Hurricane Shutter Maintenance Guide
Posted by Michael Joiner on
Hurricane shutters are a significant investment in your home's safety, and like any investment, they need regular maintenance to perform when it matters most. Neglected shutters can corrode, jam, or fail during a storm. This 2026 guide covers essential maintenance tips for every type of hurricane shutter.
Accordion Shutter Maintenance
Clean the tracks regularly to remove dirt, debris, and salt buildup. Lubricate the tracks and hinges with a silicone-based spray at least twice a year. Open and close the shutters periodically to ensure smooth operation. Check for corrosion on the aluminum blades and tracks, and treat any spots immediately.
Rolling Shutter Maintenance
Test the operation at least twice a year by fully deploying and retracting each shutter. For motorized models, check the motor and replace backup batteries annually. Clean the guide tracks and apply silicone lubricant. Inspect the shutter curtain for dented or bent slats that could prevent proper closure.
Aluminum Storm Panel Maintenance
Rinse panels with fresh water after each use to remove salt and debris. Store panels in a dry location to prevent corrosion. Check the header and sill tracks for damage or debris buildup. Inspect wing nuts, bolts, and fasteners and replace any that are corroded or missing.
Bahama and Colonial Shutter Maintenance
Inspect hinges and hardware for corrosion or looseness. Lubricate all moving parts with silicone spray. Touch up any scratched or chipped paint to prevent corrosion. Test the prop arms and locking mechanisms to ensure they secure properly.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice significant corrosion, broken components, or shutters that won't operate smoothly after cleaning and lubrication, it's time to call a professional. Attempting to force a jammed shutter can cause further damage.
Shutters By Empire: Your Maintenance Resource
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.
Need replacement parts or a new shutter system? Call us at 1-888-474-3555 or visit shuttersbyempire.com.
Questions to answer before ordering hurricane 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.
- Which shutter family best matches the opening, budget and desired deployment method?
- What approval documents, permits and installation details apply at the project address?
- Who will install the product, and how will freight and site access be handled?
Compare current examples in the hurricane 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.