Hurricane Shutter Comparison Guide
Choosing hurricane shutters for a hurricane-prone home comes down to your opening size, budget, deployment time, appearance, and the wind and impact requirements for your location. Empire Shutters builds custom protection in Florida and ships factory-direct nationwide and internationally.
Quick comparison
| Shutter type | Best for | Main advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storm panels | Budget-conscious homeowners | Lowest-cost impact protection; easy to store | Panels must be installed and stored before and after a storm |
| Accordion shutters | Fast, permanent coverage | Track-mounted, quick to deploy, one-person operation | Visible side stacks and permanent tracks |
| Rolling shutters | Convenience, privacy, and insulation | Manual or motorized roll-down operation; year-round benefits | Higher upfront investment and headroom requirements |
| Bahama shutters | Shade and tropical style | Top-hinged design adds shade, ventilation, and curb appeal | Confirm impact rating and opening requirements |
| Colonial shutters | Traditional architecture | Side-hinged appearance with permanent, polished presentation | Manual deployment and clearance need to be planned |
Which hurricane shutter is best for you?
Choose storm panels for the lowest-cost protection
Aluminum, clear, and steel storm panels are a practical option when budget matters and you can install panels ahead of a storm. They are compact to store and work well for homeowners who want impact-rated protection without permanent shutters.
Choose accordion shutters for fast whole-home deployment
Accordion shutters remain mounted on tracks and fold closed across windows and doors. They are a strong fit for hurricane-prone homes that need repeatable storm preparation and permanent protection.
Choose rolling shutters for maximum convenience
Rolling shutters provide a clean profile and can be operated manually or with a motor. They also offer privacy, noise reduction, and solar-control benefits throughout the year.
Choose Bahama or Colonial shutters for architectural style
Bahama shutters add a top-hinged tropical look and shade. Colonial shutters offer a more traditional side-hinged appearance. For either style, verify whether you need non-impact or impact-rated construction for your opening and jurisdiction.
Building-code and HVHZ considerations
Requirements vary by opening, county, and wind-borne debris zone. Homes in Miami-Dade and Broward counties may fall within Florida's High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), where product approvals and installation details are especially important. Ask for the product approval information that applies to your project and follow the approved installation instructions.
How to compare quotes
- Confirm whether the price includes custom measurement, tracks, fasteners, and delivery.
- Ask whether the product is impact-rated and approved for your jurisdiction.
- Compare deployment time, storage, maintenance, warranty coverage, and available manual or motorized options.
- Request a wind-mitigation documentation package from your installer or inspector when applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Do hurricane shutters need to be permanently mounted?
No. Storm panels are removable, while accordion, rolling, Bahama, and Colonial systems are generally installed as permanent or semi-permanent systems.
Are all hurricane shutters HVHZ approved?
No. Approval depends on the specific product, size, installation configuration, and jurisdiction. Confirm the approval and tested configuration before ordering.
Can I install hurricane shutters myself?
Some systems are designed for qualified DIY installation, while others require professional measurement or installation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and local code requirements.
Ready for a custom quote? Get your custom hurricane shutter quote or call 1-888-474-3555 for help choosing the right protection for your home, or browse storm panels, accordion shutters, and rolling shutters.