1. What are accordion hurricane shutters?

Accordion shutters are permanently installed, one- or two-piece aluminum shutters that slide horizontally along a track and fold up like an accordion when not in use. They are housed at the sides of the window or door, maximizing your view when open. When a storm approaches, you simply pull them across the opening and lock them in the center.

They are widely favored for their balance of cost, strength, and ease of deployment. Unlike removable panels, they are always there when you need them, making them an ideal solution for homeowners who want fast protection without heavy lifting.

2. How much do accordion shutters cost?

Rated Accordion shutters typically cost $34 per square foot, making them one of the most cost-effective permanent shutter solutions available. This price point is significantly lower than Rolldown Shutters ($48/sq ft) or Bahama Shutters ($56/sq ft), while providing comparable hurricane protection.

Because they cover large spans efficiently, they are often the “go-to” choice for sliding glass doors and large lanais. You can get a precise estimate for your home using our Hurricane Shutter Cost Calculator.

3. Are accordion shutters hurricane rated?

Yes, we install the “Bertha HV” (High Velocity) accordion system, which is fully engineered and tested for High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ). These shutters meet the strictest building codes, capable of withstanding wind speeds exceeding 150 mph and the impact of flying debris.

The “Bertha” system is an industry leader known for its heavy-duty aluminum construction and robust tracking system. When locked, it forms a solid wall of defense that protects your home’s envelope from pressure changes and water intrusion.

4. How do you operate accordion shutters?

Operation is simple: slide the folded shutter stack across the track from the side of the opening, meet the blades in the middle (or at the end), and engage the locking mechanism. The stainless steel wheel carriages allow the heavy blades to glide smoothly with minimal effort.

You can secure an entire house of accordion shutters in under 20 minutes. This speed is crucial when a storm warning is issued for the Cape Fear region, giving you more time to focus on other preparations.

5. Do accordion shutters have locks?

Yes, our accordion shutters come with a secure locking system, typically featuring a push-button or key-lock handle on the interior or exterior. This not only secures the shutter during high winds but also turns them into a formidable security gate against intruders.

We can configure the locks to be accessible from the inside, outside, or both, depending on your needs for egress (exit) and convenience. For sliding glass doors, an interior lock is standard for easy access.

6. How do I maintain my accordion shutters?

Maintenance involves washing the tracks with water every 3-6 months to remove salt and dirt, and lubricating the wheels and track with a clear silicone spray. It is vital to keep the bottom track free of debris (like sand or leaves) so the wheels roll smoothly.

Never use grease or oil-based lubricants (like WD-40), as they attract sand and grit, which can gum up the rollers. For detailed instructions, visit our Maintenance Guide.

7. Can I install accordion shutters myself (DIY)?

We do not recommend DIY installation for accordion shutters due to the complexity of leveling the tracks and ensuring proper anchor depth. If the top and bottom tracks are not perfectly aligned, the shutter will bind and be difficult to close.

Furthermore, improper anchoring can lead to catastrophic failure during a hurricane. Professional installation by American Hurricane Shutters ensures the system meets wind-load requirements and operates smoothly for years to come.

8. What colors are available?

The most common colors for accordion shutters are White, Ivory, Beige, and Bronze. These neutral tones are designed to blend with most exterior trims and siding colors found in coastal NC and SC.

The finish is a high-quality powder coat that resists chipping and fading. While custom colors are sometimes possible, they significantly increase cost and lead time. Most homeowners find that Bronze or White complements their home perfectly.

9. How much space do they take up when open?

When folded back (stacked), accordion shutters are very compact, typically taking up about 1 inch of stack space for every foot of window width. For a standard 6-foot sliding door, the stack might be roughly 6-7 inches wide on each side.

This “stack back” is usually tucked away against the wall, preserving your view. We measure carefully to ensure the stack does not block the glass whenever possible.

10. Can accordion shutters be installed on curved windows?

Yes, one of the unique advantages of accordion shutters is that the tracks can be custom-bent to follow a radius. This makes them the ideal solution for curved balconies, rounded bay windows, or custom architectural features where flat shutters won’t work.

Our team templates the curve of your balcony or window to fabricate a track that matches the contour perfectly, providing seamless protection.

11. Are they good for security?

Accordion shutters are excellent for security, acting as a solid metal wall that deters break-ins. They are frequently used by “snowbirds” or vacation home owners to lock up their property for the off-season.

