How to Choose the Best Hurricane Shutters For Your Southwest Florida Home

Southwest Florida has been hit by the second highest number of hurricanes in Florida since 1851, according to Universal Property. An insane number, 79 tropical or subtropical storms, have affected Florida in just the last 20 years. As a result, if you live in Southwest Florida you know the need to protect your home or business against storms is a must. Protecting your property and family are priority #1. So have you installed hurricane shutters on your home? If not, then this article should be helpful. We’ll try to help you choose the best hurricane shutters for your Southwest Florida home, mobile home, or business.

You may also like: What’s Better? Impact Windows vs. Hurricane Shutters?

Table of Contents

Hurricane Shutters

Hurricane shutters are exterior shutters that protect your windows and doors from hurricane wind gusts and flying objects. They can be decorative hurricane shutters, such as Bahama or Colonial shutters. Or they can be purely, functional in nature, such as storm panels.

Some storm shutters are permanent shutters. Others are not permanent and need to be installed and uninstalled before and after each storm.

There are many choices of hurricane shutters. And often it is overwhelming. This article is aimed to help you determine the best type for your specific needs, preferences and budget.

First, we share a set of criteria to use when trying to decide on a style of storm shutter. Second, we discuss each type of shutter and their pros and cons. Third, we’ll talk about how some of the different styles compare. Last, we provide some recommendations for different situations, such as for those on a budget or those looking to achieve certain goals.

Criteria When Choosing the Best Hurricane Shutters

The best storm shutters for your windows and doors comes down to you. In others words, the right option is dependent on your specific needs, what you are looking for, and your budget. Here’s some things to consider.

1. Aesthetics (How they look)

The curb appeal and style of your home or business is critical, even if its just so you are happy with the way it looks. You surely want to be proud of your home and its appearance.  So you should consider aesthetics, or how each type of storm shutter will affect the appearance of your home when deciding the best shutters for you.

Are looking for a shutter that is permanently installed and provide a certain style or look for your home? If so, then options like bahama shutters or colonial shutters would be a good option.

On the flip side, if you just want to limit the noticeability of the shutters on your home then a lower profile option like accordion or rolling shutters could be a good fit.

2. Functionality and features

Think about how often you plan on using your shutters. Also think about what you want to use the shutters for. Yes, the main purpose of hurricane shutters is for hurricane protection. But some hurricane shutters also offer other benefits, such as shade and security. For instance rolling shutters are very effective as security shutters. 

3. Budget (how much you want to pay)

The cost of the hurricane shutters may be a major determining factor for you. Different types of shutters have different costs. Because of this you should determine what your budget is. This will help you determine which types of shutters to narrow down your list. If budget is the most important factor then the best shutter choice will be the least expensive, such as storm panels. 

You can find out how much each type of shutter costs in our Hurricane Shutters Cost: 2022 Pricing Guide.

Styles of shutters

Below are the most common styles of hurricane shutters. We provide an overview of each style, and then give pros and cons of each one.

STORM PANELS

Storm panels are the most economical form of hurricane shutter protection. They are corrugated panels made from steel or aluminum. You can also get them in a clear, polycarbonate plastic. They can be installed horizontally or vertically over your windows and doors. They are attached to your home with storm panel fasteners that are screwed into your property’s structure. Some systems use a rail to help make the installation easier.

Panels are not permanently attached. So you do have to install them and uninstall them before and after each storm. You will also need a place to store them when they aren’t in use.

They may not be the most convenient hurricane shutter for everyone. But they are a good fit for some homeowners. If you don’t mind the installation process and want to keep your budget low these may be your best option.

PROS OF STORM PANELS

• Lower cost vs other shutter types
• Strong protection
• Can be removed to preserve the look of your home

CONS OF STORM PANELS

• Requires labor intensive installation before and after each storm
• Require adequate space to store them
• Long time to install/uninstall

Find out more about Storm Panels.

CLAMSHELL SHUTTERS

Clamshell shutters look similar to traditional window awnings, but they are made from aluminum. This makes them more impact resistant vs traditional cloth awnings. They are permanently attached to your home, and are positioned in the open position. When a storm approaches you close them, like a clamshell, and lock them in place. They fully cover and protect your windows from wind and flying objects.

You should keep in mind this type of shutter offers storm protection, but they are non-hurricane rated. They do, however offer a higher level of convenience vs storm panels. They also offer the added benefit of extra shade because of how they are positioned on your windows. But some homeowners prefer the way other permanent shutters look.

PROS OF CLAMSHELL

• Easy to close when a storm approaches
• Help provide shade because of their positioning on your window
• Permanently attached
• More storm protection vs traditional awnings
• Good fit for manufactured homes

CONS OF CLAMSHELL

• Non-hurricane rated
• For use with windows (not so much doors)
• Always visible on your home (if you aren’t crazy about the look)
• Will reduce natural sunlight (if you want as much as you can get)

Learn more about Clamshell Shutters.

