Types of
Hurricane Shutters
There are six main types of hurricane shutters — each with different price ranges, aesthetics, convenience levels, and best-use cases. This guide covers all of them so you can choose the right kind for your home.
Type 1 of 6
1. Accordion Hurricane Shutters
The most popular kind of hurricane shutter on the Carolina coast. Permanently mounted, fold-back-and-latch design with no storage requirement.
Accordion shutters are permanently mounted on both sides of every window and door on a track. They fold back flat against the wall when not needed and deploy in under 60 seconds by pulling both sides together and latching at center. No tools, no ladders, no storage — and no pre-storm scramble for homeowners who may not always be present.
Every accordion shutter AHS installs is custom-fabricated to your exact opening from 6063-T6 marine-grade aluminum with stainless steel locking hardware that resists the salt-air corrosion that seizes cheaper systems within a few years.
- Best for: Most homes, frequent travelers, elderly owners
- Deploy time: Under 60 seconds
- Storage needed: None — permanently mounted
- Price range: $18–$35/sq ft installed
- Rated: ASTM E1886/E1996, TAS 201/202/203
- Operation: Manual pull-latch or optional motorized
Type 2 of 6
2. Roll Down Hurricane Shutters
Also called rolldown shutters, roll shutters, or rolling shutters for windows. The premium kind of hurricane shutter — coils into a housing box and deploys at the touch of a button.
- Best for: Large openings, garages, absentee owners
- Deploy time: Under 60 seconds (electric: one button)
- Storage needed: None — retracts into top housing
- Price range: $35–$65/sq ft installed
- Rated: Miami-Dade NOA, Florida Product Approval
- Operation: Manual strap/crank or electric motor with remote
Roll down shutters — also called roll shutters and rolling shutters for windows — coil into an aluminum housing box permanently mounted above each opening. When deployed, they roll down along guide rails on each side and lock at the bottom. Manual versions use a hand crank or pulldown strap. Electric roll down shutters deploy at the touch of a wall switch or remote control.
For homeowners who are not always present when a storm approaches, motorized roll down shutters are the only truly reliable option. AHS installs Alutech roll down hurricane shutters — one of the most specified systems in the coastal NC and SC market for high-end residential and commercial applications.
Types 3 & 4
3. Bahama Shutters 4. Colonial Shutters
Two types of decorative hurricane shutters that provide rated protection while enhancing curb appeal year-round.
- Best for: Coastal aesthetic homes, shade and privacy
- Price range: $20–$40/sq ft installed
- Deploy time: 1–2 minutes per window
- Best for: Traditional homes, historic districts
- Price range: $18–$32/sq ft installed
- Deploy time: 1–2 minutes per window
Types 5 & 6
5. Storm Panels 6. Hurricane Screens
The most affordable kind of hurricane shutter — and the most versatile option for large openings.
- Best for: Budget buyers, primary residents with storage
- Price range: $8–$18/sq ft installed
- Deploy time: 30–90 min (full home)
- Best for: Large openings, patios, commercial
- Price range: $20–$45/sq ft installed
- Deploy time: 1–5 minutes
Side by Side
All 6 Types of Hurricane Shutters Compared
| Type | Storage | Deploy Time | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accordion | None — permanent | < 1 min | $$–$$$ | Most homes |
| Roll Down | None — retracts | < 1 min | $$$–$$$$ | Large openings, garages |
| Bahama | None — permanent | 1–2 min | $$–$$$ | Coastal aesthetic |
| Colonial | None — permanent | 1–2 min | $$–$$$ | Traditional homes |
| Storm Panels | Off-site storage | 30–90 min | $–$$ | Budget / primary residents |
| Hurricane Screens | Rolls up | 1–5 min | $$–$$$ | Large openings, patios |
Common Questions
Hurricane Shutter Types FAQ
Not Sure Which Type Is Right? We Will Help.
AHS Carolinas installs all six types of hurricane shutters and will never push you toward a more expensive option than your home actually needs. Free in-home estimates with written quotes — same-week scheduling.