Hurricane Shutters Prices by Type

* 24-inch by 42-inch shutters are a common size and span seven square feet. This gives you a look at what a single window and hour of labor might cost.

Accordion Shutters Cost

Accordion-style hurricane shutters cost $15 to $30 per square foot plus an hourly rate of $45 to $100 to install every seven square feet. This square footage figure represents the shutters needed for a single 24-inch by 42-inch window. Expect to pay $105 to $210 for each 24-inch by 42-inch pair of shutters. The price reaches $1,200 to $2,480 for eight windows of that size.

Accordion window coverings feature hinged panels housed in a box permanently bolted to either side of a window. You use these metal or polycarbonate panels by unfolding them and locking them in place.

Aluminum Accordion Hurricane Shutter Prices

Aluminum accordion hurricane shutters are up to $30 per square foot. Labor costs $45 to $100 per hour, and it takes one hour to install every seven square feet. Aluminum is the most common material for this style since it is strong yet lightweight.

Roll-Up or Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters Cost

Expect to pay $25 to $60 per square foot for roll-up or roll-down hurricane shutters, or rolling shutters. The installation costs $45 to $100 per hour. Installations on a 24-inch by 42-inch, or seven square foot, window takes one hour for a total price of $220 to $520. It costs $1,760 to $4,160 to cover eight windows totalling 56 square feet.

This design is a permanent addition to the facade of the home. They operate via a hinge or louver. You use a mechanical or automatic crank to unroll them from a box bolted above each window. They travel along tracks at either side of the window and bolt down at the bottom.

Bahama Shutters Cost

Bahama hurricane shutters, or Bermuda shutters, are $20 to $35 per square foot and $45 to $100 per hour to install. You might pay $185 to $345 to have these protective coverings installed on a 24-inch by 42-inch window. Expect to pay $1,480 to $2,720 for the installation of eight of the same size.

They work well in hot climates because they create shade and protect from flying debris during strong storms. This design mounts to the tops of the windows. You can then easily unlatch them from their awning position and secure them below the windows before winds pick up speed.

Cost of Other Storm Shutters

Colonial Hurricane Shutters Cost Estimate

It costs $25 to $35 per square foot plus $45 to $100 per hour to install colonial style hurricane shutters. You might pay $220 to $345 to cover a 24-inch to 42-inch, or seven square foot, window. Expect a total of $1,760 to $2,720 to install about 56 square feet.

Motorized or Electric Hurricane Shutters Cost

Installing automatic hurricane shutters across the whole house ranges from $6,360 to $10,560. Included in the price is $1,200 to $4,160 for eight accordion or rolling style shutters plus $600 for each motor. The total also covers 8 to 16 hours of labor at $45 to $100 per hour.

Storm Shutter Panels Cost

Storm shutter panels cost $10 to $20 per square foot and $45 to $100 per hour to install. This affordable style only costs $115 to $240 for a 24-inch by 42-inch window. The cost of hurricane panels for the whole house could reach $1,920. How long it takes to install these panels depends on their size and location.

This style usually comes in steel or aluminum and are only put on windows when there is a threat of a hurricane. You can install them using steel channels bolted to the facade of the home and at the top and bottom of the window. You can unbolt it and take it down whenever the skies are clear.

Clear Hurricane Shutters

Clear polycarbonate hurricane shutters are $10 to $15 per square foot. Installation is an hourly rate of $45 to $100. You might pay around $115 to $205 to install a 24-inch by 42-inch panel. Expect it to cost up to $1,640 to put these panels over eight windows.

Unlike metal and polycarbonate panels, the clear ones can stay in place without blocking your view. They are installed in a steel channel that runs along the façade of the house.

Fabric Storm Shutters

Fabric storm shutters are $5 to $15 per square foot, or $80 to $205 for a 24-inch by 42-inch panel. You can easily put these up by yourself when your local news issues a storm warning. Otherwise, expect to pay a professional $45 to $100 per hour.

