For coastal homes in the Atlantic and Gulf states, June–November brings higher wind and debris risk. Proven opening protection—tested to ASTM E1996 and ASTM E1886—reduces breakage and internal pressurization and can protect against these violent storms. Current model codes reference ASCE 7-22 wind maps, and in Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) products must meet Miami‑Dade TAS 201/202/203 protocols; approvals are verifiable via Florida Product Approval or Miami‑Dade Product Control. The IBHS opening‑protection guidance summarizes what to look for in shutters and impact glazing.
Hurricane shutters are also a budgetable upgrade. Recent national cost guides place typical whole‑home installed costs at about $2,000–$8,000, with many projects clustering around $3,500–$5,500 depending on type, opening sizes, local labor, and permitting (Forbes; HomeAdvisor; Fixr). In many coastal markets, you may qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance premiums when all glazed openings are protected with approved products and verified by inspection; credits apply to the wind portion of the premium and vary by insurer (Florida statute; Citizens mitigation; My Safe Florida Home; South Carolina mitigation law).
In COVID-19 times, preparedness now follows consolidated respiratory‑virus guidance. If you can safely shelter in place, up‑to‑date vaccines, better ventilation/filtration, and situational masking reduce risk during tropical weather alerts (CDC respiratory virus guidance; CDC ventilation). Emergency managers also retain non‑congregate shelter options (e.g., hoteling) for high‑risk evacuees when needed under FEMA’s current policy (FEMA PAPPG v5).
To choose protection that fits your budget and timeline, ask suppliers for itemized bids (materials, labor, permitting, and any electrical work for motorized systems), verify product approvals, and match products to your design pressures and deployment needs. In addition to metal and clear polycarbonate panels, consider modern fabric hurricane screens (lightweight, code‑approved) and, for rapid deployment, motorized roll‑downs with manual override and battery backup (IBHS; cost guide; 2024 IRC).
Types of Hurricane Shutters
Storm Panel Hurricane Shutters
Corrugated storm panels are removable aluminum, galvanized‑steel, or clear polycarbonate boards secured to tracks or anchors around each opening. When listed to ASTM E1996/E1886 (or TAS 201/202/203 in HVHZ) and installed per their approval, they provide low‑cost, code‑compliant protection. Clear panels preserve daylight; upgraded quick‑mount tracks can cut deployment time. Fabric hurricane screens—another removable option—are also widely approved and typically install faster than metal panels while allowing light through (HomeAdvisor; Fixr).
Pros
- Lowest installed cost among code‑approved systems; clear or metal panels typically price well below permanent shutters (Forbes).
- Removable; clear panels maintain daylight and visibility when deployed.
- Commonly stocked in standard sizes; approvals are easy to verify via Florida Product Approval or Miami‑Dade NOA.
Cons
- Deployment/removal before and after each storm; upper‑story work may be unsafe without help.
- Incorrect fastener type/spacing or substrate can void approvals and lead to failure; follow the listing exactly (IRC).
- Storage space needed; metal edges can be sharp; corrosion care is required in coastal salt air.
Average cost: $7–$15 per square foot installed; materials often $5–$10 per square foot (HomeAdvisor; Fixr).
Average storm preparation time: Up to 30 minutes per window
Accordion Hurricane Shutters
Accordion shutters are permanently mounted side‑sliding panels that lock across the opening in minutes. Many systems carry approvals to ASTM E1996/E1886 (or HVHZ TAS) and are well‑suited for wide doors and second‑story windows. Coastal durability improves with marine‑grade powder coatings and 316/316L stainless hardware; annual lubrication and hardware checks help maintain performance and warranties (IBHS).
Pros
- Fast, permanent protection with no storage; practical for multi‑story homes.
- Approvals and design pressures are easy to match to your site; good balance of cost and convenience.
- Can double as security when locked; compatible with egress hardware where required by code.
Cons
- Visible tracks/stacks affect exterior aesthetics.
- Requires periodic cleaning/lubrication; salt‑air corrosion control is essential in coastal zones.
Average cost: $20–$45 per square foot installed (Forbes; Fixr).
Average storm preparation time: 3–5 minutes per window
Colonial Hurricane Shutters
Colonial shutters are side‑hinged units that swing closed and secure with storm bars or bolts. Functional models (not merely decorative) are tested to ASTM E1996/E1886 or HVHZ TAS when latched in storm position. They suit many window sizes while maintaining traditional curb appeal; specify powder‑coated aluminum with corrosion‑resistant fasteners for coastal longevity.
Pros
- Architecturally compatible with many homes; permanent and quick to secure.
- Available with approvals for impact/cyclic pressure; finish options include durable, low‑VOC powder coats.
Cons
- Less optimal for very large spans; some models need center storm bars that add steps during deployment.
- Generally higher per‑square‑foot cost than panels and some accordion systems.
Average cost: $25–$50 per square foot installed (Forbes).
Average storm preparation time: 3–5 minutes per window
Bahama Hurricane Shutters
Bahama (top‑hinged) shutters function as everyday sun shades and secure down for storms. Verified systems carry approvals to ASTM E1996/E1886 or HVHZ TAS; look for upgraded hinges/arms rated for suction loads under ASCE 7‑22 design pressures. Aluminum construction with marine‑grade powder coat and stainless hardware improves service life in salt exposure.
Pros
- Provides daily shade/UV control and privacy; permanent and quick to secure from inside or outside.
- Multiple finishes; corrosion‑resistant packages available for coastal environments.
Cons
- Reduces daylight and view even when propped open, depending on angle and blade spacing.
- Typically not used for doors/large sliders; verify egress and code requirements before installation.
