How much do hurricane shutters cost?
How much do hurricane shutters cost?
Hurricane shutters cost $2,000 to $8,000 on average for a house. Accordion shutters cost $15 to $25 per square foot or $105 to $175 per window. Roll-down hurricane shutters cost $20 to $175 per square foot or $140 to $1,225 each. Storm shutter panels and fabric screens cost $5 to $30 per square foot.
$5 – $50 average cost per square foot
$35 – $350 average cost per window (24" x 42")
$2,000 – $8,000 average cost for a house
Hurricane shutters cost $2,000 to $8,000 on average for a house. Accordion shutters cost $15 to $25 per square foot or $105 to $175 per window. Roll-down hurricane shutters cost $20 to $175 per square foot or $140 to $1,225 each. Storm shutter panels and fabric screens cost $5 to $30 per square foot.
Hurricane shutters cost
Hurricane shutters cost $5 to $50 per square foot on average for accordion, Bahama, colonial, aluminum or clear panels, or fabric screen types. Electric roll-down hurricane shutters cost $50 to $175 per square foot. Storm shutter costs depend on the type, material, and automation level.
| Metric | Metal panel or fabric screen | Accordion, Bahama, or basic roll-down | Electric roll-down or steel screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per square foot* | $5 – $30 | $15 – $50 | $50 – $175 |
| Per window (24"x42")* | $35 – $210 | $105 – $350 | $350 – $1,225 |
| Per 10 windows (24"x42")* | $350 – $2,100 | $1,050 – $3,500 | $3,500 – $12,250 |
| Per 20 windows (24"x42")* | $700 – $4,200 | $2,100 – $7,000 | $7,000 – $24,500 |
*Price includes installation.
Hurricane shutters cost calculator
The following table shows the average cost of hurricane shutters for a house.
| National average cost | $4,700 |
| Minimum cost | $400 |
| Maximum cost | $15,000 |
| Average range | $2,000 to $8,000 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Hurricane shutters prices by type
Accordion hurricane shutters cost $15 to $25 per square foot.
Roll-down or Bahama storm shutters cost $20 to $50 per square foot.
Electric roll-down hurricane shutters cost $50 to $175 per square foot.
Storm shutter panels and fabric hurricane screens cost $5 to $30 per square foot.
| Type | Cost per square foot* | Cost per window (24" x 42")* | Temporary or permanent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accordion shutters | $15 – $25 | $105 – $175 | Permanent |
| Aluminum or metal storm panel | $5 – $15 | $35 – $105 | Both options available |
| Anti-impact hurricane window film | $5 – $15 | $35 – $105 | Permanent |
| Bahama shutters | $20 – $50 | $140 – $350 | Permanent |
| Clear polycarbonate panel | $10 – $20 | $70 – $140 | Both options available |
| Colonial shutters | $20 – $50 | $140 – $350 | Permanent |
| Fabric screen | $5 – $30 | $35 – $210 | Both options available |
| Hurricane impact windows | $40 – $70 | $280 – $490 | Permanent |
| Plywood shutters | $2 – $5 | $15 – $35 | Temporary |
| Roll-up or roll-down shutters | $20 – $50 | $140 – $350 | Permanent |
| Motorized or electric roll-down shutters | $50 – $175 | $350 – $1,225 | Permanent |
| Steel mesh storm screen | $85 – $150 | $595 – $1,050 | Permanent |
*Includes installation.
Accordion shutters cost
Accordion shutters cost $15 to $25 per square foot installed or $105 to $175 per 24"x42" window. Accordion hurricane shutters are permanent, run along a track, and unfold when needed. Accordion-style shutters are made of aluminum or steel and work well on balconies, windows, and sliding glass doors.
Roll-up or roll-down hurricane shutters cost
Roll-down hurricane shutters cost $25 to $120 per square foot installed or $175 to $840 per window on average. Manual roll-up shutters cost $20 to $50 per square foot. Electric roll-down hurricane shutters cost $50 to $175 per square foot.
