Accordion Hurricane Shutters: Complete Buyer's Guide
Posted by Michael Joiner on
What Are Accordion Hurricane Shutters?
Accordion hurricane shutters are one of the most popular and cost-effective hurricane protection systems available for homes and businesses in Florida and across the southeastern United States. These permanent storm shutters fold neatly to the sides of your windows and doors when not in use, and unfold accordion-style across the opening when a hurricane or tropical storm threatens.
Product approvals: Impact ratings and approval coverage depend on the exact product, configuration, dimensions, fasteners, substrate and installation. Confirm the current approval documents for the specific item before relying on it for hurricane protection. Decorative non-impact products are not substitutes for approved impact protection.
Why Choose Accordion Shutters Over Other Hurricane Shutter Types?
When comparing accordion shutters to other hurricane protection options like rolling shutters, aluminum storm panels, bahama shutters, and colonial shutters, accordion shutters offer a unique balance of affordability, ease of use, and reliable storm protection. Unlike removable storm panels that require storage space and manual installation before each storm, accordion shutters are permanently mounted and can be deployed in minutes by a single person.
Compared to roll-down shutters (which offer motorized convenience but at a significantly higher price point), accordion shutters provide similar wind and impact protection at roughly half the cost. For homeowners looking for permanent hurricane protection without breaking the budget, accordion hurricane shutters represent the ideal middle ground.
Key Benefits of Accordion Hurricane Shutters
Accordion shutters deliver several important advantages that make them the preferred choice for thousands of Florida homeowners. They are permanently installed, meaning there is no need to store panels in your garage or rush to put them up when a storm is approaching. A single person can close and lock accordion shutters in just a few minutes.
Insurance: Discounts and documentation requirements vary by insurer, policy, property and inspection. Ask the insurer and a qualified wind-mitigation professional what is required before purchasing a product for a potential credit.
How Much Do Accordion Hurricane Shutters Cost?
Pricing: Shutter cost depends on finished size, product family, hardware, operating method, finish, quantity, freight and installation conditions. Use the catalog prices as examples, then request a custom quote for the current product price and project-specific shipping.
Accordion Shutters vs. Other Hurricane Shutter Types
Understanding how accordion shutters compare to other popular hurricane shutter types can help you make the right decision for your property. Rolling shutters offer the convenience of motorized operation but typically cost two to three times more than accordion shutters. Aluminum storm panels are the most affordable option but require considerable effort to install and remove for each storm, plus dedicated storage space.
Bahama shutters and colonial shutters offer aesthetic appeal and everyday shade benefits, but they tend to be more expensive per square foot than accordion shutters and may not be suitable for very large openings like sliding glass doors. For homeowners who want permanent, easy-to-deploy hurricane protection at a competitive price, accordion shutters remain the top choice.
Installation and Maintenance
Professional installation of accordion hurricane shutters typically takes one to two days for an average-sized home. The shutters are mounted on a track system above and below each window or door opening using corrosion-resistant hardware designed for coastal environments.
Maintenance is minimal. Periodically lubricating the tracks and hinges with a silicone-based spray, rinsing the shutters with fresh water to remove salt buildup, and inspecting the locking mechanisms before hurricane season are typically all that is required to keep your accordion shutters in top working condition for decades.
Buy Accordion Hurricane Shutters Direct Ordering
Empire Shutters serves customers from South Florida and ships products throughout the United States and internationally. Customers complete installation themselves or hire their own contractor or handyman. The office reviews custom dimensions, options and freight before the final order is approved.
Questions to answer before ordering accordion shutters
A useful quote starts with more than a product name. Record the rough opening width and height, the surrounding mounting surface, wall material, nearby obstructions and how the opening is used. Photos can help the office understand conditions that measurements alone do not show.
- What finished shutter dimensions are required for the opening and mounting surface?
- How will each shutter lock, deploy and clear nearby handles, trim or obstructions?
- Does the exact model have the approval documents required for the project location?
Compare current examples in the accordion shutters collection. For custom dimensions, enter your opening measurements in the custom quote tool. The office will review measurements, colors, hardware, changes, shipping and the final total with you before payment.