of a window, respectively). Impact
resistant panels are then mounted to these tracks using wingnuts just prior to a
storm. Panels are made to overlap with one another for added strength.
Lower cost systems use 18-, 20-, or 24-gauge galvanized steel, or 0.050' or
0.060' aluminum panels. At a somewhat higher cost, but still very
affordable are panels made from impact-grade polycarbonate. These
have the advantage of being transparent - hard to access openings can be
protected, and the shutters can be left in place for the duration of hurricane
season without reducing the amount of light that comes through the window.
Instead of tracks, panel-mate mounting studs can be used - this method is
preferred for brick homes, and for irregularly shaped openings.
Another variation on the storm panel concept are Storm-Buster
Panels, made from fluted HDPE panels. These are cut to the dimensions of
the window and are attached on all 4 sides of the window using panel-mates or
specially designed H-header. These panels are translucent, allowing
approx. 65% of the light to enter the home.