How Do You Know Which Hurricane Shutters Are Best?
If you live in an area prone to storms and high winds, one of the essential items you’ll need for storm season are hurricane shutters, also known as storm shutters.
We don’t call them hurricane shutters up in Northern California because we don’t have too many hurricanes passing through.
Some storms are serious business though and shouldn’t be taken lightly–especially storms with high winds capable of launching objects through the air at tremendous speeds.
The right storm shutters will not only save you thousands of dollars in repair costs, but they’ll also give you peace of mind knowing your home is well-protected. Here’s the four best hurricane shutters ranked for your convenience.
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What Are Hurricane Shutters?
Hurricane shutters, or storm shutters, are more focused on their function rather than their design. They are built to be impact-resistant to protect windows from projectiles that fly through the air during a storm. However, that’s not to say that some storm shutters are also a great option for their aesthetics.
Their main priority in their design is to protect your home from extreme weather. Storm shutters vary by style, material, and also vary by size of your home windows. The right storm shutters could mean the difference between major destruction and staying well-protected.
How Do You Know What Kind of Hurricane Shutters to Purchase?
You want to make sure you’re getting the best shutter for the right price otherwise you’re putting you and your home at risk.
The cheapest option is usually not the best option.
Luckily for you, we’ve done the research and compared the different types of hurricane shutters available so you can be sure you’ll have the best storm shutters to protect your home.
Don’t let this happen to your home
What Are The Different Types of Hurricane Shutters?
There are four main types of hurricane (storm) shutters: storm, accordion, shaker, and exterior rolling. Each type comes with its own set of pros and cons, and you want to be sure you get the right one for your situation, environment, style, and price range.
We even ranked a number of storm shutters in our Ultimate Homeowners Guide to Shutters.
Invest in the right shutters so you can save money and protect your family.
Let’s see how the following types of storm shutters stack up.
1. Exterior Rolling Shutters
Exterior rolling shutters are shutters that are similar to window blinds in that they roll in and out of a storage bay above the window on the exterior of the home.
They can be operated by a hand-operated crank or an electric motor, which is the preferred method because you can open and close them at the push of a button.
Rolling shutters are also great for helping insulate your home from outside noise.
And they can be completely custom made to match your home’s aesthetic and window decor in addition to helping you keep your home cooler with solar shading and providing improved home security due to its heavy-duty construction.
| Storm Protection | UV Protection | Security | Durability | Versatility | Curb Appeal | Temp Regulation | Light Controls | Convenience | Privacy | Investment | Overall Score | |
| Exterior Rolling | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8.0 |
European Rolling Shutters is your home for rolling shutters in San Jose. We can customize the exterior rolling shutters for your space and make sure they are installed seamlessly in your home.
2. Accordion Shutters
Accordion shutters get their name from their folding nature–manually unfolding accordion-style to be locked in place over windows or doors to protect them from storm damage.
The shutters are installed by being fastened to tracks above and below windows or doors.
They are usually more affordable compared to some of the other options on this list, but they don’t offer as much protection.
They don’t offer other features or benefits besides being a barrier for the projectiles during a storm.
| Storm Protection | UV Protection | Security | Durability | Versatility | Curb Appeal | Temp Regulation | Light Controls | Convenience | Privacy | Investment | Overall Score | |
| Bahama Storm | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 5.7 |
| Shaker Storm | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 5.1 |
| Accordion Storm | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 5.8 |
3. Bahama Shutters
Bahama shutters, also called bermuda shutters, are shutters that use arms to extend open to a 45-degree angle or can be pulled closed and locked in place over a window.
These shutters are very popular in tropical/subtropical areas where hurricanes are more prevalent, and are also fairly affordable, but they are limited in the protection they provide to windows.
They also block the view of the window even when extended out.
They have a unique look and offer some good protection, but apart from those benefits they don’t do too much else.
If you are looking for more of a budget option bahama shutters are a great option, but they just don’t compare to some of the higher ranking options on our list.
| Storm Protection | UV Protection | Security | Durability | Versatility | Curb Appeal | Temp Regulation | Light Controls | Convenience | Privacy | Investment | Overall Score | |
| Bahama Storm | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 5.7 |
| Shaker Storm | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 5.1 |
| Accordion Storm | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 5.8 |
4. Shaker Shutters
Shaker shutters, also known as colonial shutters, have a more “traditional” look of shutters–situated on the right and left of a window with the ability to swing closed on hinges during a storm.
Most homeowners go for this type of shutter when they want their shutters to blend in with the rest of the exterior of their home.
However, since the shutters are fastened by exterior fasteners they can disconnect and blow around during a major storm with the abuse of high winds, heavy rain, and debris.
And they aren’t constructed from heavy metals, so it would be easy for a burglar to enter the home if these shutters are used.
| Storm Protection | UV Protection | Security | Durability | Versatility | Curb Appeal | Temp Regulation | Light Controls | Convenience | Privacy | Investment | Overall Score | |
| Bahama Storm | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 5.7 |
| Shaker Storm | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 5.1 |
| Accordion Storm | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 5.8 |
Best Hurricane Shutters at a Glance
- Exterior Rolling Shutters – Best investment and all around protection from storms while also adding the benefits of cooling and protecting your home from theft at the push of a button.
- Accordion Shutters – Very affordable, but difficult to install and not very good at being impact-resistant during strong storms and they require you to physically install or remove the shutters unless they are permanently attached.
- Bahama Shutters – Looks stylish and also adds shade to cool the home, but not as impact-resistant during high winds in addition to potentially blocking you from looking out the windows.
- Shaker Shutters – Affordable and stylish to match the exterior of the home, but not very good at protecting the windows from projectiles.
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Get Your Hurricane Shutters to Prepare for Storm Season
Don’t wait until it’s too late! You want to be well prepared for severe storms in addition to finding shutters that offer additional features and benefits. As you can see, there’s a number of choices when it comes to choosing the best hurricane shutters for your home. However, you want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck.
Exterior rolling shutters give you the ability to get all of the additional benefits and features in addition to protecting your home from a severe storm. And the installation of the exterior rolling shutters will also serve as a good return on your investment since it increases the value of your home. If you’re interested in getting a quote for custom storm shutters, connect with us today.
We also offer luxury markilux awnings.