ACCORDION SHUTTERS

Accordion shutters are permanently attached on your home year round. They slide open and closed horizontally along a track (from left to right, and vice versa). When they aren’t in use they fold up cleanly on the side of your window (or door). The panels fold up and expand, similar to the fins of an accordion, which is how they got their name.

They are only offered in manual versions, not electric (or automatic). Regardless, they are fairly easy and quick to close when a storm is approaching. You can also close them to turn an outside space, such as a lanai or patio, into an enclosed space.

Accordion hurricane shutters are a popular choice in South Florida due to the convenience they offer and their relatively affordable price.

PROS OF ACCORDION HURRICANE SHUTTERS

• Easy and quick to open and close by a single person
• Can be used for windows, doors, and wide openings, such as patios
• Tuck away cleanly when not in use

Related: Are Accordion Shutters Worth It in SW Florida?

CONS OF ACCORDION HURRICANE SHUTTERS

• Require maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication to keep them working properly
• Can become difficult to open and close if not cared for properly
• A bit more noticeable than other shutter styles like roll down shutters

Get more information of Accordion Hurricane Shutters.

ROLL DOWN HURRICANE SHUTTERS

Roll down hurricane shutters are sometimes also called rolling shutters, security shutters, etc. They are permanently attached to your home. You can use them to protect your windows and doors as well as enclose wide openings, such as your patios.

Roll downs open and close vertically. When they are not in use the shutter slats are housed cleanly in a housing above yourwindow or door.

These are generally considered the ultimate hurricane shutter system. You can get them in automatic operation versions, which are controlled by electric motors. This allows you to close all of your roll down shutters with a switch inside your home. And while the manual versions require you to manually close each shutter it is still quick to do so. In turn, roll downs are very convenient.

Rolling shutters are permanently installed, but they do have a clean look. Their design minimizes their appearance on your home. In some instances you can even do a hidden installation, where the box is completely hidden and invisible when they are open.

PROS OF ROLL DOWN HURRICANE SHUTTERS

• Super easy to open and close from within your home
• Very effective for hurricane and security protection
• Clean, minimalist design

Related: Rolling Hurricane Shutters: Are They Worth It in Southwest Florida?

CONS OF ACCORDION HURRICANE SHUTTERS

• Require maintenance and potential repairs due to the moving parts and electrical parts (for automatic versions)
• This style of hurricane shutters cost more than some of the other styles

Learn more about roll down shutters.

BAHAMA STYLE

Bahama hurricane shutters are made for those who want to enhance the style of their home and protect it at the same time. This shutter style is common in the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands. So it is a perfect fit for the tropical look and feel of homes in Florida.

Bahama style shutters are permanent shutters. They sit in a semi-open position on your windows. This provides UV control and shade to your home, which helps keep it cooler. Unfortunately, they are not suitable for doors.

When a storm approaches all you have to do is close and lock them. They are quick and simple to close.

PROS OF BAHAMA HURRICANE SHUTTERS

• Beautiful and help provide Caribbean style to your home
• Provide UV control and shade for your home, keeping it cooler
• Easy to open and close

Related: Are Bahama Shutters Worth It in SW Florida?

CONS OF BAHAMA HURRICANE SHUTTERS

• This premium shutter is more expensive then most other styles
• Reduces natural light inside the home (if you want light)
• Don’t work for doors so they require the use of impact doors or you need to combine with other hurricane shutters

COLONIAL STYLE SHUTTERS

Colonial shutters are another premium hurricane shutter made to protect your home and also enhance it’s style. They are perfect if you want to create some Southern or old Colonial charm for your home. Colonial shutters are made with strong, impact resistant aluminum. When a storm approaches they swing inward and lock in place, fully covering and protecting your windows.

Like Bahama shutters, they are permanently installed, helpful in enhancing the look of your home, and easy to open and close quickly. Unlike Bahama shutters Colonial shutters sit stationary on the sides of each window (similar to board & batten shutters). And instead of closing downward, they close inward from the sides.

PROS OF COLONIAL SHUTTERS

• Beautiful and help provide Southern or old Colonial style to your home
• Easy to open and close by a single person when a storm approaches

CONS OF COLONIAL SHUTTERS

• More expensive then most other styles
• Don’t work for doors so they require the use of impact doors or you need to combine with other hurricane shutters

How do different hurricane shutters compare?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the different choices available. Here is how some of the most popular types of protective shutters compare.  

Roll down shutters vs storm panels

Roll down shutters are highly functional and very easy to use. They have a sleek, minimalist design that goes well with most homes. Given all their features and convenience they have a higher than average price tag. 

Storm panels are on the other end of the spectrum. They are the most economical form of storm protection. But they are the most labor intensive and typically least visually appealing option of shutters. 

