StormWatch in North Palm Beach has come up with a twist on typically utilitarian storm shutters: aesthetically pleasing high impact-resistant fabric shutters that roll up into an attractive holder.

It's sort of like a window shade for hurricanes that is invisible during the 99.9 percent of the time it's not in use. (The cost is $10 to $12.50 a square foot, plus permits and installation, which isn't' radically different from the cost of aluminum panels.)

A patent-pending border clamp holds the shutter firmly in place and distributes the stress evenly. It does away with the need for grommets, snaps, pins, and other fasteners.

"Citizens Property Insurance Corp. - and probably others - will be requiring openings protection for homes valued at $750,000 and more, so we knew we needed something more attractive and easier to deploy than what was already available for the upscale market," StormWatch co-founder Meridith Anzulis said.

The mesh fabric shutters can protect patios, porches, porticos and other larger areas that are frequently too big for accordion shutters or metal rollups.

"We have a strong focus on aesthetics, can color match to the structure, are certified by the Florida Building Commission and approved for use statewide, including the high-velocity hurricane zone," Anzulis said.

Mesh and clear panels are a new addition to hurricane protection. They allow us front-row seating for the most exhilarating of hurricanes, while the see-through fabric shutters are perfect for protecting your windows and sliding glass doors from pressure and debris.

Easy to install and uninstall, there are no sharp edges to cut your hands, and they can be rolled up for storage. Impact rated for "large missiles" according to the StormWatch web site, these panels are certified for up to 150mph winds and approved for use statewide.

The clear panel forever eliminates the feeling of being sealed into a tin can during a hurricane. These panels are also ideal for patios or overhangs adjacent to a patio, allowing the homeowner additional living space while waiting for the storm to pass.

In the western communities, these panels have become popular in stables and riding arenas, offering protection from the high winds and flying debris.

Clear fabric hurricane shutters by StormWatch allow a home's occupants to look out through protected windows. Those who lived through six weeks of hurricanes in 2004 recall the claustrophobia of living for extended periods in homes with shuttered windows.

The shutters are attached with a border clamp (no grommets, no stitched attachment points). That allows the manufacturer to use less fiber-dense fabrics, like the clear fabric.

Suggested retail for the clear fabric shutters is $12 per square foot plus installation and permits.

New hurricane product will debut at show

StormWatch Clear Fabric Hurricane Shutters are new to the market this hurricane season, and will debut as a certified hurricane shutter at the West Palm Beach Home & Garden Show in the Shut-It-Up booth.

The shutters are made of clear fabric, which are certified by the Florida Building Commission for use statewide, including the High Velocity Hurricane Zone of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. They will withstand 150 mph winds.

Trimmed with a UV-resistant fabric cover to protect them from the sun, the clear fabric allows light to come in while enabling the homeowner to see out. Dozens of standard and thousands of custom colors allow color-matches to complement the decor of any home.

Additionally, the patent-pending border clamp grips the entire edge of the fabric with a mechanical device, rather than point loading the fabric with grommets or sewn attachments points. The rigid border clamp makes it easy for homeowners to roll up even large patio shutters and store them in place year-round.