Accordion shutters are a popular type of impact resistant, hurricane shutters here in Southwest Florida. And for good reason. They offer a lot of convenience and functionality. And they also come at a reasonable price tag. So they offer a lot of value. But before you commit to buying them you probably want to know how they work. And this is important so you can decide if they are a good fit for you. So in this quick guide we give more detail on how accordion hurricane shutters work.
How do accordions shutters work?
First, it is important to know that accordion shutters are permanent hurricane shutters. In other words, they are permanently attached to the outside of your home. So they are different from some other hurricane protection, such as storm panels, which are not permanently affixed to your house.
And this is good news!
Why?
It means you don’t need to install and uninstall them for each storm. Instead, you only have to deploy them. Deployment is a fancy way of saying you close and secure them over your windows, doors, and other openings where they are installed.
When a storm is approaching all you need to do is deploy them (or close and secure them). And this is a quick and easy process with accordion shutters.
It saves you a lot of time, effort, and expense in getting your home prepared before a storm hits.
Accordions have interlocking blades with hinges/joints in between each one. To open them, you just slide them open. And to close them you just slide them closed.
When your accordions are open the slats tuck away nicely on the side. This, of course, minimizes their appearance on the exterior of your home.
Below you can see an example of what accordion shutters look like when they are open and closed.
How to Open and Close Accordion Shutters
Using accordion shutters is pretty easy and straight forward. Below are some of the specifics to help you open, close, and lock them.
Deployment (How to Close Your Accordions)
Deploying accordion shutters is easy. With a simple pull and slide motion, you can deploy the shutters, securing the opening quickly. There are two sets of interlocking blades for each opening. These blades slide along the upper and lower, horizontal tracks, unfolding as you pull them. These tracks are located above and below the opening.
To close them you just grab the side of the shutter and pull them towards the center of the opening. The two sides will meet in or near the center of the opening.
Accordion shutters allow for fast and efficient shuttering of any size opening, even large openings. The minimal deployment time offers peace of mind whether you’re protecting a single window or door, a lanai opening, or a series of windows.
Retraction (How to Open Your Accordions)
Opening your accordion shutters is just as easy as closing them.
First, if you have locks you will need to first unlock them. Next, you push and slide each group of interlocking blades back to the side of the opening.
Accordions are designed so that their interlocking blades fold and overlap each other when closed. You may hear this referred to as stackable blades. This allows them to fold away neatly when they are not in use.
Locking Mechanism
Our PTX™ Accordion Shutters are available with optional locks. The optional stainless steel, keyed locking mechanism will protect your belongings against forcible entry. This is helpful if you leave your home unattended, such as to evacuate.
Locking your shutters is easy. You just deploy them and lock them. Once you deploy your accordions you can lock them with your key.
Conclusion
Accordion storm shutters are convenient and easy to use. They are permanently attached on your home. So you do not have to install and uninstall them for every storm. They open and close by sliding along horizontal tracks above and below the opening. When not in use they tuck away nicely on the side of your doors, windows and other openings.
Interesting in seeing accordion shutters in person or getting an estimate? We can help! Eurex Shutters is a local hurricane shutter installation company that has been proudly serving all of Southwest Florida since 1986.
