Homes and businesses need security and protection in place that will stop or deter intruders from entering the space. Installing rolling shutters on windows and doors is one of the best ways to do this without breaking the bank. While the name might not imply high durability, these window treatments have been shown to prevent and limit burglary and vandalism. In this blog, we will dive deeper into how rolling shutters truly protect your home and other benefits you may see from installing these specific window treatments. 

Psychology Of Deterrence

One of the biggest reasons that rolling shutters are recommended by security experts is that it is visible and a physical barrier. Psychological deterrence is a perceived difficulty or a discouragement to people who want to engage in unwanted or harmful behaviors. Rolling shutters can help stop some intruders from targeting homes and high-risk buildings because it may take them longer to penetrate the space or remain anonymous. The longer it takes someone to break into your home or business, the higher the risk of being caught, so a physical barrier may deter many people from even trying. 

Physical Barrier

If psychological deterrence didn’t work and an intruder still tries to enter the building, rolling shutters are designed to provide more heavy-duty protection than other exterior window treatments. While no security measure is 100% foolproof, this tangible barrier will take longer to remove, break, or unlock than other traditional security methods. The longer it takes to break a security barrier, the longer homeowners or witnesses have to call the authorities, notice someone trying to break in, or have intruders detected by cameras. Since windows and doors are the most common areas for break-ins, putting these locking shades over them is another layer intruders will have to go through to access valuables. 

Built To Withstand Force

Unlike traditional window treatments made of plastic or wood, rolling shutters are made of durable materials like steel and aluminum. The rolling slats are interlocking, which creates a strong solid wall of metal. They also come with options for different locking methods that can be either triggered manually or motorized deployment. Putting force on rolling shutters won’t cause them to buckle or break easily, which has been shown to deter up to 95% of break-ins as the window treatments are severly off putting. 

A Shield Against Vandalism

Shutters can be placed on the outside of your windows, which can also help deter vandalism and graffiti. Vandalism can really affect the appearance and operation of a business, setting them back from other improvements or limiting operating days in order to clean up the graffiti or repaint the exterior. Rolling shutters provide a shield that will prevent spray paint, etching, or blunt forces from damaging your building or merchandise. When damage does occur, the exterior shutter panel is easier to replace than brick or stone and saves time on cleaning or pressure washing. 

Extra Protection While You Are Away

If you are heading out on vacation, a business trip, or locking up the business for the day, rolling shutters provide protection while you are away. Stepping away from your property can be daunting, especially if you have invested tons of money into the space or merchandise. Motorized options can help bring you peace of mind if you happen to be away without a plan or for an emergency. You can control them remotely or have them set on a timer to close and lock at specific times of the day. 

Rolling Shutters And Other Products From Kool Breeze

Our team at Kool Breeze has been offering coverings and window solutions since 1947. Our products can help enhance your home or business in many different ways, including helping you to enjoy your outdoor space during all seasons, limiting the amount of sunlight in your home, and improving insulation. Kool Breeze has multiple options for rolling shutters, including residential, commercial, hurricane, and fire-rated options. 

Whether you own a home or a business, choosing the right window treatments can be the perfect final touch on the space. Other additions to a home, including patio covers and enclosed rooms, will add value to the space while also providing benefits that make modern living more comfortable. If you are looking for a company that prioritizes quality and efficient service, reach out to Kool Breeze to get started.

Any addition to your home is a worthwhile investment, but homes located in an HOA community may have more hoops to jump through to get a project approved. Navigating the approval process for a patio or sunroom build may seem daunting, but homes across the states can get HOA approval if they take the right steps. If you are dreaming of outdoor hangouts or a cozy sunroom reading space, here are some insights on how to successfully get approval for your project in an HOA community.

The HOA Approval Process

Every state and community will have a different HOA approval process. Understanding your specific architectural and measurement requirements for your area is the best way to ensure your project gets the green light. Many communities will only allow certain materials, have strict height and size requirements, and design requirements that ensure it matches your home. 

The most common steps for getting a patio or sunroom approved by an HOA include:

• Filling out your city’s application for a home addition
• Professional architectural drawings
• Renderings of what the final product will look like
• Submitting color and material samples
• Obtaining a building permit
• Signed affidavits from neighbors informing them of noise and construction

Getting A Professional Sketch

A sketch of the proposed build is often essential for obtaining a building permit and getting HOA approval. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not paying for professional architectural plans for their patio or sunroom. Professional quality documentation is one of the best ways to get HOA approval for any project around or in your home. 

Getting a professional architectural drawing will show detailed information, including site plans and exact dimensions. Architectural drawings are more detailed than hand-drawn sketches will ever be, which may put HOA boards at ease and show them that true professionals are completing the patio or sunroom build.

Materials That May Face HOA Challenges

One challenge of working with an HOA is that they have requirements about what materials can be used for home construction and home additions. If you have your heart set on one of these materials, you may want to consider choosing a different option to get your project approved quickly. 

One of the materials that often gets blocked by HOA committees is brightly colored materials. This is because it often stands out from the home and the rest of the meticulously maintained community. Bright paint colors or extremely reflective materials will not be approved for a patio or sunroom.

Portable structures or temporary builds will also not be approved for these communities, because these temporary structures are not made of quality materials or crafted to match the exterior of your home. Builds of any kind will often need to have matching trim, colors, and materials to the home in order to keep the community looking cohesive.

