Protecting your family from the threat of hurricanes is important. Being left without hurricane protection for your home is not fun. This is especially true when a major hurricane is approaching. But the reality is that certain types of hurricane shutters can be expensive. And not everyone wants or can afford certain types of storm shutters. If you do not need all the bells and whistles you can still protect your home and family while staying budget friendly. There are indeed economical hurricane shutter options.
So what are the least expensive hurricane shutters? That’s the question we answer below in this article.
The least expensive hurricane shutters for your home
Are you looking for the least expensive storm shutters? If so, then your best bet is a non-permanently installed option. These are shutters that need to be installed and uninstalled before and after each storm.
Plywood is not technically a type of hurricane shutter. There are also several reasons why plywood is not a suitable long-term solution. In turn, we do not include plywood as an inexpensive shutter option in this article.
Find out more about DIY Hurricane Shutters – Things to Consider
So with that said the least expensive hurricane shutters are typically storm panels.
Storm panels are corrugated panels made from either metal, aluminum or clear polycarbonate plastic. The panels overlap each other to create a shield over the exterior of your doors and/or windows.
Polycarbonate hurricane panels are unique because they are clear. This allows natural light in while allowing you to see out when they are installed.
The panels are attached to your home with suitable hardware, such as sidewalk bolts or hanging bolts.
Some hurricane shutter companies give you the option to have a rail system installed. This rail makes it easier to install the panels. This is because the panels rest on the rail, supporting each one as you attach them.
See other, affordable hurricane shutters options.
Least expensive: honorable mention
Kevlar hurricane fabric panels are also an inexpensive shutter option. These are another non-permanent option. They cost a little bit more than rigid storm panels, but they have a few benefits that justify the higher cost. These benefits include:
- Easier to install vs storm panels: Hurricane fabric panels are much lighter, which makes them easier to handle and install vs rigid storm panels.
- Reduced risk of injury: Fabric panels reduce risk of injury vs storm panels. First, they are flexible so the risk of cutting yourself on a sharp edge is eliminated. Second, they are lighter, which reduces your risk for hurting your body or muscles (and dropping them on yourself).
- Require less storage room: Fabric storm panels do need to be stored. So they are similar to rigid storm panels in this way. But they are flexible and can be folded and compressed. In turn, they will most likely require less space to store them vs rigid panels.
Learn more about our ArmorPanel Hurricane Fabric Panels
How expensive are storm panels?
As we mentioned, storm panels are typically the least expensive type of hurricane shutter you can buy for your home. You can see an estimated cost for them in our Guide on Hurricane Shutters Cost. You will notice they are the first shutter type listed, meaning they are the lowest cost.
Why are storm panels less expensive than permanent shutters?
Permanent shutter systems are more expensive for several reasons. A few of the big reasons are below.
First, permanent shutters have a higher cost to create them. There is more material cost. And there is more cost for labor. This is because a lot more hours that go into them vs panels. These hours are incurred during the design, manufacture and installation of custom, permanent shutter systems.
Second, permanent shutters offer significantly more features and benefits vs storm panels. And in general, the more benefits and features a product provides the higher its cost.
Cons of Inexpensive shutters vs more expensive ones
Some of the downsides of inexpensive non-permanent shutters vs permanent shutters include:
- Time and work required to install and uninstall them every storm: You will need to install and uninstall storm panels for each storm. And this work can be time-consuming and physically demanding. You will also have to prepare your home with more notice than permanent shutters. This is because the storm panels take significantly longer to install vs simply closing and locking permanent types of storm shutters. If you can’t install them yourself you will need to find and hire a service to install them for you.
- Less functionality and features – Storm panels are great for providing protection for your home during a hurricane. But this is really their sole function. On the other hand, many permanent shutters offer additional functionalities and benefits. These include shade & UV control, privacy, security and more.
- Find out more about functional shutters
- Need for storage when not in use: It is not recommended or desirable to leave storm panels installed after a storm passes. For one, they create a fire and safety hazard if they are left installed over your windows. This is because they eliminate exit points (also known as egress) in your home. Also, they look unsightly when left on your home. Lastly, some cities actually do not allow residents to keep the panels on a home when not needed. So you will need to find a safe and adequate place to store the panels when they are not in use. If you don’t have room in your garage or home you may need to store them in a storage unit.
Conclusion
If you need to protect your home and family from hurricanes then hurricane shutters are a must. Some types of hurricane shutters can be more expensive than others. But you can get inexpensive shutters if you don’t want permanent shutters with all the bells and whistles. Storm panels are typically the least expensive hurricane shutters. Fabric hurricane panels are also inexpensive and provide some benefits over rigid panels. And while storm panels have some downsides vs permanent shutters they do provide strong storm protection for your family.
Not sure which hurricane shutters are right for you? The hurricane shutter pros at Eurex Shutters can help.