Exterior rolling shutters are permanently top-mounted and provide storm protection, security, and light and noise control.
Roll-down shutters work well over large openings or in place of a garage door.
| Type | Cost per square foot* | Cost per window (24" x 42")* |
|---|---|---|
| Manual roll-down shutters | $20 – $50 | $140 – $350 |
| Electric roll-down shutters | $50 – $175 | $350 – $1,225 |
*Includes installation.
Bahama shutters cost
Bahama shutters cost $20 to $50 per square foot installed or $140 to $350 per window. Bahama storm shutters are made of aluminum or wood, permanently mounted, and top-hinged at a 45-degree angle like an awning.
Bahama hurricane shutters can close completely and add privacy, light control, and tropical style to the home.
Bahama shutters are also called Bermuda shutters. Some Bahama shutters have moveable slats—also called louvers—to adjust the light and visibility level.
Motorized or electric hurricane shutters cost
Electric hurricane shutters cost $50 to $175 per square foot installed or $175 to $1,225 per window. Electric roll-down hurricane shutters operate with a motorized switch, remote, or smart device and should include a battery backup or manual crank. Automatic shutters work well in areas like lanais, patios, and balconies.
Storm panel hurricane shutters cost
Storm panel hurricane shutters cost $5 to $20 per square foot installed or $35 to $140 per window, depending on the material and components. Storm shutter panels are temporary, attach by track or with bolts, and come in various materials:
Steel – Strong and thin but very heavy
Aluminum – Thicker and lighter than steel
Clear polycarbonate – As strong as aluminum but not as heavy; lets light in
Fabric – Folds or rolls up for easy storage; lets light in
| Pros | Cons |
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Colonial hurricane shutters cost
Colonial hurricane shutters cost $20 to $50 per square foot installed or $140 to $350 per window. Colonial shutters hinge at the sides, fold together for storm protection, and provide a decorative element. Colonial hurricane shutters are typically made of aluminum and come in louvered and board-and-batten styles.
Storm shutters cost by material
Storm shutter prices depend on the shutter material and type, number and size of openings, and level of automation.
| Material | Cost per square foot | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric | $5 – $30 |
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| Metal | $5 – $175 |
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| Clear polycarbonate | $10 – $20 |
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| Plywood | $2 – $5 |
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Most storm shutter materials come in both temporary and permanent mounting options.
Fabric hurricane shutters cost
Removable fabric hurricane shutters cost $5 to $15 per square foot installed. Roll-down hurricane fabric shutters cost $25 to $50 per square foot installed and are permanently mounted. Fabric storm shutters contain Kevlar, PVC, or UV-resistant coating, and are flexible yet strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds.
| Factor | Temporary | Permanent |
|---|---|---|
| Price per square foot | $5 – $15 per square foot* | $25 – $50 per square foot* |
| Material options |
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| Pros |
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*Including installation.
Atlas Armor and Astroguard are approved for use in Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)
Aluminum / metal hurricane shutters cost
Aluminum hurricane shutters cost $5 to $50 per square foot installed or $35 to $350 per 24"x42" window, depending on the type and level of automation.
Aluminum panels are the most common material, provide strong storm protection, and are lightweight at 1 to 1.5 pounds per foot.
Steel shutter panels are 50% thinner than aluminum panels but twice as heavy at 2.5 to 3 pounds per foot.
| Type | Cost per square foot* | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum and steel hurricane panels | $5 – $15 |
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| Accordion shutters | $15 – $25 |
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| Bahama and colonial shutters | $20 – $50 |
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| Aluminum roll-down shutters | $25 – $175 |
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*Including installation.
Clear hurricane shutters cost
Clear hurricane shutters cost $10 to $20 per square foot installed. Clear polycarbonate panels offer the same protection as metal storm panels but with added visibility. Use clear corrugated shutters with aluminum hurricane panels to keep costs down but let more light into your home.
