Are you looking for storm protection for your South Florida home’s windows, doors or lanai? If yes, then you are also probably researching the cost of different types of hurricane shutters. There are many factors that help you decide the type of hurricane shutters you buy, but price is definitely a big one. But you may notice the cost of hurricane shutters can a bit of a mystery. Most companies don’t usually list their prices online. The reason is because its hard to give a one-size fits all price for impact resistant window treatments. After all, every house and job are different. In our guide we provide a range of what each popular type of hurricane shutters may cost you. We have also added hurricane screens to the list using our premium, aramid screens.
We start with the least expensive shutter options and go up to the more premium hurricane shutters.
Table of Contents
Hurricane Shutters Cost: the Very High-Level Answer and Fine Print
How Much Are Hurricane Shutters?
Hurricane shutters for a standard house can range anywhere from around $12 per square foot for storm panels to $55 per square foot for premium, decorative shutters. Based on this the average cost is about $33.50 per square foot. For an entire project it could range from a couple thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The cost of your project will depend on 1. the specific shutter you select, and 2. the total square feet of your project.
*Disclaimer: please read about given shutter pricing
It should be noted that the price ranges, even for one specific shutter type can vary widely from project to project. So the shutter pricing depends on your specific home, the job, type of materials, and of course, your preference of shutter type (ex: roll down vs storm panels, etc.). With certain products, such as roll down shutters and hurricane screens, additional costs for motors and electrical work will be necessary.
It should also be noted that due to the current situation in the market and price inflation of raw materials our prices can fluctuate quite a bit over time due to many external factors, such as hikes in raw material costs (ie. metal), labor costs, etc.
So please take the costs given below as a rough, general pricing guidance. For an actual estimate contact us for a free in-home estimate. This will give you the actual cost to outfit your home with storm shutters.
Hurricane Shutter Cost by Shutter Type
At a high level storm panels are the basic protection. Accordion shutters are a middle of the road option. And roll-downs, Colonial and Bahama varieties being premium options that are more expensive.
So below we give a price range for each specific type of shutter as well as an overview of what each one is.
Jump to each shutter style by clicking each link below:
- Storm Panels
- Hurricane Fabric
- Accordion Shutters
- Hurricane Screens
- Roll Downs
- Bahama Shutters
- Colonial Shutters
Storm Panels: Approximately $12 – $16/sqft
What are they?: Storm panels are corrugated panels that overlap each other to protect your windows and doors. They can be constructed of metal, aluminum or clear plastic materials. They attach to your home by screwing them into your home’s exterior walls with specialized fasteners.
These panels are your basic storm protection option. So they are usually thought of as the most economical shutter option as well.
The reason why they are so affordable is because the cost of storm panels is mainly made up of the cost of the materials and labor. The materials used to make them are less costly and they are also not permanently attached. This means they don’t use an engineered system to install and uninstall them (like for instance roll shutters). In turn, this means the cost to produce the finished product is lower.
The cost of our storm panels varies depending on the material you choose (steel, aluminum or clear plastic).
So storm panels are a great option if you are looking for the most economical hurricane shutter cost and don’t mind the manual process of installing storm panels and taking them down.
Considerations: It should be noted that you need to install and uninstall these every storm. If you are unable to do it yourself, you will have to pay someone to put them up and take them down. This may range from $250-$500 depending.
You will also need to store these somewhere when they are not in use.
Learn more details about storm panels.
Hurricane Fabric Panels: Approximately $17/sqft
What is it?: Eurex ArmorPanel hurricane fabric panels are an alternative to traditional hurricane shutter options. They are also an alternative to rigid storm panels.
Eurex Shutter’s Armor Panel hurricane fabric is made of extremely tough, reinforced fabric. Because of this the material is light-weight and very flexible. So it can be used in complex installations that require highly custom sizes and flexibility. It is also quick and easier to install than a rigid option such as storm panels.
Learn more about our Armor Panel Fabric Hurricane Panels.