Other unapproved materials include untreated or stained wood and aluminum without proper finishing. 

Approved Materials

The best way to get your patio cover or sunroom project approved is to choose a material or materials that fit the specific requirements of your HOA. Some common materials that get approval include:

• Aluminum or Alumawood
• Vinyl or composite
• Insulated patio covers
• Acrylic
• Shingled roofs

An addition that is attached to the home must often match the materials of your home, including the roofing material and exterior siding. If finding matching materials is proving challenging, contact builders and contractors that completed work in your community. They may be able to provide insight on manufacturers or distributors that carry those products.

Tips To Help Convince Your HOA To Approve Your Project

Maintaining a positive relationship and keeping up communication with your HOA committee is the best way to get your project approved. Great communication and responding promptly to any information requests will help you build trust with the HOA and improve your chances of getting the build approved. 

Taking a more collaborative approach when presenting a project to the community board is the best way to get approval. Show up for board meetings where your project is being discussed and be adaptable if the HOA requests you to change something.

Patio And Sunroom Installation From Our Professionals

Kool Breeze has been working with Utah homes and communities for years, handling different permits and HOA boards. Our patio covers and sunroom builds are made from durable materials that are often HOA-approved to help keep your home looking pristine and modern. Kool Breeze offers a number of coverings that can help you enjoy your backyard space, have a more energy-efficient home, and protect from intruders. 

Since 1947, we have been crafting enclosed rooms, covers, and awnings that will last for generations. Our builders can create the perfect ambiance for outdoor gatherings or family time. See some of our thousands of successful projects and book your project today! 

Grilling during the summer months is a favorite pastime for many people. Memories of family gatherings, late-night hangouts with friends, or cooking for your own family often come with grilling. The patio is the most common place to grill and host a gathering, but is it safe to use Traeger grills or another grill under a covered patio? Covered patios can provide shade during hot summer days and better protection for long outdoor gatherings, but are they safe to grill under? Here are some special precautions and tips you should keep in mind when using a Traeger grill under a covered patio. 

Place The Grill A Safe Distance From Flammable Materials

One of the first cautionary steps to take is to think about the placement of the grill or smoker. Creating a safe distance between your Traeger grill and flammable materials is the best way to protect your patio and home from accidents. Keep the grill away from patio furniture, curtains, overhanging trees, or unsealed wood to prevent overheating and fires. Especially during windy nights, angle your grill away from the wind and away from these fragile materials. 

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Covered patios may often be enclosed or partially enclosed, meaning that homeowners will need to think about proper ventilation. Insulated patio covers will also need ventilation to help air flow through the space while grilling. Your Traeger grill should also be equipped with proper ventilation to prevent inhaling smoke or gas fumes while cooking. If your patio area lacks good ventilation, grilling can be dangerous or uncomfortable as smoke, odors, and harmful gases can fill the space quickly. 

Monitor Temperature Levels

When grilling under a covered patio or out in the open, it is important to pay attention to the temperature of your grill. Monitoring temperature levels ensures they stay in a safe range, avoiding damage to internal components of the grill, injury to the person using the grill, or damage to the surrounding materials. High temperatures significantly increase the risk of fires in enclosed areas. When you notice the temperature quickly rising, move the grill to a better-ventilated area or shut it off to cool down and better control the cooking process.

Never Leave The Traeger Unattended

It takes just one second for a fire to start, so leaving the grill unattended for even a moment could lead to catastrophes. Stay close to the Traeger grill or other cooking surface so you can react quickly if an emergency were to occur. If you have to step away from the grill, ask someone else to watch the food and grill while you are preoccupied. Take extra time to prep your food inside before starting the grill, avoiding the need to step away and risk accidents. 

Regularly Clean Your Grill

Grills can easily collect buildup after multiple uses, especially as food particles or oils drip down into the grill. Clean the grill after each use or after every other use to prevent charcoal and grease buildup that can increase the risk of a grease fire. In order to keep your grill healthy for food and clean to prevent fires, it is best to utilize special grill tools or cleaners. These tools or branded cleaners will prevent damage to your Traeger grill or other cooking components. 

Be Mindful Of Weather

Even after you have taken all of these precautionary steps, the weather conditions around your home are something you will not be able to control. High heat or wind may make it even more dangerous to use your grill under a patio cover or near combustible materials. Windy days can cause smoke to blow back into the patio area, making it unsafe or uncomfortable for those sitting there. High humidity or heat can cause temperature fluctuations that could make fires spark more easily. Stay on top of weather conditions before firing up the Traeger grill and while making your meal. 

Traeger Products And Covered Patio Options From Kool Breeze

Kool Breeze offers custom patio cover options for homes in Utah, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space through many different seasons. In addition to patio building, we also offer Traeger grills and accessories. If you have been looking for ways to upgrade your entertainment space and make your patio the place to gather, investing in patio covers and Traeger grills are just a few ways to do that. 

Our team offers the most practical and environmentally sound option when it comes to patios, carports, and sunrooms. Our products are made from green materials that help to preserve the surrounding environment while remaining durable. Choose Kool Breeze if you want to have higher quality, peace of mind about the structural integrity of your build, and superior customer service. Contact us to get started today!