The Types of Hurricane Shutters & Awnings

Any home or building on the coast should have proper hurricane shutters installed.Storm image by Buonfiglio from Fotolia.com

Anyone residing in a coastal region such as Maine, Texas, and Louisiana understands the dangers that hurricane force winds can pose to any building. No matter how sound a structure may seem, it is no match for flying debris and heavy wind damage. Windows are especially susceptible to damage from coastal storms and can easily be damaged. Covering them up with hurricane shutters and awnings is the most effective way of eliminating storm damage.There are several different types of shutters, and they all serve to protect a structure from storm damage.

Automatic Rolldown Shutters

Automatic rolldown shutters are made of either PVC or metal and are installed above the window in a long box. When a storm is coming in, the shutters are rolled down either manually or mechanically and locked at the bottom. The shutters cost around $20 to $35 per square foot and come with a reinforcing rod for bigger windows.

Accordion shutters are similar to the rolldown style, but they are installed on the side of the window and are pulled across and locked. They are made from metal and cost $15 to $25 per square foot. After a storm has passed, they can be unlatched and stored into a box that is installed on the side of the window frame.

Bahama shutters function to protect windows from storm damage and provide shade from intense sunlight. Installation is easily done by simply moving the supports aside and locking the shutters down in advance of bad weather. Prices range from $15 to $20 per square foot. More expensive models are more sturdy.

Awning shutters also serve to protect and provide shade, but the awning models extend out as a normal awning on a house would. During a storm, the shutters can be folded down and fastened across windows. The cost is anywhere from $15 to $20 per square foot.

Storm panel shutters are made of aluminum and can be tucked away in a garage or storage building when not in use. A steel channel has to be installed on the top and bottom of the window and the panels can easily be slid in before a storm. They take more time and effort, but the cost is less than other shutter types. The typical price for storm panel shutters is $7 to $15 per square foot.

A less expensive method of protecting a home from hurricane-force winds involves making shutters out of plywood. The wood should be at least 5/8 of an inch thick and needs to be fastened with lag or barrel bolts.