Average cost: $25–$50 per square foot installed (HomeAdvisor).
Average storm preparation time: 2–3 minutes per window
Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters
Rolling shutters descend from a headbox above the opening and can be manual‑crank or motorized. Current systems emphasize end‑retained slats, higher design‑pressure ratings under ASCE 7‑22, and corrosion‑resistant hardware. Motorized units increasingly include quieter, higher‑torque drives, obstacle detection, app‑based control, and “storm mode” presets. Best practice is to specify manual override and battery backup so shutters can be operated during outages (IBHS).
Pros
- Fastest deployment—often seconds per opening; ideal for large spans, patios, and sliders.
- High protection and security; options for smart controls, status monitoring, and battery backup.
- Also provides shading, privacy, and noise reduction when down.
Cons
- Highest cost; motorization and wide spans push pricing upward.
- Requires professional installation and periodic motor/track maintenance; ensure protected power and surge control.
Average cost: $50–$125 per square foot installed; motorized units trend higher (Forbes).
Average storm preparation time: 3–5 minutes per window
Hurricane Glass
Impact‑resistant windows and doors use laminated glass and reinforced frames tested to ASTM E1996/E1886. Properly rated units can withstand a 9‑pound 2‑by‑4 missile at specified speeds without catastrophic breach. They provide continuous protection with no deployment but must be paired with protected doors/garage glazing to achieve “all openings protected” for insurance credits (IBHS; impact window cost guide).
Pros
- No setup before storms; preserves views and daylight year‑round.
- Helps reduce noise and UV; maintains the building envelope after impact to limit internal pressurization.
- When part of an “all openings protected” package, may support insurance wind‑mitigation credits.
Cons
- Higher up‑front cost than most shutters; if cracked under impact, glass still protects but replacement can be expensive.
- Does not address other weak points (e.g., non‑impact doors or unprotected garage‑door glazing).
Average cost: Varies by size and rating; many homes see total project costs in the high four to five figures—see this impact window cost guide for context.
Average storm preparation time: N/A
Plywood
CDX plywood (commonly 5/8‑inch minimum) can be cut and anchored over openings when other solutions are not feasible. It is a temporary measure, often DIY, and generally does not meet code in HVHZ or qualify for insurance credits. Proper anchoring and edge distances are critical; poorly installed panels can increase loss risk (IBHS).
Pros
- Widely available; lowest first cost for basic, short‑term protection.
- DIY‑friendly for some openings when cut and pre‑drilled ahead of time.
Cons
- May result in excessive damages if installed improperly; typically ineligible for insurance credits.
- Time‑consuming to deploy and remove; storage and labeling needed for reuse.
- Not aesthetically pleasing; moisture can degrade panels between uses.
Average cost: $1–$5 per square foot (materials only) (Fixr).
Average storm preparation time: Up to 1 hour per window
Hurricane Shutters Frequently Asked Questions
How much do hurricane shutters cost?
Installed costs depend on the product, opening sizes, design pressures, finish, and whether motorization or electrical work is included. Typical whole‑home projects run about $2,000–$8,000, with many in the $3,500–$5,500 range (Forbes; HomeAdvisor; Fixr). On average, hurricane shutters cost:
- Storm Panel: $7–$15 per square foot (installed)
- Accordion: $20–$45 per square foot
- Colonial: $25–$50 per square foot
- Bahama: $25–$50 per square foot
- Roll-down: $50–$125 per square foot
- Hurricane Glass: varies by size/rating; many whole‑home projects fall in the high four to five figures
- Plywood: $1–$5 per square foot (materials only)
Where can I buy hurricane shutters?
Shop before storm season. In hurricane‑prone regions, buy from dealers who specialize in code‑compliant opening protection and provide documentation: an active Florida Product Approval or Miami‑Dade NOA for Florida/HVHZ, or testing to ASTM E1996/E1886 elsewhere. Ask bidders to match product approvals to your calculated design pressures (ASCE 7‑22), list any electrical work (for motorized roll‑downs), and offer corrosion‑resistant hardware packages. Environmentally, aluminum systems are highly recyclable; prefer powder‑coated finishes and request product or material EPDs when available (ASCE 7‑22; aluminum EPD).
How do I install hurricane shutters?
Some removable systems are DIY for ground‑floor openings; permanent shutters and any HVHZ work typically require permits and professional installation. Code compliance hinges on using the exact anchors, spacings, and substrates shown in the product approval/NOA and ensuring opening design pressures do not exceed the rated values. Maintain at least one operable egress path per bedroom when shutters are deployed, and test manual overrides on motorized units annually (IRC 2024; Florida Product Approval; IBHS guidance).
What’s Next?
Once installed, many types of hurricane shutters will qualify you for a discount on your homeowners insurance. Since the investment in quality hurricane shutters helps minimize damages to your home, a quality homeowners insurance provider reduces your premiums for having them. To qualify for the discount, you may be required to comply with building codes, get an inspection, or take other important steps, so be sure to check with your insurance company on the proper procedure regarding hurricane shutters. In Florida and South Carolina, insurers are required to offer actuarially sound wind‑mitigation credits for verified improvements; credits are applied to the wind/hurricane portion of the premium and are generally awarded only when all glazed openings are protected by approved shutters or impact glazing (Fla. Stat. §627.0629; S.C. Code §38‑75‑755; Citizens; IBHS FORTIFIED). Plywood and decorative/non‑rated shutters generally do not qualify. Keep permits, approval/NOA numbers, and invoices; your insurer or state program (e.g., My Safe Florida Home) may require verification to apply credits.