Wood storm shutters cost
Plywood hurricane shutters cost $2 to $5 per square foot installed and provide a temporary option before a storm. Wood board-and-batten shutters cost $15 to $80 per square foot installed, are permanent, and give some protection but are typically not hurricane-rated.
For DIY plywood shutters:
Plywood must be 5/8" thick minimum.
Cut 7" wider and 7" taller than the window size.
Use at least 3" bolts and drill bits to ensure a tight fit.
While wood is a good temporary solution, aluminum outlasts wood in long-term exposure to heat and humidity.
Anti-impact hurricane window film cost
Anti-impact hurricane window film costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed. Anti-impact film prevents shattering but doesn't provide adequate hurricane protection like shutters or impact windows. The film secures to the frame with a special adhesive, so professional installation is recommended.
Anti-impact window film is not an approved method of hurricane protection in Florida.
Hurricane shutter installation cost factors
Shutter companies and handyman services charge $50 to $80 per hour plus materials to install hurricane shutters. Permanent shutters take 1 hour to install, fabric screens take 30 minutes, and automatic shutters take up to 2 hours. Add more time for large windows or windows on the second floor.
The following factors affect the cost to install hurricane shutters:
Materials – Durable and expensive materials increase the total cost but offer more robust impact protection and withstand different wind speeds.
Type – Shutter prices depend on the type, style, function, and automation level. Motorized options with remotes or smart capabilities increase the cost. Some exterior accordion shutters and panels can operate from the inside.
Window size, shape, and amount – The more windows to cover, the higher the cost. Oddly shaped windows may cost more for custom cutting.
Permits – Permits cost $50 to $200 and are required by most coastal states to install window treatments.
Installation – Labor costs to install depend on the type, window size, window location, and the number of workers. Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour to wire motorized shutters and wall switches.
DIY vs. pro – DIY installation costs less, but hiring a professional ensures proper storm protection and may reduce insurance premiums.
Time of year – Professional installation may cost less outside of the hurricane season.
Shutter hurricane-rating and durability
Products marketed for storm protection vary in durability. Choose shutters tested and rated specifically for hurricanes with one or more of the below standards to ensure adequate protection:
Florida Building Code Miami-Dade TAS 201, 202, and 203 (required for HVHZ approval)
ASTM International E 1886 and 1996
Homeowners in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) should choose hurricane shutters approved explicitly for the HVHZ. ASTM International testing is not sufficient in this area.
Hurricane shutters for sliding glass doors
Storm shutters for patio doors cost $10 to $55 per square foot installed, depending on the type. Accordion, panel, roll-down, and fabric panels work well as hurricane shutters for sliding glass doors. Accordion shutters are popular for sliding glass doors and cost $15 to $25 per square foot installed.
Mobile home hurricane shutters
Mobile home hurricane shutters cost $2 to $20 per square foot installed, depending on the type. Plywood panel shutters are the least expensive at $2 to $5 per square foot. Sliding storm panels cost $5 to $20 per square foot installed and can be deployed quickly and easily before a storm.
Hurricane screens cost
Hurricane screens cost $5 to $30 per square foot for fabric or $85 to $150 per square foot for stainless steel mesh, including installation. Hurricane fabric screens contain Kevlar, PVC, or UV-resistant resin coating, making them flexible but strong. Steel mesh hurricane screens secure the home year-round.
| Screen type | Cost per square foot* | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric hurricane screens | $5 – $30 |
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| Stainless steel mesh screens | $85 – $150 |
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*Including installation.
There are several methods to attach fabric hurricane screens:
Grommet – Screen attaches with wingnuts or bolts into 1/4" anchors on the house. Inexpensive hardware makes grommet systems the most affordable.
Buckle and strap – Straps are sewn into the fabric and attach to buckles or wrap around columns. Zippers make for quick entry and exit.
Roll-up – Affixed permanently to the house and can be manual or motorized
Hemcord – Screens slide onto a permanently mounted track. Deployment from inside the house makes it ideal for second-floor use or higher.
