Protecting your home in Southwest Florida does not have to cost you a fortune. Eurex Shutters PTX™ Accordion Shutters are strong, easy to use, and can be deployed in minutes. They offer strong hurricane protection that will not break the bank. That is why we think accordion shutters might just be the ultimate value shutter when it comes to protecting your home in Florida.
In this article we will talk about what accordions are and compare them to all other styles of storm shutters. By the end of this post you will know how they work and if they are a good option for your home.
What are Accordion Shutters
Accordion shutters are a type of hurricane-rated, permanent storm shutters. They can be used to protect your windows, doors, and other large openings from both wind and flying debris. The shutters open and close by sliding along horizontal tracks. The individual fins compress and expand, similar to the musical instrument (the accordion). When they are not in use, they fold away neatly on the sides of the opening.
These shutters are often referred to as the “best’ (overall) or “best value” shutters because they are:
- Quick and easy to use – the average person can deploy an entire home worth of accordion shutters in about 15 minutes
- Neat in terms of their appearance – they tuck away nicely on the side of the openings when not in use, which minimizes their appearance on your home
- A mid-priced option
All this means they offer a ton of convenience and performance for a lower price vs some other types of shutters.
In other words, they provide a lot of value or bang for the buck. This begs the question, are Accordion Shutters the ultimate value shutter?
We will let you decide as we compare them to each of the other shutter styles.
Accordions vs Other Shutter Styles
There are a lot of different types of hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida. From Bahama shutters to roll downs and Colonial shutters to hurricane fabric. So how do Accordions compare vs each of them? And are accordions actually the ultimate value shutter?
Below we compare accordions to other popular styles of shutters. This is meant to be a “high-level” comparison. You can click on each of the links to find out more about each of the other shutter styles.
Accordion Shutters Compared to Bahama Shutters
Bahama shutters are a type of decorative hurricane shutter. They are ideal for coastal homes and those homes with a tropical design vibe. At the same time, they offer hurricane-rated storm protection. They also double as exterior window covers; they are always affixed over your windows at an (adjustable) angle.
Compared to accordion shutters, Bahama shutters are always visible on your home, and are more decorative in nature. They also offer permanent shade.
On the other hand, accordions are not considered a decorative shutter. They are not meant to be decorative. They also do not cover your windows/doors when not in use, so they do not provide shade.
Accordions offer just as much storm protection, equal or higher convenience, and a lower price tag vs Bahama shutters. In turn, if your priority is aesthetics then the Bahama shutters might be a better fit. If your priority is storm protection, convenience, and value (but not as much aesthetics), the Accordions may be a better fit.
Accordions Shutters Compared to Colonial Shutters
Colonial shutters are another decorative storm shutter. They are hurricane-rated and also offer great looks for Southern and traditional style homes.
Colonial shutters are not the hardest shutters to deploy compared to options like storm shutters or plywood. However, compared to accordions they are more time consuming and less convenient to deploy. This is mainly because they require a storm bar to secure them, and can be a bit cumbersome in a rush.
In terms of cost, accordions are priced lower than Colonial shutters. In turn, by choosing accordion shutters you will get a combination of price, protection, and ease of use.
With that being said, some homes are a great fit for Colonial shutters. The decision will come down to your preferences and your budget.
Accordions Shutters Compared to Rolling Shutters
Roll Down shutters are sleek, making them ideal for modern homes with clean lines. They are also extremely easy to deploy, and offer multiple benefits, such as acting as security shutters as well. You can deploy an average size house’s accordions in no time with automatic roll-downs. However, the time it takes to deploy manual roll downs is pretty comparable to accordions. Accordions might even have a bit of an edge.
Accordions have a clean appearance. But they are not as sleek as roll-downs. In other words, they are more visible.
However, accordions come in at a lower price point.
In summary, accordions are comparable to manual roll down shutters in terms of convenience. They both offer excellent storm protection. Roll downs have a sleeker, more minimalistic appearance. Accordions have a lower price point.