These reinforced-PVC or mesh sheets attach to windows via grommets, slide brackets, straps and buckles. You can also find them in the rolling screen style. Another fabric storm shutter is poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (Kevlar), which costs about twice as much as the PVC fabric. They’re easy to put up and take down, but it does take more time than more permanent options.

Hurricane Shutter Installation Costs

Expect a hurricane shutter company near you to charge between $45 and $100 per hour plus materials to put up these window coverings. Permanent shutters, like accordion and Bahama styles, usually take one hour to install every seven square feet. Installing fabric styles only takes 15 to 30 minutes each unless placed on the second story or above, which can double install times. Automatic shutters can take up to two hours apiece.

Hurricane Screens Cost

Hurricane screens cost $5 to $15 per square foot plus labor for the install. Expect to pay $45 to $100 per hour for labor unless you decide to put up the screens yourself. You can find screens made from PVC-coated fabric, polypropylene and Kevlar within this price range.

Storm Screen Cost by Brand

Armor screen costs typically fall in the $1,860 to $5,220 range no matter which brand you go with. Popular brands include:

• Storm Catcher
• Fabric Shield
• Storm Smart
• Storm Solutions

Each company offers free onsite estimates so they can learn about what shutters you want and take measurements. The total price depends on the shutter style, window measurements and installation location.

Hurricane Shutters vs. Impact Windows Cost

While hurricane shutters are $3,500 on average to install, impact windows cost an average of $6,510. The windows themselves can cost $90 to $400 depending on their size. Plus, you have to cover the labor cost of $60 to $130 per window.

These double-paned windows have a sheet of laminate between them that prevents shattering in the event of flying debris, similar to a car's windshield. They’re also typically three times thicker than standard windows. This makes them ideal for limiting hurricane damage, improving energy efficiency and even deterring theft.

DIY vs. Hiring Someone to Put Up Hurricane Shutters

Professional installation is the best way to make sure that your home remains well protected during storms. When you hire a hurricane shutter contractor, they perform the work to code and verify the window coverings work as intended. Their expertise also allows them to get just the right look you are going for without compromising on protection.

FAQs

How much does it cost to install an anti impact guard on your window?

Anti-impact window film costs $5 to $12 per square foot. While it does prevent shattering from light impacts, you need a bit more protection in hurricane force winds. Pair this anti-impact guard with fabric panels or better for true peace of mind.

What is the average cost of hurricane shutters in Florida?

Expect to pay $3,500 on average when installing hurricane shutters in the greater Miami, Florida, region. The price may vary depending on the total number of windows, their location and the panel sizes needed.

What are the cheapest accordion shutters?

The cheapest ones are $15 per square foot plus labor. They are polycarbonate instead of metal and operate manually. In a pinch, plywood costs only $2 to $6 per square foot and can work as a temporary hurricane shutter. To be effective, the plywood sheets should be a minimum of ⅝-inch thick and bolted to each window using lag or barrel bolts.

What are the best hurricane shutters?

Roll-up or roll-down styles are the best due to their strength and ease of use. They take the least amount of time to roll out upon hearing the storm warning.

Do I need hurricane shutters for all of my windows?

Yes, you need to cover all your windows to protect your home from hurricanes. The high winds could blow in any direction, especially as the storm passes right overhead.

Can you see through Bahama shutters?

Yes, you can see between the slats on Bahama styles. It is also possible to prop up the panel for a clear view outside and some fresh air.

Are hurricane shutters worth it?

Wind and storm damage repairs cost $8,405 on average. That is $4,905 more than the $3,500 average cost of installing hurricane shutters.

Do accordion hurricane shutters increase home value?

Yes, expect a 50% return on investment when you install accordion hurricane shutters. A $3,500 install provides a $1,750 return but only if you sell right away.

How much are security shutters and how are they different than hurricane shutters?

Expect the price of security shutters to fall in the $120 to $2,000 range. Basic models do not have enough impact resistance to withstand high wind speeds. They just protect from light impacts, vandalism and theft by locking when closed. Hurricane-rated models are at the upper end of the price range for the best of both worlds.