How Much Do Hurricane Shutters Cost?

What Are Hurricane Shutters?

Hurricane shutters are protective barriers installed on the exterior of a home’s doors and windows. Good storm shutters will lessen damage from heavy rain and wind-related damage like impact from debris. In regions where tropical storms and hurricanes are common, homeowners may be able to reduce their insurance premiums by installing hurricane shutters. Quality storm shutters can also impact repair costs after a large storm or hurricane. 

Hurricane Shutter Cost Factors

Shutter Material

The cost of hurricane shutters depends on the material of the shutters. Popular hurricane shutter material includes plywood, fabric, clear polycarbonate, and metal. 

Number of Windows

The number of windows in a home will impact the overall cost, as more windows require more materials and labor. A typical 24 x 42-inch window spans 7 square feet and requires one hour of labor to install. So an average cost of a storm shutter may cost between $80 and $520 per window. 

Labor

Labor for this project costs between $40 and $100 per hour. On average, it takes an hour for every 7 square feet, the size of one 24 x 42-inch window. 

Shutter Type

There are multiple types of hurricane shutters, including accordion, Bahama, Colonial, and motorized. Each type is unique and often made with various materials that will also affect its overall price. For example, accordion storm shutters cost between $15 and $30 per square foot for materials, whereas roll-up or roll-down shutters cost $25 to $60 per square foot.

Size of Windows and Doors

Many shutters will cost between $50 and $160 per square foot for materials and labor. A home with windows spanning about 7 square feet can cost between $80 and $520 per window.

Permanent vs. Temporary

Temporary shutters like storm shutter panels cost less than permanent installations, and they do not change the house's exterior when not in use. Storm panels cost between $10 and $20 per square foot of material.

Custom Designs

Windows with unique sizes and shapes may require custom-cut hurricane shutters. Custom shutters may cost more than the average storm shutters. Homeowners will likely need a professional for any custom-sizing.

Permits

Permits are often necessary when installing hurricane shutters, and they cost between $50 and $200. Local ordinances may stipulate who should apply for the permit—the contractor, or the homeowner. 

Insurance Coverage

Many homes in hurricane and storm-prone areas can receive insurance premium discounts for storm shutters. For example, Florida insurance companies grant homeowners discounts for taking hurricane prevention measures. Insurance companies usually base their discount on the wind portion of your premium. A more significant reduction of wind damage will typically result in larger savings.

Types of Hurricane Shutters

Accordion

Accordion shutters are permanent fixtures that cost between $15 and $30 per square foot. Labor costs an additional $45 to $100 an hour, which is the average time to install a window of seven square feet. So, homeowners can expect to pay $105 to $210 per window.

Bahama

Bahama shutters, also called Bermuda shutters, create shade and protect windows from flying debris. On average, Bahama shutters cost $20 to $35 per square foot for materials and a combined cost of $185 to $345 for labor and materials. Homeowners looking to protect eight 24 x 42-inch windows can expect to pay $1,480 to $2,720. 

Colonial

Installing colonial-style shutters can range from $25 to $35 per square foot. Labor for a typical 7-square-foot window costs between $45 and $100 an hour, giving homeowners a combined cost of $220 to $345 per window. Installing hurricane shutters on eight windows measuring 24 x 42-inches a piece will cost $1,760 to $2,720.

Clamshell

Clamshell shutters are collapsible metal awnings that are economical storm shutters. Typically made from aluminum that costs up to $30 a square foot, homeowners can expect to pay up to $300 per window.

Roll-Up or -Down

A permanent addition to a home's exterior, roll-up or roll-down hurricane shutters range in price from $25 to $60 per square foot for materials. These storm shutters use a manual or electric crank that unrolls the panels and locks them into place via notched slots on either side of the window frame. When considering labor costs, homeowners will pay $220 to $520 per window.

Motorized or Manual

Installing automatic hurricane shutters requires more materials than other styles of storm shutters. Electric hurricane shutters need motors to operate, with each motor costing an average of $600. Protecting eight windows with motorized hurricane shutters will range from $6,360 to 10,560 for combined materials and labor.

Hurricane Screens

Storm shutter panels are a cost-effective way to protect a home. Shutter panels are temporary and only put up before a storm. These easy-to-install shutters cost between $10 and $20 per square foot of material and $45 and $100 for labor. Homeowners will spend less for these non-permanent fixtures, at about $115 to $240 per window.

