Shopping for hurricane shutters? Considering roll down hurricane shutters vs storm panels? Then this article is perfect for you. Eurex Shutters installs, repairs and maintains both of these products in Southwest Florida. So be assured this is an unbiased comparison of the two types.
Our goal for this article is to provide you with all the information you need to make a decision between the two. We want you to be able to select the style of hurricane shutter that is best for you. These two types are polar opposites, but it is still useful to compare them if you are unsure which is better.
We will compare the two types of protective, exterior shutters in the following areas:
- Protection
- Aesthetics (attractiveness)
- Convenience (ease of use)
- Features & functionality
- Storage requirements
- Initial cost
- Cost of ownership
But first, we provide a quick overview of each shutter so you know exactly what they are.
You may also be interested in: Impact Resistant Windows vs. Hurricane Shutters?
Roll Down Shutters
Roll down hurricane shutters are permanent hurricane shutters that are typically installed on the exterior of your home. They can also be hidden in some instances. Roll downs open and close by rolling up and down, either manually or automatically via electric motors.
Learn more about Eurex Shutters PTX Roll Down Hurricane Shutters.
Storm Panels
If you live in the Fort Myers/Cape Coral FL area you have surely seen these on several houses. They are also referred to as hurricane panels.
Storm panels are a type of non-permanent hurricane shutter that are also installed on the exterior of your home. They are non-permanent, exterior shutters. So they need to be installed and uninstalled before and after every storm.
Learn more about Eurex Shutters PTX Storm Panels.
Comparison: Roll Down Shutters vs Storm Panels
Below we compare roll down shutters vs storm panels in each area. The table provides a quick, visual overview. And we discuss each area in detail below. We also include a conclusion for each area.
So let’s get started.
Protection
Roll down shutters
All of Eurex Shutters‘ storm shutters are rated to withstand up to a category 5 hurricane. This includes our roll down shutters. In turn, they are excellent for storm protection. They are also commonly used as security shutters. You can deploy them very quickly so they could be used daily if you desire. So they are all around excellent at protecting your home, condo, office or business.
Storm panels
Storm panels are also rated to withstand up to a category 5 hurricane so they are also great for storm protection. Some folks use them as security protection when they leave their house attended. But they are not intended for such use. In fact, we don’t recommended to leave storm panels on an inhabited property because of safety concerns. In turn, they really aren’t a good option for security protection unless you can assure your home is (and will be) vacant.
Conclusion
Both options offer a high level of storm protection. But roll down shutters offer more all around protection. This includes both storm and security protection.
Aesthetics (attractiveness)
Roll down shutters
Rolling shutters have a sleek, euro design. And you can pick from a number of standard colors. When not in use they tuck away cleanly in the housing above your window, door, etc. When closed they have a cleaner (minimalistic) look compared to many other shutter types. You can also choose to do a hidden shutter installation with these. This allows you to hide the housing so it is not visible when they are open.
Storm panels
Storm panels offer good protection at a low relative cost. But one of their downsides is their appearance. They are corrugated metal/aluminum panels or polycarbonate clear plastic panels. They are not known for being attractive. But in their defense, they are not intended to be attractive either.
Conclusion
Roll down shutters are the clear choice if you are looking for a hurricane shutter that does not detract from your home.
Convenience (ease of use)
Roll down shutters
Ease of use and convenience is where roll down hurricane shutters shine. They can be deployed quickly and easily. This is true for manual roll down shutters. And it is especially true for automatic rolling shutters. The latter can be opened and closed with the touch of a button inside your home. Eurex Shutters offers the TaHomA System app on your mobile phone for ultimate convenience.
Storm panels
Storm panels have several benefits, but convenience is not one of them. This is because storm panels need to be installed and uninstalled before and after every storm. The installation can be a time intensive process that may take 2-3 days to complete if you don’t have a team. It also requires a few capable hands to install. Metal and aluminum panels can be heavy. And they can be difficult to carry and install by yourself. And yes, you can hire companies such as ours to do storm panel installation. But this is an additional cost you will need to budget for.
