What to Expect with Your New Storm Shutters from BSS Exteriors

Congratulations on your new storm shutters! You’ve taken an important step to protect your home and family during Florida’s storm season.

At BSS Exteriors, we design, manufacture, and install shutters that meet Florida Building Code requirements and are engineered for long-term reliability. From roll-downs to accordions, Bahamas, colonials, impact screens, and panels, your shutters are built to perform when it matters most.

We also understand that shutters are mechanical systems that need to stay in working order. For homeowners who prefer the confidence of professional upkeep, we offer an Annual Shutter Maintenance Program. This optional program includes scheduled service visits to test, lubricate, and maintain your shutters so they remain storm-ready year after year.

This guide will walk you through:

The types of shutters we install
What to expect right after installation
Care & maintenance tips (including our professional maintenance option)
Warranty coverage for BSS-manufactured products
When to call us for service
A final note on keeping your home storm-ready

Your Home. Only Better. Ready. Protected.

Types of Storm Shutters We Install

BSS Exteriors manufactures and installs several styles of shutters, each designed to meet Florida’s building codes and withstand hurricane conditions. Many of these products are built in-house, giving you the assurance of direct support from the company that made them.

Accordion Shutters

Slide horizontally on tracks and lock in place for quick deployment.

Roll-Down Shutters (Rolldowns)

Lower from a housing above the opening, operated manually or with a motor.

Bahama Shutters

Top-hinged shutters that tilt open for shade and close securely for storm protection.

Colonial Shutters

Side-hinged shutters that swing closed, combining traditional style with hurricane strength.

Impact Screens

Strong mesh systems that block debris while allowing airflow and visibility.

Storm Panels

Corrugated aluminum or clear panels that are attached before a storm and stored away afterward.

What To Expect Right After Installation

Once your new shutters are installed, here are a few things you may notice in the first days and weeks:

Operation Feel

Accordion and roll-down shutters may feel a little stiff at first. As they are used, tracks and moving parts settle in and operation becomes smoother.

Alignment

Minor variances in how panels line up are normal. As shutters are operated, many of these adjustments naturally improve. If a shutter does not close or lock properly, contact us right away.

Finish & Color

Shutters may look brighter or newer than nearby trim or finishes. Over time, natural weathering helps everything blend together.

Tracks & Hardware

Some dust, shavings, or lubricant residue may remain in shutter tracks after installation. This is normal and can be rinsed away with a gentle hose spray.

Noise & Movement in Wind

In high winds, shutters may flex slightly or make minor rattling sounds. This is expected and does not reduce strength or performance when shutters are secured properly.

Cleanup

Our crews remove installation debris, but you may notice fine dust or packaging remnants. A light rinse or sweep will clear these.

Care & Maintenance Basics

Your shutters are built to last, but like any mechanical system, they perform best with regular attention. Proper care ensures smooth operation and helps preserve warranty coverage.

Homeowner Care

Lubrication: Apply a silicone-based spray to tracks, rollers, and hinges at least twice per year.
If your home is within 5 miles of the ocean, increase to three times per year to prevent salt buildup and corrosion.
Avoid heavy oils that attract dust.
Cleaning (Functional vs. Finish)
- Required: Keep tracks, rollers, and guides free of dirt, grit, and debris. This is the most important part of shutter care and directly affects operation.
- Recommended: Washing the shutter surfaces with mild soap and water helps protect the finish and slow fading or chalking. While not required for warranty coverage, it extends the life and appearance of your shutters.
Practice Operation: Open and close your shutters at least once a year before storm season. This keeps parts moving freely and helps you spot any issues early.
Don’t Force: If a shutter feels jammed, stop. Forcing shutters can cause damage and may void warranty coverage. Contact us instead.

