Need hurricane shutters? Considering Accordion 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 we won’t try to sell one vs the other. In other words, rest assured this is an unbiased comparison of the two types.
Our main goal for this article is to give you all the information you need to make a buying decision. This comparison guide should help you select the style of hurricane shutter that is best for you. These two style is pretty different, but it is still useful to compare them if you are still unsure which kind to buy.
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: Roll Down vs Accordion Hurricane Shutters
Accordion Hurricane Shutters
Accordion hurricane shutters are permanent hurricane shutters typically made of aluminum. They are installed on the exterior of your home. Accordion shutters open and close by compressing and expanding the shutters’ fins. It is similar to how an accordion expands to open and contracts (gets smaller). You can also imagine them opening and closing by gliding along a track left and right.
When open, accordion shutters tuck away cleanly in a housing on the side of your windows, doors, etc. When you need to deploy them you can close and lock them in place.
Learn more about Eurex Shutters PTX Accordion Shutters.
Storm Panels
You have surely definitely seen storm panels around Southwest Florida on many houses, condos and other buildings. They are also referred to as hurricane panels. And if you don’t know them by name we can guarantee you know what they look like. They are the corrugated panels frequently seen covering windows and doors during hurricanes. Clear, polycarbonate hurricane panels are another option of panel. These are made from a tough plastic called polycarbonate.
Storm panels are non-permanent hurricane shutters. What does this mean? They do not stay on your house permanently. This means they need to be installed and uninstalled before and after every storm.
Learn more about Eurex Shutters PTX Storm Panels.
Comparison: Accordion Hurricane Shutters vs Storm Panels
Below we compare accordion hurricane 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 start the comparison.
Protection
Accordion hurricane shutters
All of Eurex Shutters‘ storm shutters are rated to withstand up to a category 5 hurricane. All also meet and exceed the current Florida Building Code. Accordion hurricane shutters included. You can theoretically use accordion shutters for security protection as they do have a locking mechanism. However, they are really designed for storm protection vs security protection.
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 install them to add security when they leave their house unattended. But they are not intended and really shouldn’t be used for that purpose. We don’t recommended you leave storm panels on an inhabited property because it creates safety issues. 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 of these options provide great storm protection.
Aesthetics (attractiveness)
Accordion hurricane shutters
Accordion shutters tuck away cleanly in a relatively thin housing on the side of your windows, doors, etc. You made also be able to hide them in some applications (dependent on the installation).
Just to note, the fins of the accordion shutters form somewhat of a V (or W) shape when they are closed. They do not “sit” flat.
Accordion shutters can be designed to match the exterior of your home nicely. They are offered in a number of standard colors to match the exterior of your home. You can also opt for custom colors if you are looking for something specific.
All in all accordions offer good aesthetics for a hurricane shutter.
Storm panels
Storm panels offer good protection at a low relative cost. But one of their downsides is their looks. Panels leave something to be desired, to say the least. You can choose between 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
Accordion shutters look better, by far. They are clean and can be designed to match your house nicely. But if aesthetics are your main goal then you probably want to consider Bahama shutters instead.
Convenience (ease of use)
Accordion hurricane shutters
Accordion hurricane shutters are pretty easy and quick to deploy. You just have to slide them closed and then lock them in place. They are only offered in manual operation. So you will need to close each accordion before a storm approaches. Regardless, this is a pretty easy process, especially if you have a single story home.
You do need to clean and grease them though. If their tracks get clogged with dirt and grime then they may not open and close as smoothly as they should. But smooth operation can be maintained if you follow the cleaning and lubricating recommendations.
Learn more about What is the best lubricant for accordion shutters?
Storm panels
Storm panels have several benefits. Unfortunately, convenience is not one of their strong suits. Storm panels need to be installed and uninstalled before and after every storm. This can be a process that may take up to 2-3 days to complete if you don’t have helpers. It also requires a bit of strength and endurance. Metal and aluminum panels can be heavy, especially after doing quite a few of them. Panels can be difficult to carry and install by yourself, for many folks, even if you have a storm panel tracks system. You can hire companies such as ours to do storm panel installation. But just remember 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
Accordion shutters are the clear winner in the convenience category between these two shutter options. Accordion shutters are fairly quick and easy to deploy, even if you do have to close them manually. Storm shutters will most likely require a few days and some helping hands to install them on your home. If you don’t want to or cannot install them yourself you will need to pay someone to install them for you.
