Are you in the market for hurricane shutters? Well you will definitely want to at least consider these two shutters. And if you are wondering which is better, roll down vs accordion hurricane shutters then this article is perfect for you. And don’t worry. Eurex Shutters installs, repairs and maintains both of these shutter types. We also are big fans of both kinds. So rest assured this is an unbiased comparison of these two hurricane shutters.
Our goal for this comparison article is to provide you with all necessary information needed to make a decision. We want you to be able to select the style of hurricane shutter that is best for you, no matter which type that is. These two shutter types are both very popular in South Florida. So we think it will be helpful to compare the two head to head.
How do we do it? We will compare these two types of protective, exterior shutters in the following areas:
- Protection
- Aesthetics (attractiveness)
- Convenience (ease of use)
- Features & functionality
- Storage requirements
- Initial cost
- Cost of ownership
But first, we provide a quick overview of each shutter so you know exactly what they are.
You may also be interested in: Impact Resistant Windows vs. Hurricane Shutters?
Roll Down Shutters
Roll down hurricane shutters are extremely popular, and for good reason. They are permanent hurricane shutters that are typically installed on the exterior of your home. They can also be hidden in some instances.
Roll down storm shutters can be used to cover your windows, doors, lanais, patio, etc. They open and close by rolling up and down. You can use these for both small and large openings.
They are offered in quite a few operation types. You can buy manual roll downs or opt for automatic ones that open and close via electric motors.
Learn more about Eurex Shutters PTX Roll Down Hurricane Shutters.
Accordion Shutters
Accordion hurricane shutters are another popular style of storm protection. They are also permanent shutters installed on your home.
Accordions can also be used to cover your windows, doors, lanais and more. They are great for wide openings. Accordions open and close by sliding left and right. Their movement is similar to that of an accordion.
They are operated (slid back open and shut) manually.
Learn more about .
Comparison: Roll Down vs Accordion Hurricane Shutters
Below we compare roll down shutters vs accordion hurricane shutters in each area. The table provides a quick, visual overview. And we discuss each area in detail below. We also include a conclusion for each area so you can see the key take-away.
So let’s get started.
Protection
Roll down shutters
All of Eurex Shutters‘ storm shutters are rated to withstand up to a category 5 hurricane. This includes our roll down shutters. In turn, they are excellent for storm protection. But roll down shutters are special because they are also commonly used as security shutters. And because you can deploy them very quickly you can use them daily, or more than once a day if you desire. So in terms of protection they are excellent at protecting your home, your condo, or your office or business.
Accordion shutters
As mentioned above, all of our storm shutters are tested and rated to withstand up to a category 5 hurricane. Accordion hurricane shutters are no exception. And if you wanted to you can theoretically use them for security protection because they do have a locking mechanism. However, they are, at their core, designed for storm protection not security purposes.
Conclusion
Both of these shutter options provide a high level of storm protection. But roll down shutters offer superior, all around protection, including storm and top-notch security protection.
Aesthetics (attractiveness)
Roll down shutters
Want a shutter with a clean look? Well, roll shutters are sleek. They have a sleek, “Euro” design. That is actually why they are sometimes called European rolling shutters.
What exactly does that mean? When they are open (up) they tuck away cleanly in a sleek housing above your window, door, etc. And even when they are closed they have a clean, minimalistic look compared to some other hurricane shutters. If you want an even cleaner look you may be able to to do a hidden installation. This allows you to hide the housing so it is not visible when they are open. You can also pick from a number of standard colors to match your home nicely.
Accordion shutters
How do Accordion shutters compare? They are somewhat the same. We just mentioned roll downs hide in a housing above your windows and doors when they are open. Accordion shutters tuck away cleanly in a housing on the side of your windows, doors, etc. There may be some applications where you can also hide them (dependent on the installation). And you can choose accordion shutters in a number of standard colors to match your home.
Some people like the way accordion shutters look. Others feel they are a little bit more noticeable vs roll downs when they are closed. This is because the fins form V shape when closed.
All in all, accordions offer good aesthetics for a hurricane shutter.
Conclusion
Neither option is a bad one in terms of aesthetics. But roll down shutters are probably the better choice if you are looking for a hurricane shutter that is super clean and sleek.
Convenience (ease of use)
Roll down shutters
Roll down hurricane shutters are amazing in terms of ease of use and convenience. You can open and close them quickly and easily. This is true for manual roll down shutters, but it is especially true for automatic rolling shutters. Electric roller shutters can be opened and closed with the touch of a button from inside your home. If you want ultimate convenience you can control them with a mobile app. For instance, Eurex Shutters offers the TaHomA System app for use on your mobile phone.