Optional Professional Maintenance Program

For homeowners who want added peace of mind, BSS Exteriors offers an Annual Shutter Maintenance Program:

2–3 service visits per year (based on location).
Included each visit: complete inspection, full operation test, lubrication of all moving parts, and clearing of debris from tracks and guides.
Optional Add-On: a thorough washing and finish cleaning is available for an additional fee. This service is not required by warranty but helps maintain the look and extend the finish life of your shutters.
What’s Not Included: shutter deployment before storms, storm damage repairs, or hurricane-related liability.

This program ensures your shutters remain storm-ready year after year. The base contract fully satisfies warranty requirements, while the optional deep-cleaning service offers an extra level of care for homeowners who want to keep shutters looking their best.

Warranty Coverage

BSS Exteriors Workmanship Warranty

All shutter installations by BSS Exteriors are covered by our 1-Year Workmanship Warranty.

Covers defects in labor or installation methods.
Critical issues are reviewed within 5 business days; all other claims within 15 business days.
Service requests should be submitted through the Buildertrend Homeowner Portal (preferred), our website form, or by phone/email.

Manufacturer Warranties

BSS-Manufactured Shutters

Backed by our 5-Year Limited Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Maintenance requirements: cleaning/lubrication twice per year (three times if within 5 miles of the ocean).
Washing shutters is recommended to maintain the finish but is not required for warranty coverage.
Decorative or special finishes may carry shorter coverage (1–3 years).
Warranty registration must be completed within 30 days of installation.

Other Manufacturers’ Shutters

If your shutters were sourced from another manufacturer (e.g., certain storm panels), they are covered by that manufacturer’s product warranty.
Terms vary by brand, and we’ll provide the warranty documentation specific to your shutters at installation.

Important Notes

Visual Issues: Cosmetic concerns (paint chips, alignment, or surface marks) must be reported within 30 days of installation.
Exclusions: Not covered: storm damage, misuse, neglect, improper installation by others, or normal weathering (fading, chalking, surface wear).
Transferability: Both BSS and manufacturer warranties may transfer to a new homeowner if the shutters remain with the property and proper documentation is provided.

This summary is for homeowner guidance. The official BSS Limited Warranty Certificate or applicable manufacturer’s certificate governs in all cases.

View Our Limited Shutter Warranty

When to Call Us

Your shutters are designed to last, but like any mechanical system, they may need attention over time. Contact BSS Exteriors if you notice any of the following:

Shutters that won’t open or close properly: Includes sticking, jamming, or failure to lock in place.
Unusual stiffness or grinding: After initial break-in, shutters should operate smoothly. Ongoing difficulty may signal track or roller issues.
Loose or missing hardware: Screws, bolts, or locking pins that are not secure.
Water intrusion: Leaks or seepage around shutter edges or mounting points.
Panel damage: Cracks, dents, bends, or warping that affect operation or coverage.
Excessive rattling in wind: Light vibration is normal, but loud or persistent rattling may require adjustment.
Finish deterioration: Significant peeling, flaking, or discoloration beyond normal weathering.

How to Reach Us

Buildertrend Homeowner Portal (preferred – fastest service response)
Online Service Form at bssexteriors.com
Phone or Email – always available if needed

Early attention prevents small issues from becoming major problems and helps keep your shutters storm-ready year after year.

Final Note

Storm shutters are one of the most important systems protecting your home during Florida’s storm season. With proper care, they’ll provide years of reliable performance and peace of mind.

Remember:

Lubrication and debris removal are required for warranty coverage.
Surface washing is recommended to preserve the finish but is not mandatory.
Our Annual Shutter Maintenance Program fully satisfies warranty requirements, with an optional deep cleaning add-on if you’d like us to keep your shutters looking their best.
Report cosmetic issues within 30 days of installation.
Always use the Buildertrend Homeowner Portal for the fastest warranty or service response.

Thank you for trusting BSS Exteriors with your storm protection. Whether your shutters were manufactured by us or installed from another trusted partner, we stand behind the workmanship and are here to keep your home ready and protected.