Made from either aluminum, steel or polycarbonate storm panel shutters are only installed when there is the threat of a hurricane. When there is no danger, these shutters can be easily stored in your garage or attic. Though this type of hurricane shutter can be bought at big-box stores, it's recommended that you buy them from a company that specializes in this type of product and have them professionally installed when the time comes. The installation time and installation costs for these panels are relatively low when compared to the Hurricane shutter installations of other permanent options. These aluminum hurricane panels are low-cost hurricane shutters that require a steel channel bolted to the outside of the home both at the top and bottom of each window. In general, storm panels are the most economical of all hurricane shutters costing anywhere from $7-$15 per panel. While they do provide some storm protection and impact resistance, there are permanent shutters available that are much stronger.
Rolling Shutters
Whether you refer to them as roll-down, roll-up, or just rolling shutters, they all serve the same purpose. Unlike storm panels, rolling shutters are usually the most expensive type of hurricane shutter and are a more permanent addition to the façade of your home. They are usually quality metals such as aluminum or polycarbonate. They work using either a hinge or louver. To open them, users either use a mechanical crank or hit a remote control. The electric shutters travel along a track that is on either side of the window. When fully open, they are bolted down at the bottom of the window. Ranging in price from $20-$30 per square foot of window area, they are the strongest and most effective type of roll-down hurricane shutters available. There are versions of rolling shutters available for sale at most of the larger home improvement stores such as Home Depot. However, usually for insurance premiums, it is required that this type of shutter be installed by a professional who has customized your window coverings.
Accordion Shutters
Similar to rolling, accordion shutters are another permanent type of window protection. These ones are hinged panels that are stored in a metal box bolted to either side of your window. Usually made of metal or polycarbonate, accordion shutters can be extended just like the musical instrument from which they get their name and be bolted to the opposite end of the window. Ranging in price from $15-$25 per square foot of window space, accordion hurricane shutters are usually less expensive than the rolling versions.
Colonial Shutters
Colonial hurricane shutters are permanently mounted to the sides of your windows, just like decorative shutters. Yet this version serves a much greater purpose as they can be un-latched from each side of the window and bolted together in the middle. Usually, colonial shutters come in either a single, bi-fold, or tri-fold design. This type of hurricane shutter can be purchased at stores like Home Depot. But it is recommended that homeowners purchase them through a company that specializes in this unique window covering. This may involve some labor costs, but the quality of the shutter will be better, and you can rest assured that when the time comes, they will operate effectively because they've been properly installed. Colonial shutters usually range in cost anywhere from $200-$500 per window.
Hurricane Shutter Cost Across the U.S.
Several factors can affect the cost of your hurricane shutter installation. Yes, you have to be in an area prone to hurricanes. But where you live isn't so much a differentiating factor in the hurricane shutter prices. Today, the price of hurricane shutters in cities such as Miami versus Houston or Tampa can vary widely, but not for the reasons you think. Today, those price differences are due to the types of shutters and material you're using when you're installing hurricane shutters. The cost can also vary based on the number of windows and doors you're choosing to cover and if you're opting to do the installation yourself or having a professional installation. Each one of these selections can vary your cost dramatically regardless of the city you're living in. Whatever the cost, most homeowners who purchase hurricane shutters have found that the initial investment is worth it. The money that could be used for repair costs goes instead towards shutters that will protect your home for years to come, which will result in a bigger return on investment.
Shutter Choice
The choices in hurricane shutters available on the market today are as diverse as the homes that require them. From temporary window coverings and storm shutters to permanent ones, it is up to you to decide what shutter will work best on your windows. Yes, there are larger big-box stores that sell a variety of the shutters mentioned above at incredibly low prices. However, many times what you save in money you sacrifice in quality and poor installation, leaving you vulnerable during a raging storm. It's best to purchase from a company you can trust.
At Rollac, we produce the highest quality of hurricane shutters that offer the maximum protection available. We also offer hurricane shutter installation and are happy to discuss quotes and labor costs with you. Our hurricane shutters have been engineered to protect your home from the highest wind speeds, and we've seen them work for many families since we opened. Call us today to find out how we can help you get prepared for hurricane season, and protect your home and family.