By Tony Carrick | Updated 12:56 PM, January 29, 2021

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If you live in an area prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, you may want to consider installing hurricane shutters on your windows. Because they can prevent the debris blown by the storm from flying through your windows, they are the first line of defense against destructive winds. Shutters can be made of plywood, aluminum, polycarbonate plastic or even high-strength fabrics. Hurricane shutters come in many forms, from rolling shutters to Bahamian shutters. Learn more about the factors to consider when buying the best hurricane shutters and the top picks in several categories.

There are five basic types of hurricane shutters: colonial shutters, Bahamas shutters, plywood, accordion, and roller shutters.

The classic colonial shutters consist of two wooden or aluminum panels mounted on hinges on both sides of the window, making them an attractive option for storm protection. When closed, they form a shield on the window. They not only have practical functions, but also add exterior decoration. Houses in areas not threatened by hurricanes usually use decorative versions of colonial shutters.

The Bahamas hurricane shutters are usually made of aluminum or wood and are shutters that are located on the top hinges of the windows. When opened, they act as canopies above the windows, providing shade and at the same time allowing air to ventilate the house. However, they may block too much light and obstruct vision.

Plywood is an inexpensive and effective way to protect your windows in a hurricane. This DIY method involves cutting the plywood into the shape of a window and then fixing the plywood to the window frame with screws or nails. However, the weight of plywood makes it unsuitable for two-story windows. In addition, using plywood requires you to drill unsightly holes in your home.

This type of blinds unfold in an accordion style and pass through the window to protect it. The accordion shutters consist of a series of small connecting panels that move in metal tracks, and are made of aluminum, making them strong and durable. They are also suitable for sliding glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Roller blinds made of polycarbonate plastic or aluminum can be pulled down to protect the glass. Although they provide excellent protection, roller blinds require a closed box on top of the window, which is not very attractive.

When buying the best hurricane shutters for your home, also consider materials, weight, and maintenance.

Hurricane shutters should be able to withstand the force of projectiles thrown at them by hurricane-strength winds. The strongest hurricane shutters are made of heavy-duty aluminum and can deflect projectiles at speeds up to 200 miles per hour. Polycarbonate plastic, 3/4 inch plywood, and even high-strength hurricane fabric can form an effective barrier.

Unless you have professional hurricane shutters installed, weight can be an issue, especially for windows on the second floor. 3/4 inch plywood and corrugated metal panels can be heavy and require two people to install. Colonial style and Bahamian blinds have smaller panels that make them easier to install, and almost all DIYers can install fabric blinds.

The cleaning and maintenance of hurricane shutters depends on the type. The tracks on roller shutters and accordion blinds must be cleaned frequently to make them open and close smoothly. Many users clean Bahamian and colonial blinds once a year and lubricate their hinges to ensure smooth movement.

Based on various shopping considerations, some of the best hurricane shutters on the market are listed in several categories.

In order to provide the best protection for windows, it is difficult to beat roller blinds like Roll-a-way. The blinds are installed on windows or doors and can be rolled into place in a few seconds with the push of a button. Their interlocking aluminum parts provide strong strength and can protect the structure from wind speeds of 200 miles per hour. They also provide rain cover to help prevent flooding. Roller blinds put the blinds in a small storage box to make them more attractive. The shutters are available in manual versions and more expensive electric versions, available in seven neutral shades, from white to bronze.

It can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to equip a house with hurricane protection. AstroGuard's powerful hybrid fabric is designed to withstand the projectiles of Category 5 hurricane-strength wind. Cut the fabric to fit any size window; then secure it with the included clips and anchors. Installation is relatively easy. Unlike other solutions, the fabric is translucent and can transmit light when painted. When not in use, the fabric will roll up.

These polycarbonate panels are as strong as plywood, but are much lighter. Each panel provides good protection against obstacles blown into the air by hurricane-strength winds. Unlike some other options, these panels are transparent, allowing the homeowner to see outside the window while also letting light in. Each panel is linear feet and varies in length from 33 to 88 inches. The largest panel weighs only 13 pounds. Easy-to-follow instructions help make installation easier.

These colonial shutters from Larson Shutter have decorative hinges and clasps, and are available in a variety of colors to provide attractive storm protection. The sturdy aluminum shutters can withstand the high-speed impact of objects during a hurricane. They have 2.25 inches wide shutters and heavy-duty steel hinges. Attractive S-shaped wrought iron buckles hold the shutters in place when opened. When a storm is predicted, just fold them up and meet in the middle. These shutters can be up to 36 inches in width and 120 inches in height.

These accordion Shutter-Tech shutters can easily cover a wide space and are a good choice to help protect sliding glass doors. The shutters extend like an accordion to cover the opening and fold next to the door when not in use. Thanks to heavy-duty stainless steel hinges, rails and a five-point locking system, the shutters can withstand the impact of strong winds. Weather strips and rain cover prevent water from seeping into the blinds. The installation time for the entire house is 15 to 30 minutes.

These Hurricaneshutters.com roller blinds provide the best protection against hurricane windows while still allowing access to the windows when not in use. The powder-coated aluminum structure and locking system can resist projectiles up to 185 mph. The shutters can be closed and opened manually or electrically. When not in use, the shutters are stored in a box above the window or door. Available in white, ivory, beige and bronze, they are custom-made for each window and can accommodate openings up to 24 feet wide.

These colonial-style hurricane shutters from Florida manufacturer Palm Coast provide excellent protection for houses threatened by hurricanes. Since they come in a variety of colors and three styles, including open shutters, solid back panels, and slats and slats, they also increase curb appeal. Palm Coast uses aluminum to make shutters to resist wind and projectiles. A simple opening and closing system can quickly and easily prepare for inclement weather. Including the installation hardware, Palm Coast custom cuts each blind to the appropriate size.

These aluminum Bahamian-style hurricane shutters can withstand shocks up to 180 mph, making them one of the strongest shutters on the market. They are available in two styles, high visibility, allowing more light in the windows; and impact, the metal mesh backing can provide the greatest degree of protection. These shutters add tropical style and storm protection to the home, and they are available in more than 100 colors. When opened, they also provide shade to help keep the room cool. Hurricaneshuttersflorida.com makes every shutter available to order.

Although not the most attractive way to protect a house from hurricanes, plywood is still one of the most effective and affordable solutions. This inclement weather plywood can hold debris in the air and can cover large windows under the standard 4 x 8 feet width. Just cut the plywood to the right size, and then connect it to the window frame with bolts or screws. This plywood is pressure treated to prevent water damage, so it can be reused year after year. Each plywood weighing more than 60 pounds is heavy and requires extra hands to install.

In addition to the obvious benefits of protecting homes from strong winds during hurricanes, hurricane shutters also provide other benefits, including:

If you still want to know how to choose the best hurricane blinds, please read on for more information.

Yes. They reduce the damage to the house by the storm by preventing projectiles from breaking the glass and damaging the door. Some insurance companies offer premium reductions for houses fitted with hurricane shutters.

The life span depends on the material and quality. If properly maintained, aluminum hurricane shutters can last the life of a family. In a few years, the plywood sheet will succumb to these elements.

Even for a Category 1 hurricane, you should install hurricane shutters to protect the windows from debris from the storm.

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