Learn more about how to How to Install Hurricane Shutters Panels on Your Home in Southwest Florida.
Conclusion
Roll down shutters are the clear cut winner in the convenience category. Both manual and automatic roll up shutters are convenient and easy to deploy. Storm shutters will most likely require a few days and some helping hands to install. Or you can pay someone to install them for you.
Features & functionality
Roll down shutters
Roll down shutters offer a high level of functionality. They are hurricane shutters, but they can also be used as security shutters. They are also great for shade, UV protection and privacy due to their ability to open, close and adjust easily. Not only can you adjust the height, but you can also adjust the opening of the slats. This means you can do a lot with them. For example, you can close your rolling shutters and open the slats to allow air to flow through.
Storm panels
Storm panels’ functionality is limited to storm protection. It is not recommended to leave them installed. As such, they should be used to protect your home during a storm and removed after.
Conclusion
Roll down shutters offer a lot of functionality. Storm panels’s functionality is limited to storm protection.
Storage requirements
Roll down shutters
Roll down shutters are permanent shutters. They are always installed on your home. This means you don’t have to worry about storing them in your home, garage, etc.
Storm panels
Storm panels need to be stored and accessible for when they are needed. Most individuals store them in their garage, lanai, sheds or a storage unit. Depending on the size of your home (and the number of doors/windows) they may require a good amount of storage space.
Conclusion
Storm panels require storage. Roll down shutters do not. If your home does not have room to store them then storm panels might not be a good option.
Initial cost
Roll down shutters
Roll down shutters are excellent in terms of storm protection, security protection. They are packed with features, offer many benefits and are easy to use. Due to these attributes they are considered a premium hurricane shutter. As such, they are priced on the higher end.
Storm panels
Storm panels don’t offer all the bells and whistles. And they take some effort to install and uninstall. But they are the most affordable option if you are on a tight budget or just don’t want to spend much.
Conclusion
Storm panels can be purchased at a budget friendly price. Roll down shutters are a premium option with lots of features and a higher price tag. For some the convenience and other benefits of roll downs are worth it. But if you are looking for a low cost option without all the bells and whistles then storm panels are a good choice.
Find out the cost of both types in our guide on Hurricane Shutters Cost.
Cost of ownership
Roll down shutters
In order to ensure your roll down shutters operate smoothly you will need to maintain them. They are similar to a garage door or other window/door coverings that move on a rail. They do require maintenance over time to keep them working smoothly and properly. With proper maintenance your rolling shutters should be dependable for a long time.
Storm panels
The cost of ownership for panels depends on your willingness/ability to install them and your ability to store them. If you install your own storm panels and have a place to store them then they are cheap to own. However, if you can’t/don’t want to install them yourself you will need to pay a company to do it. Similarly, if you don’t have a place to store them you will need to pay for a storage unit. And those costs can add up over time.
Conclusion
Roll down shutters need to be maintained on a regular basis. They may also require repairs over time. Storm panels can either be cheap to own or fairly expensive. This depends on two things. First, will you install them yourself or will you need to pay a company to install them? Second, do you have space at home to store them, or will you need to rent a storage unit.
Conclusion: Roll Down Shutters vs Storm Panels
Roll down hurricane shutters and storm panels are two types of hurricane shutters. They are both great for storm protection purposes, but that is really where the comparison ends. Rolling shutters are a premium option with many features, a lot of convenience, and a premium price tag. Storm panels, on the other end are an economical option great for those with their budget in mind. But the lower price tag comes with limited features and a low level of convenience.
It is always a good idea to see the different styles of hurricane shutters in person. At the least, it is a great idea to talk to an expert about your options. This way you can find the option that’s best for you. We would love to help. Feel free to visit us at our showroom or fill out our quick form below.