Hurricane Shutters by Material

Plywood

Plywood is an economical material for hurricane shutters, costing between $2 and $6 per square foot. One window measuring 24 x 42-inches would range from $14 and $32 for a total cost of $59 to $132 per window when considering labor.

Fabric

Fabric screen shutters are usually reinforced-PVC or mesh panels that attach to windows. Homeowners looking for a temporary fabric screen shutter can expect to pay between $5 and $15 per square foot for materials and between $45 and $100 for labor. A standard 7-square-foot window will range from $80 to $205 per window in combined costs. 

Clear Polycarbonate 

Clear polycarbonate shutters are a transparent alternative to metal or plywood shutters. The materials for clear shutters cost between $10 to $15 per square foot, while the labor runs from $45 to $100 an hour. At a combined price of $115 to $204 per window, homeowners will likely spend up to $1,640 to install clear polycarbonate shutters on eight windows. 

Metal

Aluminum is the most prevalent metal used in hurricane shutters. Aluminum is effective, lightweight, and economical. Accordion hurricane shutters and clamshell shutters are typically aluminum, though some accordion shutters can be a polycarbonate blend. The materials for aluminum shutters cost between $20 to $40 per square foot.

Steel is a durable alternative to aluminum. Steel shutters can withstand heavy rains and wind gusts. Homeowners looking to use steel hurricane shutters can plan on spending up to $60 per square foot and an additional $45 to $100 an hour for labor.

Should I Install Impact Windows Instead?

Homeowners who want to protect their homes from storm-related damage like hurled debris and excessive moisture may consider installing impact windows instead of hurricane shutters. Impact windows are double-paned with a laminate sheet acting as a middle layer that prevents shattering. They are thicker than traditional windows and protect the home from flying debris. 

On average, installing impact windows costs a homeowner $6,510 for a home with eight windows. Each window can cost between $90 to $400 for the materials and $60 to $130 for labor. Installing hurricane shutters costs less at about $3,500 for a home with eight 24 x 42-inch windows. 

Security Shutters vs. Hurricane Shutters

While hurricane shutters can withstand high wind speeds and impacts from flying debris, security shutters cannot. As the name suggests, security shutters protect windows from lighter impacts, theft, and vandalism. They do not function as protection from the elements and are an unwise alternative to storm shutters. Security shutters range in price from $120 to $2,000.

Cost to Install Hurricane Shutters Near You

The price of hurricane shutters varies by state. Here’s a look at costs in three hurricane-prone states.

DIY vs. Hiring Someone to Put Up Hurricane Shutters

To properly install hurricane shutters, homeowners should hire a hurricane shutter contractor. A professional will ensure that the installation is effective, safe, and as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Homeowners without the right expertise could risk damaging their homes and incurring more overall costs. 

​​FAQs

What are the best hurricane shutters?

When it comes to strength, the easy-to-use roll-up or roll-down hurricane shutters are hard to beat. Homeowners appreciate how quickly this style of storm shutter rolls into place.  

Do I need hurricane shutters for all of my windows?

To put it simply, yes, homeowners in need of hurricane shutters will need them on every window. Storm winds blow in all directions, meaning debris and heavy rain also blow in all directions. Each window should have a storm shutter for proper protection.  

Can you see through Bahama shutters?

Yes, Bahama-style hurricane shutters have slats that allow homeowners to see out. They can also be raised and propped up for an unobstructed view.

Are hurricane shutters worth it?

The average cost of installing hurricane shutters is $3,500, while the typical cost of storm damage repair is around $8,405. Hurricane shutters are worth it because the installation cost is far less than the average cost to repair damage after a hurricane. Additional insurance discounts make installing hurricane shutters even more economical.

Do hurricane shutters increase home value?

Hurricane shutters yield a 50% return on investment (ROI), meaning that a homeowner who spends $3,500 on accordion hurricane shutters will see a $1,750 return. However, like most home features, ROI will decrease with time. 

What are the least expensive accordion shutters?

Polycarbonate accordion hurricane shutters are the least expensive manual accordion shutter, at $15 per square foot without the cost of labor. At $2 to $6 per square foot, plywood is another option at a lower price point. Plywood sheets of 5/8 inches thick can be a quick temporary solution in the case of an impending storm. They should be secured to a window using lag or barrel bolts.