You will notice there are many different types of hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the different types and options available. It is true that trends and preferences change each year. But there are a few types of hurricane shutters that consistently rank as the most popular options in our area. These specific Florida hurricane shutters are always popular because they either look good, provide strong storm protection, are affordable or at least reasonably priced, or all of the above. In 2024 we are seeing both modern storm shutters as well as well as So keep reading as we discuss the most popular hurricane shutter styles in SWFL. Hopefully it gives you some inspiration for your current (or next) home. Enjoy!
Table of contents (here is what we talk about in this guide):
Introduction
Before we get started we first provide an introduction to all the different types of storm shutters available. Then we define what we mean by “popular” in order to help you understand which ones are popular and why.
If you are unfamiliar with hurricane shutters then we recommend reading our guide on What Are Hurricane Shutters & Types of Hurricane Shutters.
What are the different types of hurricane shutters?
Before we reveal the most popular hurricane shutters it is helpful to list ALL the different kinds available. We think this is a good place to start.
Why?
First, so you know all your options. Second, maybe you personally do not want a popular type of hurricane shutter. So perhaps you can find another kind that you fancy.
So, what are all the different hurricane shutters available (popular and not as popular)? The full list includes:
- Roll down hurricane shutters
- Accordion shutters
- Bahama shutters
- Colonial hurricane shutters
- Hurricane screens
- Clamshell shutters (awnings)
- Storm panels
- Hurricane fabric
What does popular mean?
Before we start we think its important to define what we mean when we say “popular”. We define a popular storm shutter as one that many homeowners like and enjoy. And in turn, these shutters are widely used and enjoyed by the homeowner.
Encyclopedia Britannica has a similar definition for popular, which is “liked or enjoyed by many people.”
So when we say popular shutters we mean those that are liked or enjoyed by many homeowners. These types of hurricane shutters are also liked and enjoyed by the community due to their good looks and appeal. For instance, if you asked people in the Florida community which hurricane shutters they like there would be certain types that commonly mentioned.
So popular shutters are those that are common and viewed in a positive light.
There are hurricane shutters that are more common than our popular choices. The most common are metal/aluminum storm panels,. However, they are not necessarily popular because of their looks and the work required to install and uninstall them.
So before we discuss the most popular types of storm shutters, we will discuss the most common (but not necessarily popular) type: storm panels.
Most common types of storm shutters in Southwest and South Florida
As mentioned above storm panels are the most commonly used shutter in our area, as well as throughout much of South Florida. You will see house after house with panels installed before and after a hurricane. And even when they are not installed you can tell when a home uses storm panels because the hardware is attached to the home (sidewalk bolts or similar).
Why Storm Panels are So Common
Panels are a very common type of hurricane shutter for a few key reasons. These include the following:
- They are the least expensive/most affordable type of storm protection you can buy (outside of plywood).
- Panels are typically the only storm protection available at big-box stores, so they are more easily-accessible.
- Many builders include them as standard storm protection with a new home.
As a result, panels are frequently used on homes and businesses throughout much of Florida.
However, they may be common but they are not typically well liked by homeowners. The reason is that they require quite a bit of time and work to install and uninstall for every storm. As such, they do not make our list of the “most popular” shutters.
If you are looking for the most popular kinds just keep reading.
Most popular types of hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida 2024
Below we review the three most popular styles of hurricane shutters here in Southwest Florida. Our list includes the usual suspects, which are accordion shutters, roll down hurricane shutters, and Bahama shutters. And new for 2024 is the trending hurricane screens.
Unlike storm panels all of these shutters are widely used and enjoyed by many homeowners in our area.
We discuss each of these popular types of storm shutters below.
Accordion shutters: great value, good looks, and convenience
Any discussion of popular types of hurricane shutters has to include accordion shutters. This shutter type is commonly used throughout South and Southwest Florida on homes, condos, and townhomes.
Below we discuss what they are and why accordion shutters are so popular.
What are they and how do they work?
Accordion hurricane shutters are hurricane-rated, aluminum shutters that are permanently installed on the exterior of your home. They can be used as shutters for your windows, doors, sliding glass doors, and wide openings, such as patios, and lanais.
This popular shutter type opens and closes horizontally from side to side along a permanently installed track system. Every individual fin (the vertical panels) has hinges/joints that allow the accordions to expand as they are closed and compress together when they are opened. This system makes them easy to open and close. It also allows the shutters to compress and tuck away neatly when they are not in use. This of course minimizes their appearance on your home. And it also reduces the space needed for the shutters.
As you can tell, there are lots of benefits with this popular shutter type.
Another benefit is that accordion hurricane shutters have optional locking mechanisms. This is a popular feature because it allows you to secure your home if you have to vacate it after a hurricane. Accordion shutters can be locked from either inside or outside your home.
Related: Are Accordion Shutters Worth It in SW Florida?
Why accordion shutters are so popular
These shutters are popular because of three core reasons:
- High level of convenience – they are fast and easy to use
- Lots of functionality
- Great value – they are priced very reasonably for all of the benefits they provide
It is true that accordion shutters are more expensive vs lower cost storm protection products like storm panels. But the additional cost is justified because of all the benefits they provide.
They offer so much more than lower-cost options like panels. For one, they are permanently installed. This makes them much easier and faster to prepare your home when a storm is approaching.
Find out more about our accordion hurricane shutters.
Roll down hurricane shutters: Hurricane AND security protection and ultimate convenience
Roll down storm shutters are not as commonly seen compared to accordion shutters. But it is not because they are an inferior option. It is usually because they cost a bit more than accordions. Even still, they are extremely popular in our area for many reasons.