Accordion Shutters Cost: Approximately $26 – $30/sqft
What are they?: Accordion shutters are extruded aluminum shutters that open and close (expand and compress) horizontally like an accordion. They are permanently installed, and they can be locked from inside or outside your home. They move along a permanently installed track system making them easy to open and close.
Accordion shutters are more expensive than basic storm and fabric panels. This is because they are permanently installed, have more features, and have more components. As a trade off, they are easier to use and have more style options than storm panels.
The cost of accordion shutters vary depending on the materials of construction, the size needed and the specific features you prefer. You can expect your hurricane accordion shutters cost to be around $26 – $30 per square foot.
Find out more about Eurex Shutters PTX™ Accordion Shutters.
Aramid Hurricane Screens Cost: Approximately $30 – $50/sqft
Please note: Electric (automatic) roll down screens have additional costs for motors and electrical work not included in the pricing above.
What are they?: Hurricane screens are permanently installed, impact resistant grade screens that open and close vertically on a track. You can choose whether you want them to close manually or automatically (if you opt for electric motors). The electric screens will have an added cost, but you will get the added convenience benefits. They are very easy to use. So if you value convenience and ease of use then the motorized version may be worth the extra cost.
Get more details on the cost of hurricane screens.
Storm screens are popular in Florida for a good reason. First, they offer a high level of storm protection. But aramid screens are popular because they are very attractive and they are also super easy to use. In addition to that they also offer other benefits, such as very effective shade and UV control and added privacy. They are excellent for not only protecting your home, but also for making your porch or lanai more enjoyable, year-round. This is especially true in geographical areas with extremely strong and bright sun and UV, such as Florida.
Like roll downs and accordions these are a great fit for wide openings. You can use them on big spaces like patios and your lanai.
Learn more about Eurex Shutters PTX™ Hurricane Screens.
Roll Down Shutters Cost: Approximately $30 – $35/sqft
Please note: Electric (automatic) roll down shutters have additional costs for motors and electrical work, which are not included in the pricing above.
What are they?: Roll down shutters are permanently installed shutters that open and close vertically. They are very easy to use, and can be either manually controlled or opened and closed electronically. Our roll down shutters even have the option to be controlled by a mobile, smartphone app.
Roll down shutters come in at a higher cost. However, they are still a popular option because of their high-level of protection, functionality, and features. For instance, this type of shutter offers:
- Ease of use, superior storm protection, and security protection
- Instant privacy and a way to control UV and light in your home
- Energy savings when closed
- Sound reduction when closed
- The ability to turn a lanai or other space into an enclosed room
Roll shutters are definitely heavy-duty and durable. The extra features and functionality are a bonus, but at their heart they are designed to offer ultimate protection for your home and/or business. This is why they are commonly used for security protection as well.
The cost of roll down hurricane shutters are higher for a few reasons. First, the materials are heavy-duty and made to offer maximum protection. Second, there is a higher-level of design and engineering that goes into each installed system. Third, roll downs have a high-level of features, which make them more complex and pricier.
Continue learning about roll down shutters.
Bahama Shutters Cost: $52 – $55/sqft
What are they?: Bahama shutters are an option for those looking for a certain home aesthetic. They offer permanently installed storm protection while also giving your home a touch of Caribbean style and beauty. They are a great option for storm protection as well as protecting your home from the harsh UV and light of South Florida. Hurricane rated versions are made from aluminum, and are the full view (not the half window) version.
These are simple to operate. They pop out and are locked into place by use of telescoping arms.
Perhaps the biggest reason why people love the Bahama style is because of their good looks. They are considered “aesthetically pleasing”. Our product comes in a wide variety of colors and options. So unlike other, lower cost shutters they can enhance the look of your home or business. This is why people choose them, even though the cost of Bahama hurricane shutters is higher.
Discover our Bahama Style shutters.
Colonial Shutters Cost: $33 – $50/sqft
What are they?: Colonial shutters have Southern Charm and style that enhances the look of your home vs. degrading it. It is easy to match your home’s style because Colonials come in so many different color options.