Accordion shutters vs storm panels

As mentioned above, storm panels are an economical version of storm protection. Accordion shutters aren’t as featured packed as roll downs, but they are popular for a reason. They are quick to deploy, have some added functionality (including closing off an exterior space), and are more aesthetically pleasing. 

Learn more about how these two compare with our guide on Accordion Hurricane Shutters vs Storm Panels.

ROLL DOWN SHUTTERS VS ACCORDION SHUTTERS

These are two popular styles of hurricane shutters. They are both convenient. Both have functionality outside of just storm protection. And both are more visually appealing than storm panels. Roll down shutters have a higher price tag, but they do have some benefits over accordions. 

To learn more about how they compare read our guide on Roll Down vs Accordion Hurricane Shutters.

Automatic vs Manual Shutters

If you decide on roll down shutters you will have the option between manually operated and automatic shutters.

Automatic shutters are the cream of the crop in terms of convenience. You can close them inside your home with a switch. Depending on who you buy them from you can even control them with a mobile app. For instance, we offer our PTX Roll Down Shutters with the TaHomA System APP.

Manual roll down shutters are operated with a belt driven or crank driven system. They are not as easy as automatic shutters, but they are still very easy and quick to use. The manual operated rolling shutters have a lower cost and they do not require electrical wiring or motors.

You can get more information in our guide on Motorized vs Non-Motorized Hurricane Shutters: Which Is Better?

What are the best type of hurricane shutters?

It is difficult to pick the best type of shutters in general. This is because every person has different needs and criteria. In turn, picking one shutter style for everyone is not very helpful. Instead, it is better to pick the best hurricane shutters for your needs, budget, and preferences. So instead of picking the “best shutters” for everyone we want to help you determine the best shutters for your specific criteria.

Below we give our recommendation for the best shutters based on different situations, such as value, ease-of-use, etc.

Best value hurricane shutters: Accordion shutters

Accordion shutters: Accordion shutters are great if you are looking for hurricane protection with high functionality and a reasonable price. Accordion hurricane shutters perform highly in all the categories above. Specifically: 

• Aesthetics: accordions look clean and can be matched to the exterior color scheme of your home
• Functionality: while not as feature packed as roll downs they offer functionality outside of just storm protection
• Budget: an affordable option that provides a lot of value

The best storm shutters for ease-of-use / convenience

If you are looking for ease of use then the best option is automatic, roll-downs with an electric motor. These can be closed with the push of a button quick and easy. This is the only choice if you aren’t able to close your shutters manually. It’s also the best choice if you just don’t want to deal with closing shutters manually.

The best storm shutters for security and protection

Rolling security shutters offer a high level of protection against both storms and intruders. This is due to the fact that they are built to be impermeable when closed. They are made from indestructible materials, block access to your doors and windows, and lock securely.

Best storm protection option for 24/7 protection

If you are looking for 24/7 protection without any preparation before a storm then impact windows and doors are the way to go. Impact glass requires zero hurricane shutter installation once they are installed. Yes. We understand that these are not shutters, but they are the best option for this specific requirement.

Curious how impact glass compares to storm shutters? Read our guide to find out What is Better Impact Windows or Hurricane Shutters.

Best hurricane shutters for those on a tight budget

If you need the lowest cost hurricane shutter option, then storm panels (hurricane panels) are your best bet. They offer strong protection for the most affordable price. However, they are the most difficult to install and use. If you are okay with the installation and non-appealing looks this is the best option.

Get a sense of the process and timing for installing panels here.

Best storm shutters for difficult installations

Hurricane Fabric shutters, such as ArmorPanel hurricane fabric are a good choice when you have tough installs. They are a more flexible and easier to use version of storm panels.

The Best Hurricane Shutters for natural light

Go clear. If you are looking to let natural light in your home while the shutters are closed then you should seriously consider clear hurricane shutters. These allow natural light into your home instead of blackening out your interior like storm panels, etc. Even better, you can get clear shutters in several types of styles of shutters, such as storm panels, accordion shutters, etc.

The Best Hurricane Shutters for You

Hurricane shutters help protect your home and family from hurricane winds and flying objects. There are many different styles to choose from, from economical storm panels to premium Bahama Shutters. The best storm shutters for you are the ones that are aesthetically pleasing and best match your budget and needs. Picking a style of hurricane shutters can be overwhelming. But it becomes more manageable if you pick a budget and then pick the features and styles that meet your needs. Regardless, it is important to have some form of hurricane protection in place to protect your home and family.

Still unsure? We would love to help. Our complimentary in-home or over the phone consultations are a great way to better learn your options, learn the cost of different hurricane shutters and get your questions answered. We have been installing impact windows and hurricane shutters in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples/Marco Island and the rest of Southwest Florida for 35+ years, and we would love to work with you. Contact us at 239-369-8600 or fill out our quick form on this page to get started.