Features & functionality
Accordion hurricane shutters
Accordion shutters are functional shutters in nature. In other words, they provide additional functionality, not just storm protection. For example, you can create a “temporary addition” to your home. This is because they close off otherwise open areas. For instance, you can turn your lanai or patio into a storage room or interior space to relax without much effort. Accordions also provide shade, but it is complete shade blocking out most lights. Still, you can block out UV rays and provide shade as needed. Or you can close them partially to provide shade while allowing some light in.
Storm panels
Storm panels’ functionality is limited to basically storm protection alone. It is not recommended to leave them installed. In fact, some municipalities will prohibit you from leaving them installed when it is not a storm (such as when you are not living in the home). As such, they should just be used to protect your home during a storm and removed after.
Conclusion
Accordion shutters offer a some functionality in addition to protection. Whereas, storm panels’s functionality is limited to just storm protection.
Storage requirements
Accordion hurricane shutters
Accordion shutters do not require any storage. They are permanent shutters. They are always installed on your home so there isn’t a need to remove and store them.
Storm panels
Storm panels, on the other hand, do need to be stored. They also have to be accessible for when you need them. A lot of folks store them in their garage, lanai, shed or even a rented storage unit. Depending on the size of your home (and the number of doors/windows) they may require a decent amount of storage space.
Conclusion
Storm panels require storage. Accordion shutters do not. If you don’t have room to store hurricane panels then they may not be a good option.
Initial cost
Accordion hurricane shutters
Accordion shutters offer great protection and some added functionality. They are priced higher than storm panels, but they also offer a lot of value for what you get compared to storm panels.
Storm panels
Storm panels are the most affordable storm protection option. However, they don’t offer any bells and whistles and they take effort to install and uninstall.
Conclusion
Storm panels can be purchased at a budget friendly price. Accordion shutters are priced a bit higher, but they look more attractive and they offer more value due to their convenience and functionality. If you are willing to pay a bit more accordion shutters offer a lot more convenience and functionality. If cost is your main concern and you don’t need all the bells and whistles then storm panels may be a good choice.
See the cost of both types of shutters in our guide on Hurricane Shutters Cost.
Cost of ownership
Accordion shutters
Accordions do require some simple maintenance over time to ensure they open and close smoothly and stay looking nice. This includes cleaning them and lubricating them with proper lubricant over time. This care ensures they stay looking great, operate smoothly, and are enjoyable to use.
Storm panels
Hurricane panels don’t require much in terms of maintenance. But there are some potential costs to consider with them. Their cost of ownership depends on your willingness/ability to install them. It also depends on if you have a place to store them. If you will install your own storm panels and have a storage for them then they are cheap to own. Nut, if you can’t/don’t want to install them yourself you will need to pay for a hurricane panel installation service. And you may also have to pay for a storage unit if you don’t have enough room at your home to store them. These costs do add up over time. In fact, they may end up being more than more expensive types of shutters over time.
Conclusion
Accordion shutters do require some basic care and maintenance over time. But these costs should be low if kept up with regularly. And with proper maintenance they should last for a long time. Storm panels, on the other hand, can either be cheap to own or fairly expensive. This depends on if you need to pay a company to install them and if you will need to rent a storage unit.
Conclusion: Accordion Hurricane Shutters vs Storm Panels
Accordion shutters are a solid option in terms of value, convenience and functionality. They don’t have all the bells and whistles compared to some shutter options, such as roll down shutters. But they do have a relatively affordable price tag. Storm panels are a great economical option if budget is your main concern. But be aware that while they have a lower price tag they don’t offer much in terms of attractiveness, features, or convenience. Choosing the best hurricane shutters for your home will depend specifically on your needs and your budget. You should weight the cost vs other factors like convenience, attractiveness and added functionality. You should also consider the cost of ownership over time vs just the initial cost to buy them.
Do you want to see the different styles of hurricane shutters in person? It is a great idea to talk to a hurricane shutter expert about your options. This way you can find the option that’s best for you. The Eurex Shutters team would love to help. Feel free to visit us at our showroom (click to see map) or reach out to our team for help.