Learn more about how to How to Operate Manual Belt Roll Shutters in FL, How to Operate Manual Crank Roll Shutters in FL, how to How to Operate Electric Roll Shutters in FL.
Accordion shutters
Accordion hurricane shutters are one of the easier shutters to deploy, even if they are not as easy as roll downs. You simply slide them left and right and lock them in place. But they are only offered in manual operation.
When comparing manual roll downs to accordion shutters they are more comparable. So keep that in mind if you are interested in manual roll down shutters.
Also, you do need to make sure they are cleaned and greased as recommended. If they get dirty they may not slide open and close smoothly. However, this can be prevented and fixed by cleaning and lubricating them.
Learn more about How to Close Accordion Hurricane Shutters.
Conclusion
Accordion shutters are pretty easy and convenient. But roll down shutters really are the ultimate choice in the convenience category. Both manual and automatic roll up shutters are convenient and easy to deploy.
Features & functionality
Roll down shutters
Like with convenience roll down shutters offer a lot of functionality. They are security shutters as much as they are hurricane shutters. When you are not protecting your home you can use them for shade, UV protection and privacy. These are all possible due to their ability to open, close and adjust extremely easily. You can adjust the height, but you can also adjust the opening of the slats. This means you can do a lot with them to enhance the enjoyment of your home, such as adding privacy while allowing air to flow through.
Accordion shutters
Accordion shutters offer some functionality in addition to just storm protection. For example, they are great for creating temporary additions to your home. For instance, you can quickly turn your lanai or patio into a storage room or interior place to relax without much effort. They also provide shade, although it is complete shade as the slats do not adjust. Still, you can block out UV rays and provide shade as needed. You can even close them partially to provide shade while allowing some light in.
Conclusion
Both shutter types offer functionality in addition to just security protection. However, roll down shutters offer more functionality because of the ability to control and adjust them precisely.
Storage requirements
Roll down shutters
Roll down shutters are permanent shutters. They are always installed on your home. This means you don’t have to worry about storing them in your home, garage, etc.
Accordion shutters
Accordion shutters are the same.They are permanent shutters that are always installed on your home. So you don’t have to store them either.
Conclusion
Neither type of shutter requires storage.
Initial cost
Roll down shutters
Roll down shutters are excellent at providing protection and are packed with features, offer many benefits and are easy to use. They are considered premium hurricane shutters because of all of this. So they are priced on the higher end. With that being said they are still less expensive then some other hurricane shutters.
Accordion shutters
Accordion shutters also offer great protection. They offer some functionality in addition to protection, but not as much as roll downs. Because of this they are typically priced lower than roll downs when purchasing them.
Conclusion
Accordion shutters are usually priced lower than roll downs. Here’s why: Roll down shutters are a premium option with a lot of features and functionality. Because of this they have a higher price tag. Some folks are happy to pay the higher price for the the added convenience, functionality and other benefits of roll downs. Others are happy with the convenience and functionality that accordion shutters offer.
If you want maximum convenience, protection and functionality roll downs might be your best choice. If you want a solid, convenient shutter but don’t need all the bells and whistles then accordions might be the right choice.
Find out the cost of roll down vs accordion hurricane shutters in our guide on Hurricane Shutters Cost.
Cost of ownership
Roll down shutters
In order to ensure your roll down shutters operate smoothly you will need to maintain them. They are similar to a garage door or other things that have moving parts, motors, electrical, etc. They do require maintenance over time to keep them working smoothly and as they should. But with proper shutter repair and maintenance your rolling shutters should be dependable for a long time.
Accordion shutters
Accordions are the same. They require some attention and maintenance over time to ensure they stay working properly. This includes cleaning them and doing maintenance on them in regular intervals.
Conclusion
Both of these shutters are similar to mostly anything with moving parts. Roll down shutters should be maintained on a regular basis. They may also require repairs over time as things wear down. Accordion shutters also require some care and maintenance over time. But with proper maintenance they should be dependable and last for a long time.
Conclusion: Roll Down vs Accordion Hurricane Shutters
Roll down shutters and accordion shutters are two types of hurricane shutters. Both are great in terms of storm protection purposes. Rolling shutters are a premium option with many features, a lot of convenience, and a premium price tag. Accordion shutters are a great option that offer ease of use, convenience and some additional functionality. Although they don’t have all the bells and whistles they do come in at a lower price tag, typically. Choosing the best hurricane shutters for you will depend on your needs and your budget.
Want to see the different styles of hurricane shutters in person? It is a great idea to talk to a hurricane shutter expert about your options. This way you can find the option that’s best for you. The Eurex Shutters team would love to help. Feel free to visit us at our showroom or contact us to get started.