Below we discuss what they are and why roll downs are one of the most popular hurricane shutter types in SWFL.
What are they and how do they work?
Hurricane roll down shutters are hurricane-rated and permanently installed on the exterior of your home. They open and close vertically along a permanently installed track system. When not closed the slats store away cleanly on a roll in a housing box above the window or door opening.
They are available in both manual and automatic versions:
- Manual roll down shutters are operated manually by a crank or strap system.
- Automatic versions are operated by electric motors. They are commonly controlled by a switch inside your home or with a remote. Some roll down shutters, such as ours also have the option to control them with an app on your mobile phone.
Learn more about Motorized vs Non-Motorized Hurricane Shutters: Which Is Better?
Roll down storm shutters are also commonly used for security protection, which is a huge benefit. This type of shutter is suitable as security shutters. The reason is because they close and lock over the exterior of your windows, doors, and other openings. This completely blocks access to all of your property’s entry points. In turn, they deter and prevent burglars from entering your home.
Related: Rolling Hurricane Shutters: Are They Worth It in Southwest Florida?
Why roll down shutters are so popular
Rolling shutters are generally viewed as the ultimate type of shutter in terms of convenience and protection.
Roll down shutters have a higher cost than accordion shutters, but they are still a popular option around South and Southwest Florida. The reason is because they offer such a high-level of protection, functionality, and other benefits. For instance, they offer:
- Easy to use storm 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 patio space into a temporarily enclosed room easily
- Roll down hurricane shutters are heavy-duty and durable.
These benefits are at the heart of why this is one of the most popular types of hurricane shutters available.
Continue learning about roll down shutters.
Bahama shutters: great hurricane shutters for windows
You surely have noticed many properties around Southwest Florida with stylish Bahama shutters over their windows. They are popular for both beach homes as much as they are for inland homes. That’s because they fit in nicely with the style and feel of our tropical paradise.
Below we discuss what they are and why Bahama shutters are one of the most popular shutter styles in our area.
What are they and how do they work?
Bahama shutters are permanently installed hurricane shutters that are attached to the exterior of your home’s windows. They are hinged at the top of each window. This type of shutter also uses telescoping arms. This allows you to close and lock the shutters easily. It also allows you to easily change the angle that the shutters sits over your window.
This type of hurricane shutter is unique in that it always remains partially closed over your window. In other words, you can’t remove it from covering your window. This is unique vs most other types of storm shutters which fully expose your window when in the open position. This design makes them a great option for providing shade and protecting your home from the harsh UV and sunlight in Florida.
It should be noted that hurricane-rated Bahama shutters cover your entire window. These should not be confused with half Bahama shutters, (also called deco-Bahama shutters) that are used for decorative vs storm protection purposes. Half-Bahama shutters are also popular in SWFL, but they are not include here because they are not a type of hurricane shutter.
Related: Are Bahama Shutters Worth It in SW Florida?
Why Bahama shutters are so popular
Bahama shutters offer very strong storm protection. They also offer several additional benefits, such as shade, and UV protection. But perhaps the biggest reason why people in Southwest Florida love Bahama shutters is because of their good looks and Caribbean charm. They are definitely considered “aesthetically pleasing”. And they are a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal.
You will also enjoy the fact they offer a lot of design flexibility and customization. This will help you make your home more unique. For instance, EUREX SHUTTERS PTX™ Bahama Shutters come in an almost endless variety of colors and have many other options.
So unlike other, lower cost shutters Bahama enhance the look of your home or business. This is why people choose them, even though the cost of this hurricane shutter is higher.
Discover our Bahama hurricane shutters.
Hurricane Screens: A Trending Option for 2024
Hurricane screens have been gaining popularity in Florida for a number of years now, but they are really popular lately. They offer many of the same convenience benefits of roll down shutters and the good looks, shade, and privacy of Bahama shutters.
Find out more about this popular option below.
What are they and how do they work?
Kevlar hurricane screens are permanently installed, impact resistant grade screens that are used for wide openings, such as a lanai or patio. The screens open and close vertically along a vertical track system. You can choose either manual or automatic (with electric motors) versions. The electric screens are very easy to use. If you value convenience then the motorized version may be worth it to you.
Why Hurricane Screens are so popular
Hurricane screens are popular for good reason. First, they offer exceptional storm protection. But they are also very attractive and super easy to use.
In addition, they provide a lot of functionality and benefits, such as providing shade control and privacy. Also important, they help keep mosquitoes out of your sitting area. And lastly, they do a great job of reducing wind and moisture infiltration when it is windy or raining. All of these make your outside living areas more enjoyable and comfortable.
All these benefits make them just as useful as high-end shade screens as they are as hurricane protection.
Learn more about Eurex Shutters PTX™ Hurricane Screens.
Popular protection other than hurricane shutters
If you are looking for storm protection that is not hurricane shutters there are some popular options. For instance, if you don’t want to protect your windows with hurricane shutters you can install impact windows and impact doors.
Conclusion
Popular types of hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida include accordion shutters, roll down shutters, and Bahama shutters, and hurricane screens. They may not be as common as storm panels. But all of these shutters are widely used and enjoyed by many homeowners in our area. Which option is right for you will depend on your budget, requirements, and preferences.
If you are in the Southwest Florida and want to see these hurricane shutters in person or get an estimate we would love to help! Eurex Shutters is a local hurricane shutter installation company that has been proudly serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples and the rest of Southwest Florida since 1986. Receive a free estimate by contacting us below.