I-Beam track – Slides on a curtain-like track. Ideal for balconies and patios
Hurricane shutters vs. impact windows cost
Hurricane shutters cost $35 to $350 per window, have a 40% to 50% ROI, add a visual element, provide UV protection, and vary in visibility and level of effort required.
Impact windows cost $280 to $490 per window with an 80% to 86% ROI, cause no visual change, provide UV protection, and 100% visibility.
| Factor | Hurricane shutters | Impact windows |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per window installed* | $35 – $350 | $280 – $490 |
| Return on investment (ROI) | 40% – 50% | 80% – 86% |
| Features |
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*Including installation.
Both hurricane shutters and impact windows may qualify for insurance discounts. (except plywood)
Do you need hurricane shutters with impact windows?
Hurricane shutters are not needed with impact windows installed. Impact windows withstand high winds and do not shatter but can still break from flying debris. Installing hurricane shutters over impact windows provides the best protection but costs the most.
Hurricane shutter FAQs
How much do hurricane shutters cost in Florida?
Hurricane shutters cost $2,000 to $8,000 on average for a house in Florida. The total cost depends on the shutter type, material, number and size of windows, and labor.
What are permanent storm shutters?
Permanent storm shutters are attached to the exterior of a home's windows and doors for immediate use. Accordion and roll-down are the two most common permanent storm shutter options. Permanent shutters are ideal for two-story homes and severe weather-prone areas.
Do accordion hurricane shutters increase home value?
Accordion hurricane shutters slightly increase a home's value and have a 40% to 50% return on investment (ROI). Hurricane shutters improve a home's exterior aesthetics and are more attractive to home buyers in a hurricane zone.
Are hurricane shutters worth it?
Hurricane shutters protect the windows, doors, and everything inside the home from hurricane-force winds and flying debris. One broken window during a hurricane has the potential to destroy a home's interior and structure due to pressurization.
Leaving your home unprotected in a storm may lead to interior damage and costly repairs:
Window replacement costs $400 to $1,000 per window.
Window glass replacement costs $50 to $200 for a single pane and $200 to $600 for a double pane.
Do I need hurricane shutters for all of my windows?
According to FEMA, all windows need hurricane shutters or hurricane protection. However, not all sides of the home need the most expensive treatment. Some building codes, such as those in Florida, require all windows to have hurricane shutters or storm windows.
One broken window may lead to significant damage from water and flying debris and increases the likelihood of the roof blowing off due to internal pressurization.
What are the best hurricane shutters?
The best hurricane shutters depend on the homeowner's budget, physical ability, and aesthetic preference:
| Factor | Features |
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| Budget |
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| Physical ability |
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What are the cheapest accordion shutters?
The cheapest accordion shutters cost $15 to $25 per square foot or $105 to $175 per 24'x42' window installed. For a temporary solution, plywood shutters cost $2 to $5 per square foot or $15 to $35 per 24'x42' window.
How much are security shutters?
Security shutters cost $175 to $370 for an average 36"x42" window. Security shutters provide privacy, light and noise control, energy savings, and intruder protection, but are not hurricane-rated.
Finding hurricane shutter installation companies
Hiring a professional ensures proper installation, protection, and peace of mind. Professionally installed hurricane shutters meet building codes that may qualify for insurance discounts.
Before hiring a shutter installer, remember to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Look for licensed contractors with hurricane shutter installation experience.
Get references and check out previous installations.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Always choose shutters rated and approved to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask installers
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Which type of shutters do you recommend for my home, and why?
Are the shutters hurricane-rated?
Are the shutters approved for the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)?
Will you show me how to attach the hurricane shutters myself?
What is and is not included in the installation fee?
What additional costs should I expect?
How long will the installation take?
Do I need to be home for the installation?
How long will the hurricane shutters last?
Is a warranty included? If yes, what does it cover?
What kind of maintenance will the shutters require?
How much do you charge for repairs?