Hurricane Shutters Knowledge Quiz

Installed costs typically run 10 to 25 per square foot depending on the shutter type, with storm panels at the low end and motorized roll-down shutters at the high end. A 100-square-foot window opening could therefore cost 1,000 to 2,500.

Accordion shutters sit in the middle, roll-down shutters are the most expensive, and removable storm panels are the cheapest but require manual installation before each storm. Impact glass is a different route entirely and can cost more per opening but eliminates deployment.

A typical home with 10 to 15 window openings can range from about 3,000 for basic storm panels to 15,000 or more for motorized roll-downs. Prices scale with opening size, number of openings, and installation complexity.

Many insurers offer premium discounts of 5 to 20 percent for approved hurricane protection, and some require it for new policies in high-risk areas. Ask your insurer what products they recognize and what discount they will apply before buying.

Material grade, wind rating, motorization, warranty, and installation method all move the price, as does whether the quote includes fasteners, anchors, and permit fees. Compare quotes on the same product line and wind rating.

Choose accordion shutters for convenient one-person deployment at moderate cost, roll-downs if you want push-button protection and do not mind the price, and storm panels if budget matters most and you will install them before each storm. Impact glass is the answer if you want permanent protection with no deployment.

Impact glass protects year-round with no setup and improves security and noise, but costs more per opening and cannot be added to existing windows without replacement. Shutters are usually cheaper for a retrofit and can protect any window type.

Look for shutters tested to recognized impact standards such as ASTM E1886/E1996 or a high-velocity hurricane zone approval, matching your area's design wind speed. Products without a recognized wind rating may fail inspection and will not satisfy insurance requirements.

Building codes in hurricane zones often require protection for all openings, including doors and garage doors, not just the biggest windows. Protecting only part of the envelope leaves weak points where wind and debris can get in.

Install well before hurricane season, because demand spikes and lead times stretch when a storm is approaching. Off-season installation also means better scheduling and often better pricing.

Look for a licensed contractor who installs shutters regularly, carries liability insurance, and can show products with valid wind ratings and approvals. Ask for references and inspect installed shutters in your area.

Ask for the product's wind rating and testing standard, the warranty on materials and motors, whether installation includes all anchors and fasteners, and how long installation takes. Get the total installed price in writing.

Many jurisdictions require permits for shutters, especially roll-downs that mount to the structure, and inspections confirm the fasteners meet code. Ask whether the quote includes permit fees and who pulls the permit.

Ask for the product approval notice or test report showing the design pressure rating and the standard it was tested to. Legitimate manufacturers publish these, and a company that cannot produce one is a red flag.

Local installers know the regional wind codes and can measure and service the product after the storm, while national brands may offer lower prices but variable installation quality. Verify whoever you choose is licensed and insured locally.

Measure every opening you need to protect, confirm the product's wind rating matches your code requirements, and check your insurance company's approved product list. Also verify the warranty covers motors and hardware, not just the panels.

Ask for the fastener schedule and installation details before signing, and confirm the installer follows the manufacturer's approved mounting method. A permit and final inspection are the best proof of code compliance.

Lubricate tracks and hinges, test motorized units monthly, and clear debris from tracks before each season. Storm panels should be stored dry and checked for bent or missing fasteners.

Deploy every unit once a year, check for bent tracks, corroded fasteners, and torn or brittle panels, and confirm motors run end to end. Replace damaged fasteners before the storm, since they are the most common failure point.

Look for 5 to 10 years on materials and finish, similar or longer coverage on motors for roll-downs, and installation workmanship coverage. Get the warranty in writing and confirm it transfers if you sell the home.

Watch for door-to-door sellers who appear after a storm threat and demand cash deposits, and for products with no wind-rating documentation. Verify the company's license and the product's approval before paying anything.

Low prices often mean thinner gauge material, lower wind ratings, or anchors and fasteners sold as extras. A shutter that fails at the fastener is worse than none, because the panels themselves become debris.

Common add-ons include permit fees, structural reinforcement for roll-down mounting, electrical work for motorized units, and seasonal removal and reinstallation of storm panels if you do not do it yourself. Ask what is included before signing.

Get at least three itemized quotes on the same product type and wind rating, and ask your insurer which products earn a discount. Beware of storm specials that inflate the base price to make the discount look generous.