How Much Does It Cost to Install Hurricane Shutters?

Homeowners who live in hurricane zones must take extra precautions to protect their homes. One way they do this is by installing hurricane shutters over all openings.

Hurricane shutters protect a residence from damage due to high winds and flying debris. In some cases, they may also safeguard against the looting that often happens just after a hurricane. The cost of hurricane shutters depends on the type of material and the number and size of the windows and glass doors. In the U.S., the average range is from $2,300 to $7,900, with an average of $5,100 for 320 square feet of hurricane shutter protection.

Hurricane Shutters Cost

Hurricane Shutters Costs by Type

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to protect your home is to install hurricane shutters. Shutters prevent damage to the home by protecting against window breakage. When it comes to hurricane shutters, homeowners have many choices in frame type, strength and purpose, and even the color and design.

There are two kinds of protection: temporary and permanent. Temporary shutters are removed and stored when not required, while permanent versions are affixed to the window year-round. Shutters are available in a variety of materials for varying levels ¹ of protection. Below you will find information on the shutters, the average cost, and the pros and cons of each type.

Hurricane Shutters Cost

Plywood

Homeowners with no formal hurricane shutters in place may use plywood ² panels instead. Plywood hurricane shutters should be at least ⅝” thick and overlap the glass by at least four inches all the way around to provide adequate protection. They will then need to be attached to your exterior walls using ¼;” screws or three-to-four-inch barrel bolts. The most basic material for hurricane shutters is plywood. Although cumbersome to install, at $1.50 - $6 per square foot ³ plus $12 - $27 for the installation hardware, it is the most economical of any material.

Fabric Storm Panels

Fabric storm panels or wind abatement screens offer an alternative to using cumbersome plywood or expensive permanent shutters. The panels are made of a layer of thick material coated on each side with a tough resin or a synthetic PVC coating. Panels attach with grommets and bolts, straps and buckles, or a rolling screen system. Lightweight and easy-to-store, fabric storm panels cost $5 - $15 per square foot.

Storm Panel Hurricane Shutters

Made from corrugated steel or aluminum, storm panel hurricane shutters consist of multiple panels that overlap one another. The overlapping panel design ensures that the various pieces reinforce one another to provide maximum protection during a hurricane. Storm panels are an economical choice and the least expensive permanent shutters. The corrugated metal or plastic panels provide excellent protection for only $7.50 - $17 per square foot.

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Accordion Shutters Cost

Accordion shutters fold up accordion-style when not in use and are permanently attached to the home. They may consist of a single panel attached to one side of the window or two separate pieces, one on either side. Most accordion-style shutters are made from aluminum. Installed using a track-and-wheel system, these shutters are easy for one person to unfold. Available in one or two-section designs, accordion shutters are economical. At only $14 - $28 per square foot, these shutters provide a low-cost option for homeowners who do not want to remove and store seasonal protection.

Bahama Shutters Cost

This type also resembles traditional shutters, with the exception being that they are all one piece. Bahama hurricane shutters attach to the top of your window and are propped up via a rod that extends from the window frame. In that way, they provide partial shade for your windows when not in use. Bahama hurricane shutters are similar to the window awnings used in many warm climate areas. Bahama shutters offer top-of-the-line beauty and protection. For $20-$32 per square foot, this style protects against not only the ravages of hurricanes but also heat and damage from the sun.

Colonial Hurricane Shutters Cost

Colonial hurricane shutters are designed to look much like conventional shutters and even have the same louvered texture. One shutter is placed on either side of a window and is approximately one-half its width. The two pieces can then be folded together to cover the pane completely during a storm. Expect to pay $22-$35 per square foot for the protection and quality of colonial shutters.

Roll Down Hurricane Shutters Price

This type somewhat resembles a roll-down garage door, just on a much smaller scale. Roll-down hurricane shutters sit in a storage box affixed to the top of your window when not in use. You may roll them down manually or have an electronic closing device attached so that they descend automatically at the touch of a button. At $24 - $58 per square foot, roll-down shutters are excellent for covering large areas and a great alternative to fixed hurricane products.

Electric Roll Down Hurricane Shutters Cost

Electric roll-down shutters are louver panels that are hinged ⁴ and permanently attached to the opening. Often used to cover large areas, such as a pool house or outdoor recreation area, this type of hurricane protection can also be used for any size covering. Electric shutters provide ease of use and are always ready without the need to install them before a storm.

There are three types of roll-down shutters: electric, battery, and manual. Electric models offer the convenience of push-button coverage. However, storms often bring power outages, so a battery backup or manual hand crank should be installed. The battery-powered system is more expensive than a manual device. Installation fees for a manual or battery backup are usually included in the cost of the shutters. With battery-powered shutters, there is no need for an electrician, and your shutters will always be available. Adding a battery backup will cost the average homeowner $200-$300. Manual control is the least expensive of the three at about $100 but also requires the most effort because the homeowner must go outside. The cost for electric shutters varies according to the type of mechanism but expect to pay $22-$38 per square foot.

Labor Cost to Install Hurricane Shutters

Hurricane shutter options range from inexpensive plywood 1 or fabric panels to sturdy, aluminum roll-down shutters. Bahama, accordion, and Colonial shutters fall into the mid-range price category. Many of the least expensive choices can be installed as a DIY project, while those in the higher price range require professional installation.

Approximately one hour of labor is required for every seven square feet of hurricane shutters. Contractors charge from $45 to $100 per hour, with most homeowners spending an average of $70 per hour. For a home with 320 square feet of windows, the labor charge would be approximately $3,350. Expect to pay between $230 to $550 for labor charges for a 24” x 24” window.

