Types of Hurricane Shutters provide essential protection against severe storms, ensuring the safety of your property. This guide covers a variety of hurricane shutters, each offering unique benefits to cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re considering Storm Panels, Accordion, Colonial, Bahama, or Roll-Down Shutters, understanding their features can help you make an informed decision. For a 2025 snapshot from national cost guides, typical installed ranges are: storm panels about $10–$20 per sq ft, accordion around $15–$25, Bahama roughly $20–$35, colonial about $30–$45 per sq ft (wider $20–$50 depending on options), and roll-down approximately $30–$60 per sq ft (Forbes Home; Angi; Fixr). Regardless of type, code compliance is shown through ASTM E1996 and ASTM E1886 (or Miami-Dade TAS 201/202/203 in Florida’s HVHZ), and insurers/programs like IBHS FORTIFIED recognize qualifying opening protection. Innovations to watch in 2024–2025 include motorized roll-downs with battery/solar backup and app-based controls that allow operation during outages (Somfy RS100 Solar io), plus upgraded coastal finishes/hardware aligned to FGIA/AAMA 2605 for durability.
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Storm Panel Hurricane Shutters
Storm Panel Hurricane Shutters are the most economical code-recognized option for impact protection. Common materials include galvanized steel (heaviest and least expensive), aluminum (lighter and corrosion-resistant), and clear UV-stabilized polycarbonate that preserves daylight and visibility during a storm; high‑strength fabric/screen systems are also widely accepted when tested and approved. Performance is demonstrated by compliance with ASTM E1996 and ASTM E1886, and in Florida’s HVHZ jurisdictions by TAS 201/202/203. Homeowner resources note that clear polycarbonate and fabric systems can meet these impact standards when properly installed—see IBHS guidance. In 2024–2025, input costs for steel and aluminum were comparatively stable versus the 2021–2022 spikes, helping keep panel pricing predictable (BLS/FRED Steel PPI; BLS/FRED Aluminum PPI). Learn more.
One major advantage is their affordability, with typical installed costs about $10–$20 per square foot in 2025 and small-home packages commonly totaling about $1,500–$5,000 depending on opening count and complexity (Forbes Home; Angi). Material-only differentials (excluding tracks/fasteners) frequently run about $2.50–$4.50/sq ft for galvanized steel, $4.00–$6.50/sq ft for aluminum, and $7.00–$12.00/sq ft for clear UV‑stabilized polycarbonate, with tracks/headers/anchors adding roughly $1–$3/sq ft in material cost; local labor and permitting often drive installed totals (Forbes Home; Angi). Despite the low cost, panels provide robust protection when installed per ASTM E1996/E1886 and, in Florida’s HVHZ, under Miami‑Dade TAS protocols; clear polycarbonate and fabric screens are viable when supported by current approvals (IBHS). However, they require proper storage and can be time‑consuming to install. Storm Preparation Tips
Accordion Hurricane Shutters
Accordion Hurricane Shutters are valued for rapid, on-demand deployment with no storage needs. To keep them reliable—especially in coastal exposure—follow a proactive maintenance program: after storms, rinse tracks and hardware with fresh water and clear debris; clean finishes with mild, pH‑neutral detergent per architectural aluminum guidance; and lubricate rollers, interlocking blades, and guide rails with dry silicone or PTFE, avoiding petroleum greases/oils that trap grit (FEMA coastal fact sheets; IBHS; Linetec aluminum care). Inspect fasteners/tracks at least annually for corrosion or loosening; replace deteriorated hardware with stainless (316 preferred in marine zones) and keep drains/weep paths clear (SSINA stainless care).
While they offer strong protection and quick deployment, accordion systems require periodic function tests (cycle fully open/closed quarterly near coasts) and an annual pre‑season inspection by a qualified contractor. Typical installed costs are about $15–$25 per square foot in national guides (Forbes Home; Angi). For code compliance and insurance credits, verify that products are qualified to ASTM E1996/E1886 and, where applicable, carry a current Miami‑Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval; installation must follow the approval’s specific fasteners, spans, and substrates.
Colonial Hurricane Shutters
Colonial Hurricane Shutters blend traditional curb appeal with verified impact protection when specified as rated, two-panel side-hinged units that close over the window. Compliant products document performance via ASTM E1996/E1886, and in Florida’s HVHZ they are installed under TAS 201/202/203 with a current Miami‑Dade NOA or statewide Florida Product Approval to streamline permitting and insurance credits.
Despite their beauty, hurricane-rated colonial shutters carry higher installed prices, commonly about $30–$45 per square foot (with a wider ~$20–$50 band depending on finish, hardware, access, and region). As an example, a 3 ft × 5 ft (15 sq ft) window would total roughly $450–$675 at midrange pricing (Fixr; Forbes Home; Angi; BobVila). Wider openings may require storm bars or reinforced hardware as prescribed by the product approval.
Bahama Hurricane Shutters
Bahama Hurricane Shutters are stylish and functional, providing shade, privacy, and storm protection. Impact- and code-compliant Bahama models are increasingly mainstream, pairing extruded aluminum frames and marine-grade stainless hardware with high-performance 70% PVDF finishes (AAMA/FGIA 2605) for coastal durability (FGIA 2605). As exterior window attachments, properly positioned adjustable louvers can reduce solar heat gain while admitting diffuse daylight—an approach supported by DOE Energy Saver and LBNL window attachment research. When intended for hurricane use, select models documented to meet ASTM E1886/E1996 and use Miami‑Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval where applicable; recognition by IBHS FORTIFIED supports insurance incentives in some markets.
They offer credible protection when rated and installed per approvals, and adjustable louvers can balance airflow with rain and sun control. Typical installed costs are about $20–$35 per square foot, varying by size, finish, hardware grade, and access; verify current approvals and design pressures for the site before purchase (Forbes Home; Fixr). For long-term coastal performance, specify extruded aluminum with AAMA/FGIA 2605-class PVDF finishes and 316 stainless hinges/fasteners.
Explore the best hurricane shutters for your needs and protect your home effectively. Verify that products meet ASTM E1996 and ASTM E1886, and in Florida’s HVHZ, use products with Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval. Programs such as IBHS FORTIFIED recognize compliant opening protection and may support insurance incentives. Emerging innovations for 2024–2025 include smarter, motorized roll‑down systems with battery/solar backup and connected controls that enable operation during power outages (solar/battery motors), stronger end‑retention and auto‑locking tracks to meet TAS/ASTM pressures, and improved coastal coatings/hardware longevity aligned to FGIA 2605. For more information, visit Hurricane Protection Solutions.
