There are many different types of hurricane shutters here in Southwest Florida. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the different styles and options available. And yes, trends and preferences change every years. But year after year there are a handful of hurricane shutters that consistently rank as the most popular in our area. This is because they either look good, provide strong storm protection, are affordable or at least reasonably priced, or all of the above. 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!
What does popular mean?
Before we start we do want to define what we mean when we say “popular”. We define a popular shutter as one that many homeowners like or 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.
There are hurricane shutters that are more common than our choices. The most common are metal/aluminum storm panels,. However, they are not necessarily popular because of the work required to put install and uninstall them, etc.
So before we discuss the most popular shutters, we will discuss the most common (but not necessarily popular) type: storm shutters.
Most common (but not necessarily popular) shutter style in SWFL
As mentioned above storm panels are the most commonly used shutter in our area, as well as much of South Florida. You will see house after house with them installed before and after a hurricane. And even when they are not installed you tell when a home uses storm panels because the hardware is attached to the home (sidewalk bolts or similar).
- They are so common for many reasons. These include the following:
- They are the least expensive type of storm protection you can buy outside of plywood. So lots of homeowners choose them because they are so affordable.
- They are typically the only storm protection available at big-box stores.
- 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 hurricane shutter styles in Southwest Florida
Below we review the three most popular styles of hurricane shutters in SWFL. Our list includes accordion shutters, roll down shutters, and Bahama shutters. Unlike storm panels all of these shutters are widely used and enjoyed by many homeowners in our area.
Accordion shutters: great value and convenience
Any discussion of popular hurricane shutters has to include accordion shutters. This style is commonly used throughout SWFL on homes, condos and townhomes.
Below we discuss what they are and why they are so popular.
What are they and how do they work?
Accordion shutters are hurricane-rated, aluminum shutters that are permanently installed on the exterior of your home. They can be used for windows and doors as well as other wide openings, such as patios and lanais.
Accordions open and close 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.
Accordions have optional locking mechanisms as well. This is a nice feature as you can secure your home if you have to vacate it after a storm. The shutters can be locked from 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 their convenience, functionality and value. As a whole they are priced reasonably for all of the benefits they provide.
Yes, accordion shutters are more expensive vs lower cost protection like storm panels. But the added cost is justified by all the benefits they provide. They offer so much more than cheaper options like panels. For instance, they are permanently installed. This makes them much easier and faster to prepare your home when a storm is approaching. Also, accordion shutters are more complex and have more components than storm panels. In turn, their cost is higher.
Find out more about our accordion shutters.
Roll down shutters: storm plus security protection with ultimate convenience
Roll down shutters are not as commonly used as accordion shutters because they cost a bit more. But, they are still extremely popular in our area.
Below we discuss what they are and why roll downs are one of the most popular hurricane shutter styles in SWFL.
What are they and how do they work?
Roll down shutters are hurricane-rated shutters that are permanently installed on the exterior of your home. They open and close vertically along a permanently installed track system.
They are available in both manual and automatic versions. Manual roll downs are operated manually by a crank or strap system. Automatic versions move up and down automatically via electric motors. They are commonly controlled by a switch inside your home. Our roll down shutters even have the option to be controlled by an app on your mobile phone.
These shutters are commonly used for security protection as well, which is a huge benefit. This is because they close and lock over your windows, doors, and other openings, which completely blocks access to all of your property’s entry points.
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 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 SWFL. This is because they offer such a high-level of protection, functionality, and other beneficial features. 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 into an enclosed room easily
Roll shutters are heavy-duty and durable. 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.
Continue learning about roll down shutters.
Bahama shutters: great looks, protection, and shade
You will notice many properties around Southwest Florida with Bahama shutters. They are common on inland homes as much as they are for beach homes. That’s because they fit in nicely with our tropical paradise.
Below we discuss what they are and Bahama shutters are one of the most popular shutter styles in SWFL.
What are they and how do they work?
Bahama shutters are permanently installed hurricane shutters that are attached to the exterior of your home. They are hinged at the top of each window. In addition to the hinges the shutters use telescoping arms, which allow you to close the shutters and change the angle that it sits over your window.
This type of shutter is unique as it always remains over your window, unlike other options which close to expose your window fully. So they are also a great option for shade and protecting your home from the harsh UV and light of Southwest Florida.
It should be noted that Bahama hurricane shutters cover your entire window. There are also half Bahama shutters, (also called deco-Bahama shutters) that are for decorative vs storm protection purposes.
Related: Are Bahama Shutters Worth It in SW Florida?
Why Bahama shutters are so popular
Bahama shutters offer effective storm protection, shade, and UV protection. But perhaps the biggest reason why people in Southwest Florida love the Bahama style is because of their good looks and Caribbean charm. They are definitely considered “aesthetically pleasing”.
They also offer a lot of design flexibility, which you to 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 they can 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 Style shutters.
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 doors. And if you are looking for hurricane protection for your patio or outdoor spaces then hurricane screens are a popular option.
CONCLUSION
Popular hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida include accordion shutters, roll down shutters, and Bahama shutters. 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. Give us a call at 239-369-8600 or contact us using the form below to get started.