Even though the Colonial style looks like regular Colonial style window shutters they offer strong hurricane protection. Just make sure you pick a supplier whose products meet and exceed Florida Building Code and standards.
They are also easy to use. You can open and close them from either inside or outside your house.
Their aesthetic beauty and easy operation do come with a premium price tag.
See the Colonial Style Shutters here.
Learn more about all the different options for hurricane window protection.
Cost Considerations
Electric vs Manual Shutters
Electric shutters will cost more than manual shutters. This is because electric shutters have more parts, such as motors. They also increase the installation cost, and require electrical work, etc. As a result, they will increase the overall total cost of your project.
Features, Extras, and Options
Similarly, opting for additional features, such as locks, customizations, and more will increase the cost of your project. You can ask for itemized quotes or differences in price to see if these features are worth it for you.
Size and Number of Openings
A large factor in the cost of your shutter installation is the total square footage of your project. Larger windows and doors will increase the overall cost as it will increase the square footage. Similarly, if your home requires more shutters, because you have more windows/doors, the overall cost will increase as well.
Hurricane Shutter Benefits
Storm Shutters offer many benefits to homeowners in Florida. Some of the biggest ones include:
- Storm protection & reduced hurricane damage – hurricane shutters are hurricane-rated and able to withstand intense wind and flying debris. They help keep your glass from breaking, which keeps the elements out and prevents more serious damage.
- Security protection – Hurricane shutters that are permanently attached also provide a layer of security for your home. Roll shutters, for example, are also used as security shutters. If you are leaving your home unattended then these are a great way to protect your home against intruders.
- Ease of use and convenience – most hurricane shutters can be deployed quickly and easily. This means you can protect your home without spending hours (or days) boarding up your home.
- Meet the Florida Building Code & qualify for insurance discounts – these shutters help you meet code requirements and qualify for insurance discounts.
Hurricane Shutters Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to put up hurricane shutters?
The costs above will typically include the cost of the shutters and normal hurricane shutters installation. But your total cost to put up shutters may require additional costs, such as permits, additional parts, customizations, etc. Also, if you are going to install motorized shutters then there will be additional costs for the electric motors, any back-up power systems, and other necessary components. You may also have higher costs for things like difficult installations, certain customizations, etc.
So the total cost to put up your new hurricane shutters does depend on your specific requirements and project. As we mentioned above, it is best to get a quote so that you can find out the actual cost for your project. Once you know the actual cost you can determine if and which ones are right for you.
Are hurricane shutters cheaper than impact windows?
Generally speaking impact windows are more expensive vs hurricane windows. This is especially true when you compare the cost of them vs lower cost shutters, such as storm panels. However, the cost becomes more comparable if you are comparing the cost of impact glass vs premium shutters. So while hurricane shutters are generally cheaper it does depend on the type of shutters you want.
We recommend getting a quote for different options so you can make an informed decision. Working with a storm protection company that installs both windows and shutters will allow you to compare the differences between these two different products.
Are hurricane shutters worth the cost?
We think hurricane shutters are worth it, but you will ultimately have to make your own decision.
Hurricane shutters are a very effective way to protect your home and family from hurricanes. And even though they are not cheap they do provide several reasons why they are worth it. First, they can withstand up to a category 5 hurricane. And with the frequency of severe storms in South Florida it is without a doubt important to have hurricane protection on your home. Hurricane shutters offer excellent protection. Second, they may help you lower your insurance premiums, which may help them pay for themselves over time. Third, hurricane protection, such as hurricane shutters add value to your home. And last, decorative shutters can actually help improve the great looks of your home.
Learn more in our guide: Are Hurricane Shutters Worth It?
Conclusion
In conclusion, hurricane shutters can range in price anywhere from $12 to $55+ per square foot. The cost for an entire project can range from a couple thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. However, as mentioned in the notes above, the prices can vary widely based on your specific project and based on external factors like material costs and labor. This is especially true with the current market conditions and inflation.
So in order to get an actual cost it is recommended to get a free in-home estimate to get an actual price for your project. If you are looking for hurricane shutters anywhere in Southwest Florida we would love to help you.
