How Much Do Hurricane Shutters Cost in 2024?
Typical Range:
$1,520 - $5,888
Typical Range:
$1,520 - $5,888
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 361 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
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Updated September 18, 2024
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.Averaging $3,674, hurricane shutters cost from $1,520 and $5,888.
The total cost for hurricane shutters largely depends on the number of windows and type of shutter.
Accordion hurricane shutters offer high protection for a mid-range cost, between $15 and $30 per square foot.
Roll-down, Bahama, and colonial shutters have the highest top-end costs, up to $60 per square foot or more.
Hurricane shutters average $3,674, ranging from $1,520 and $5,888 depending on the type of shutter, the number and size of windows, materials, and other factors. Hurricane shutters are a critical component for many homes, especially those in Florida, North Carolina, or other high hurricane-risk areas.
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National Average | $3,674 |
Typical Range | $1,520 - $5,888 |
Low End - High End | $255 - $11,000 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 361 HomeAdvisor members.
Hurricane shutters feature specialized engineering and installation to ensure they withstand high windows and other damaging effects of major storms. The total cost of these systems depends on the total window space, where you live, and the shutter material.
The number of windows in your home that need hurricane shutters affects the total materials and labor required for your project. Most homes have between 10 and 15 windows total, with the number of windows naturally increasing for homes with higher square footage. Consider that standard entry doors and sliding glass doors may also need hurricane shutters.
See total cost ranges based on shutters for averaged-sized windows.
Home Size | Average Number of Windows | Total Shutter Costs |
---|---|---|
Small Home or Apartment | 8–12 | $490–$5,040 |
Medium Home | 10–20 | $700–$8,400 |
Large Home | 15–25 | $1,050–$10,500 |
Hurricane shutters range from $10 to $60 per square foot. Shutters for most windows are about 24 inches wide by 42 inches tall or about seven square feet, meaning standard shutters cost between $70 to $420 each.
Expect to see greater price variations if your windows don’t fall within average ranges—standardized window sizes encompass a wide range of dimensions and square footage, generally between 24 and 48 inches wide by 36 to 73 inches tall. Standardized sizes vary for different window types, such as sliding windows, casement windows, picture windows, bay windows, and more.
Hurricane shutter installation costs vary based on complexity and local labor rates. Contractor rates average between $45 and $100 per hour, with an estimated 60 minutes per window. As such, labor fees range between $450 and $1,500 for a home with 10 to 15 standard windows.
Accessibility or customization challenges may add complexity and overall labor required. Some examples include:
Multi-level homes
Non-standard window sizes
Non-standard window shapes
Electrical wiring
Geographic area is the biggest influence on installation labor rates—in general, population-dense areas with a high cost of living have correspondingly higher labor rates than rural, low cost areas. Many areas are more prone to storms than others and often require storm shutters according to local regulations, such as Florida, Texas, and North Carolina, putting contractors in higher demand and driving labor rates up.
Shutter costs range significantly depending on the material. Some shutter styles are only available in certain materials—for example, accordion shutters are usually only made from metal, and roll-down shutters are the only style available in polycarbonate.
Hurricane Shutter Material | Cost | Features |
---|---|---|
Fabric | $5–$15 | Lightweight with easy storage, may offer less protection |
Aluminum | $5–$15 | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable |
Clear Polycarbonate | $10–$20 | Durable, lightweight, and better visibility than other materials |
Steel | $35–$60 | Highly durable, industrial appearance, and heavy |
Wood | $5–$15 | Durable, but requires maintenance to avoid rotting and warping |
Hurricane shutter installation costs may be subject to other factors, such as permit regulations and insurance discounts.
Depending on your location, local regulations or homeowner’s associations (HOAs) may require you to obtain a permit before installing hurricane shutters. Permits cost between $50 and $200.
Custom designs and features add to the total cost of hurricane shutters. For example, motorized shutters add convenience but cost $50 to $175 per square foot or $185 to $1,225 per window to account for wiring, motors, and wall switch installation. Custom-sized or shaped window shutters increase total costs, as do customized finishes, mounting hardware, and other details.
Insurance companies may offer discounts for homes with hurricane shutters, offsetting some of the installation cost long-term. In some cases, these insurance companies are obligated to offer discounts to homes in storm-prone areas. The total discount you’re entitled to depends on location, your home’s overall level of storm protection, home value, and the specific insurance company.
Hurricane shutters come in different styles and types, each serving the same purpose but offering different features, advantages, drawbacks, and overall costs between $10 and $60 per square foot. Each type has various specifications for the type of material, hardware, mechanisms, and installation requirements.