If you are looking for a good balance of protection and convenience at a mid-range price tag then Accordions may be a good fit.
If you are looking for hurricane and security protection plus a sleeker design then roll downs might be a good fit.
And if you want automatic shutters, then automatic roll downs are your only choice.
Accordions Shutters Compared to Storm Panels
Rigid storm panels are the most difficult shutter type when it comes to preparing your home. In other words, they take the longest time (and require the most effort) to put up and take down.
If you prefer a faster and easier way to prepare your home then accordions are a better option. They cost more, but for the extra cost you get a much easier to use shutter with more functionality.
Benefits of Accordion Shutters
Accordion shutters are an upgrade over options like storm panels. They have many benefits, even compared to more premium options. These benefits, at their price point are why many people call them the ultimate value shutter.
We look at the benefits of accordions and do our best to compare these benefits relative to other shutters.
Hurricane Protection Performance
Our PTX™ Accordion Shutters have Florida Product Approval. They meet (and exceed) Florida Building Code (FBC) standards. And they are available in High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) approved versions. In simple terms, they can withstand very high winds and intense impacts.
So they will provide excellent hurricane protection.
However, all of our Eurex Shutters are hurricane-rated (except for clamshells). They all meet the FBC and have Florida Product Approval.
So while impressive on its own it is no different than any of our other storm protection products.
Security Protection
Accordion shutters come with available locking mechanisms. This means you can close and lock your shutters over each and every entry point of your home.
This is great for leaving your home unattended, such as if you evacuate.
At the same time, these are not true security shutters like Roll-down shutters are. You could use them as such if you really wanted to, but that is not their intention. But they do offer solid security for your home when you are not there for a budget friendly price.
With that being said, you should go with roll downs if you want to open and close them and lock them in place frequently.
Aesthetics (How they Look)
Compared to other shutters, roll-down hurricane shutters have the sleekest, lowest-profile design. This makes them seamless and near invisible when retracted (open). This makes them perfect if you want to limit visual clutter on your home’s exterior.
So if you want shutters that are sleek and have a minimal appearance Roll-downs are great.
Now this may not be what you are looking for.
For instance, Bahama and Colonial shutters are decorative in nature. If you want a tropical vibe Bahama shutters are a good fit. And Colonial shutters are perfect to maintain your home’s traditional or Southern design.
In summary, the style of the shutters will depend on your preferences.
Do Not Break the Bank
Accordions are priced as a “mid-price” option.
They will cost you less than premium options like Roll-Downs, Colonial Shutters, and Bermuda Shutters. At the same time, they offer many benefits similar to or greater than many of those options.
They will cost you more than lower-tier options like storm panels or hurricane fabric. At the same time, they offer much more benefits, convenience, and ease of use vs all of those options.
Are Accordion Shutters the Ultimate Value Shutter for You?
Accordion shutters are a good fit for many homeowners in Florida. This is why they are one of the most popular types of hurricane shutters in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and other areas of SWFL. The biggest reason why is their bang-for-the buck. In other words, they offer a ton of benefits for a reasonable price (they offer a ton of value).
Here are some reasons why accordion shutters may be the ultimate value in hurricane shutters:
- Mid-tier price point, lower cost than roll downs, Bahama shutters, Colonial shutters, and impact windows
- Lots of convenience and ease of use – they are quick and relatively easy to deploy when compared to most shutter options
- Clean appearance on the exterior of your home helps minimize their visual impact
- Excellent hurricane protection
These shutters are a great combination of convenience and value. They offer easy to deploy protection for Florida’s unpredictable and often destructive weather patterns. And we, like many others believe they may be the best value when it comes to hurricane shutters.
Are you ready to upgrade your Florida home with low-profile, high-performance storm protection? Contact Eurex Shutters for expert installation of custom roll-down hurricane shutters. Fill out the form to get a free estimate and start your project today.
Best in class performance, technology & warranty
- Meet and Exceed Current Florida Building Code
- Custom, highest quality hurricane shutters
- Up to 20 year limited warranty
