UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension
Hurricane Shutters

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Hurricane Shutters 
Consumers should ask shutter vendors for verification that their products meet the 2002 Florida Building Code, which for our region requires passing 130 mph testing. The Miami-Dade Standards are even more stringent, requiring 150 mph testing, resulting in even stronger products. (See http://www.buildingcodeonline.com )  
Remember that a combination of shutter types can be used to meet individual needs, reduce overall costs, and better suit the size, location, and accessibility of the home’s various windows and doors.
 

 

 

Accordion Shutters

  •  Great for large openings.

  • Convenient to use.

  • Can be locked for additional security.

  • Can provide increased privacy.

  • Can be used to reduce solar gain & noise.

  • $13.00-18.00 per square foot uninstalled.

Bahama Shutters

  • Top-hinged and easy to use.

  • Attractive, tropical appearance.

  • Provide shade, privacy, security and potential energy savings.

  • Somewhat diminished view.

  • $20.00-26.00 per square foot uninstalled.

Colonial Shutters
 

  • Great for regular windows.

  • Side-hinged and easy to use.

  • Attractive appearance; high architectural quality

  • Unobstructed view when open.

  • Can be used to reduce solar gain & noise. $25.00-30.00 per square foot uninstalled.

Fabric Panels

  • Homeowner installs fabric panels prior to storm in pre-drilled holes around opening. Time and labor intensive.

  • Must be stored when not in use.

  • Relatively light weight.

  • Opaque, but some light is admitted.

  • $5.00-7.00 per square foot uninstalled.

 

Plywood Barriers

  • Homeowner installs prior to storm. Normally requires two people.

  • Time & labor-intensive. Heavy. Must be stored.

  • Once cut to size, should be labeled by location. Proper installation essential. Must cover entire window and frame to be effective. Minimum ¾ “ thickness.

  • Can use clips with recessed frames; otherwise, must screw into the building itself.

  • Probably the least expensive alternative.

  • $2.00-3.00 per square foot uninstalled.

 

Perforated Barriers (Screens)

  • Some varieties are installed by the homeowner prior to the storm using pre-drilled holes and grommets. This type must be rolled up and stored. Slightly reduced light and view.

  • $10.00-14.00 per square foot uninstalled.  

  • Other varieties are permanently installed over the window and frame, so they are very convenient. They reduce light and view to some extent, but increase security and energy savings due to reduced solar/heat gain.

  • $16.00-24.00 per square foot uninstalled.

Removable Storm Panels

  • Homeowner installs the panels in the tracks prior to a storm. Time & labor-intensive.

  • Stackable; must be stored when not in use.

  • Tracks stay in place; minimal negative architectural/aesthetic effect.

  • $5.00-7.00 per square foot uninstalled.

 

Roll Down Shutters

  • Ideal for hard-to-reach areas.

  • Most convenient to use.

  • Manual or electric operation.

  • Virtually invisible---minimal negative architectural/aesthetic effect.

  • Can provide added security and privacy.

  • Can be used to reduce solar gain & noise.

  • $28.00-40.00 per square foot uninstalled.

  • (Motorized: Add $400 plus electrical costs)

 

Steel Mesh Screens (Commercial)

  •  Permanently in place; installed over window and frame. Top-hinged for cleaning, but window stays closed.

  •  Used mainly on fixed glass and/or commercial buildings. Increased security and energy savings.

  • Reduced light and altered view.

  • $35.00-40.00 per square foot uninstalled.

 

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