Shutters are also available as either temporary or permanent options. Temporary shutters usually involve installing mounting mechanisms around your windows and keeping the shutters stored elsewhere until needed. They’re more affordable but less convenient since they take time to set up before a storm. Permanent shutters mount to the outside of your home and deploy immediately, whether manually or by a motor, but may be more expensive to install.
Most shutter types are rated for protection against major storms, but it’s best to check with your contractor or manufacturer in case your area is subject to particular regulations, such as High Velocity Hurricane Zones building codes in Florida.
Hurricane Shutter Type | Cost per Square Foot | Cost per Window |
---|---|---|
Accordion | $15–$30 | $105–$210 |
Roll-Down | $25–$60 | $175–$420 |
Bahama | $20–$50 | $140–$350 |
Colonial | $25–$50 | $175–$350 |
Storm Panels | $10–$20 | $70–$140 |
Accordion shutters are a permanent option that costs between $15 and $25 per square foot. They’re typically made from aluminum or steel and expand on a track in an accordion-like motion to slide into place during storms. While not always aesthetically pleasing, accordion shutters are affordable options that are especially convenient for doors or tall windows where pulling shutters across is easier than pulling them down. Plus, they slide into a metal box on the side of the window when not in use.
Also called rolling or roll-up shutters, roll-down shutters cost $25 to $60 per square foot. Installed above or below the window or door, these permanent shutters work with a mechanism similar to garage doors and roll up or down along tracks as needed.
Roll-down shutters are popular with homeowners for their robust protection and easy use. They’re available with either a manual crank or a switch or smartphone-operated motor and made from metal or polycarbonate.
Made from aluminum, wood, or composite, Bahama shutters average $20 to $50 per square foot. Sometimes known as clamshell shutters, these are an older style of storm shutter that’s permanently mounted on a top hinge. When open, they sit like an awning at a 45-degree angle. Bahama shutters are visually appealing and allow for better privacy, and some have louvers or movable slats to allow more light in.
Colonial shutters range from $25 to $50 per square foot. Made from aluminum, colonial shutters permanently mount on hinges on the side of a window or door to swing open and closed. Available in single, bi-folding, or tri-folding designs, colonial windows have a versatile and decorative look. Some designs also feature louvered or board-and-batten styles.
Storm panels cost between $10 and $20 per square foot. While it’s possible to permanently install storm panels on a track or with other mounting options, most homeowners use them as an affordable option for temporary use. They’re typically made from either steel, aluminum, clear polycarbonate, or fabric.
Hurricane shutters withstand high stress from severe storms, which eventually results in wear and damage. Issues such as rusted track wheels, damaged locking mechanisms, dented slats, and missing fasteners are common issues that may only require basic maintenance or minor shutter repair and likely don’t justify the cost of total replacement.
Excessive rust and corrosion, repeated storm damage, and overall deterioration can limit the protection of your storm shutters. Cracks, warping, holes, and other damage suggest that the shutters have lost their integrity and leave your home vulnerable to storm damage. New shutters may also offer improved materials or automated features.
Hurricane shutters often increase home value to appraisers. They especially add value in areas with frequent and severe storms since they’re a must-have addition, even if not required by regulations. Hurricane shutters offer these valuable advantages:
Reduced risk of storm-related injury to household members
Protect windows from shattering
Prevent damage to your home’s interior and belongings
Enhanced home security
Improved curb appeal
Potential home insurance discounts
Budgeting for your hurricane shutter installation requires careful consideration of the best value for your investment. While affordable seems more appealing, cutting costs in key aspects may limit the protection of your shutters and result in consequently increased risk of damage, injury, and costs. Follow these tips to streamline your costs while optimizing protection:
Get quotes from multiple contractors and compare the details of each estimate.
Arrange for installation during slow or off-season to access discounted labor rates.
Choose a style and material that suits your home to maximize curb appeal.
Opt for a home insurance company that offers higher discounts for storm protection.
Don’t skip any windows—leaving even one exposed may result in higher repair costs that outweigh another shutter.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects
Installation time for hurricane shutters generally takes 60 minutes per window. For the average home with 10 to 15 windows, that equates to 10 to 15 hours or one to two days of labor. The total time required depends on the type of shutters, customization, your home’s design, and other factors that may add complexity.
Hurricane shutters last between 10 and 30 years. Longevity depends on the type of shutters and their material and the frequency and severity of storms they’re exposed to. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs, such as cleaning, lubrication, and replacing slats or hardware can extend the lifespan of your hurricane shutters.
Hurricane shutters may not be necessary if you already have storm windows since the latter are made from highly durable glass panes that shouldn’t shatter against storm damage. Your location also factors in—for instance, California is known for having some of the country’s mildest weather. Check your local regulations since building codes in hurricane-prone areas may have specific requirements for storm protection compliance.