Shutter Cost Factors

Choosing the right hurricane protection can be overwhelming. There are a variety of shutters ranging from basic plywood, which is nailed to the wall, to high-impact shutters that add to a home’s attractiveness. The shutter composition, size, and style all affect the cost, as well as the window size and design. Special finishes and mounting ⁵ hardware also raise the price, as will having the shutters professionally installed. Additionally, your location and the season you make your purchase will determine your final cost.

Permanent Hurricane Shutters vs Temporary Paneling

Those looking for inexpensive options may sometimes choose fabric storm panels over hurricane shutters. Fabric storm panels come in a variety of materials, many of which are coated with resin and thoroughly tested for impact resistance. So while they are lightweight, they provide exceptional protection in the event of a hurricane. Some have even been Category 5 wind load tested.

Fabric panels are easy to install and are a good choice for homeowners who want a DIY option. They are also simple to repair should a panel rip or tear. It is also possible to retrofit a fabric panel to an odd-sized window, eliminating the need for a custom shutter.

The different types of hurricane fabric shutters are listed below:

Impact Windows vs Hurricane Shutters

Homeowners who are concerned with aesthetics often choose impact-resistant windows instead. Sometimes referred to as hurricane window glass, they consist of thick panes of glass that have an inner layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). They are designed with the same technology used in automobile windshields so that when impacted, the glass will only shatter and not break up into shards.

Impact windows provide greater protection but also come with a much higher price tag. These windows cost between $60 and $78 per square foot, installed.

Pros and Cons of Hurricane Shutters

Installing hurricane shutters on your home can be a difficult decision. While everyone wants to protect their home, there are differing opinions on whether hurricane shutters are worth the expense and hassle. Hurricane shutters are designed to keep wind, water, and debris out of your home, and most styles are simple to keep clean and looking fresh. Hurricane shutters come in a range of prices and can be custom-tailored to your home.

However, there are also disadvantages to hurricane shutters. In some situations, shutters can fail and shatter in severe storms, sending water and debris into the home, although reported incidents of hurricane shutter failure are low. Storm bars are required to lock shutters in place for some models, which increases the installation time and the costs for the initial setup. In addition, the cost of purchasing and installing hurricane shutters is quite expensive.

The installation of hurricane shutters is up to the homeowner. Before making the decision, get all the relevant facts, including the history of storms in your location, previous property damage and personal injury in the area, and information from the city, county, and state. Speak with your home insurance agent on the likelihood of hurricanes and necessary precautions.

Hurricane Shutter Maintenance

Homeowners should regularly clean the tracks of their roll-down or accordion shutters. This ensures they are free of debris and do not “lock up” whenever you need to lower them quickly. Locking rods and thumbscrews should also be lubricated using a spray silicone at least once annually. These are easy DIY tasks that anyone can perform without needing any special tools or equipment.

Colonial or Bahama shutters are permanently attached and may, therefore, suffer UV damage. To keep them looking like new, homeowners need to paint them every three to five years. The cost to paint an entire house full of shutters is between $225 and $550, which includes the price of paint and supplies.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Those in “Hurricane Alley” can save money on their homeowners insurance by installing hurricane shutters. Studies have shown that homes with hurricane shutters sustain fewer damages during a storm and may also be less prone to having their roofs lifted. The average savings for Florida homeowners is around $520 per year.
• Those looking to sell their home in the near future should consider the Return on Investment (ROI). In general, the ROI for most types of hurricane shutters is around 50%, while the ROI for impact windows is anywhere from 80% to 86%. So while impact windows may cost more initially, they may pay greater dividends in the long run.
• Clear plastic polycarbonate ⁷ panels are an affordable DIY option for those who would like something a little stronger than plywood 1. Each panel contains a wavy design to help it deflect debris and covers approximately one foot 2 in width. As such, these shutters are sold by length, with most costing between $10 and $11 per linear foot 2. Some are certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and meet Miami-Dade County building codes.
• It generally costs more to install hurricane shutters on two-story homes and ones with skylights. That is because it takes more man-hours to carry shutters up and down ladders. Skylights may also require custom fittings, which increase the cost.
• Not everyone enjoys the look of hurricane shutters. Many believe they provide an industrial appearance that detracts from a home’s aesthetics. This is largely due to what is known as “visual pollution,” or the inability to enjoy an unhindered view. Fabric or mesh shutters are often seen as a more attractive solution, particularly because they allow people who shelter in place to see outdoors.
• Building permits are required throughout Florida and in many other coastal areas. The cost of a building permit is generally between $45 and $140, with the average homeowner paying around $85.
• Not all hurricane windows or shutters are of the same quality. For maximum protection, choose products that meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ICC 500 standards. Doing so will help you achieve the highest discount possible on your homeowners insurance. In addition, some regions require you to install shutters with certain ratings, and you must provide this information when applying for a building permit.
• To determine the square footage of a window, multiply the length times the width in inches, and then divide that number by 144. For example, a window that is 24” x 36” would be 864 divided by 144, or 6 square feet.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

² Plywood: An engineered construction material manufactured from thin slices of wood glued together in alternating grain patterns for strength

³ Foot: A support for the foundation of a house that also helps prevent settling. It is typically made of concrete reinforced with rebar, but can also be made of masonry or brick. It is usually built under a heavier part of the house like a wall or column, to distribute the weight of the house over a larger area.

⁴ Hinged: A type of joint that attaches two items together but allows one of them to swing back and forth, such as a door attached to a door frame