Because they lock from the inside (optional), they are extremely difficult to breach from the exterior without power tools, making them a high-value security upgrade.

12. Comparison: Accordion Shutters vs. Storm Panels?

Accordions are permanent and deploy in minutes, whereas panels must be manually installed one by one, which is labor-intensive and requires storage space. While panels are cheaper ($18/sq ft vs. $34/sq ft), the convenience of accordions makes them worth the investment for most homeowners.

If you are physically unable to lift heavy steel panels or climb ladders, accordion shutters are the safer, smarter choice.

13. Can they be used on second-story windows?

Yes, they are very popular for second-story balconies and sliding doors. However, for windows that are not accessible by a balcony, we often recommend Rolldown Shutters so you can operate them from inside the house without leaning out.

14. Do the tracks create a tripping hazard?

Standard bottom tracks are about 1 inch high, but we offer recessed track options or removable bottom tracks for doorways to eliminate tripping hazards. With a removable track, you simply snap the track into place before a storm and leave the floor flush for daily use.

Discuss your threshold needs with our estimator to determine the best track style for your sliding glass doors or entryways.

15. Will they rust?

The shutter blades are made of aluminum, which does not rust, and the wheel carriages and screws are stainless steel. However, in salt-air environments like Wrightsville Beach, surface oxidation can occur if not cleaned.

Regular washing is essential. The “Bertha” system uses high-grade marine-ready components designed specifically for coastal exposure.

16. What is the warranty on accordion shutters?

American Hurricane Shutters offers a comprehensive warranty on our installations and products, typically covering defects in materials and workmanship for 7 years. We stand behind the Bertha HV system because of its proven track record in major storms.

17. Do they block light?

When closed, accordion shutters block nearly 100% of light. However, some systems allow for “peep holes” or have perforations in the knuckles to allow a tiny amount of ambient light. Generally, expect a dark room when deployed.

18. Are they approved by HOAs?

Most HOAs approve accordion shutters, though some may require specific colors (like white or bronze) to match the building. Because they fold back neatly to the side, they are considered less obtrusive than permanently mounted panels.

We can help you submit the necessary specifications and samples to your Architectural Review Board (ARB) for approval.

19. How long does installation take?

Professional installation usually takes about 1-2 hours per opening depending on the substrate (brick, wood, concrete). A whole house can typically be completed in 1-2 days.

Our team handles everything from drilling to caulking and cleaning up, ensuring a turnkey experience.

20. Are they energy efficient?

Yes, when closed, they create an insulating air gap between the shutter and the glass. This blocks direct sunlight and heat transfer, which can keep your home cooler during a power outage following a hurricane.

21. Can I open them from the inside or outside?

We can configure the locking mechanism for inside, outside, or dual operation. For windows, inside locks are preferred for safety. For entry doors, you will need at least one keyed exterior lock to re-enter the home.

22. What is the lead time for ordering?

Standard lead time is 4 to 8 weeks. During peak hurricane season (August-September), lead times can increase. We encourage ordering in the off-season to ensure you are protected before the storms arrive.

23. Can they cover very wide openings?

Absolutely. Accordion shutters are the best solution for wide spans. By joining multiple tracks, we can cover virtually any width, making them perfect for large lanais, storefronts, or commercial buildings.

24. How noisy are they in the wind?

Properly installed accordions are relatively quiet, but in hurricane-force winds, some rattling is normal. The Bertha system is designed with tight tolerances to minimize vibration compared to older, looser shutter styles.

25. Can I paint them?

The factory powder coat is designed to last, but if you must change the color, they can be painted. This requires meticulous cleaning, sanding, and the use of a high-quality metal primer and paint. We recommend sticking to factory colors for the longest-lasting finish.

26. Where can I buy accordion shutters near me?

If you are in Southeastern NC or Northeastern SC, American Hurricane Shutters is your local expert. We service Wilmington, Jacksonville, New Bern, Myrtle Beach, and Pawleys Island. Contact us for a free estimate.

27. Do they come with a manual?

We provide a demonstration upon completion of installation. Operation is intuitive, but we also provide a maintenance guide to help you keep them running smoothly.

28. Are they water tight?

They are water resistant and stop driving rain, but they are not hermetically sealed. Some water may seep through the bottom track in extreme flooding conditions, but they protect the glass from breaking, which is the primary danger.

29. Can they be motorized?

Accordion shutters are almost exclusively manual. Their design relies on gravity and side-to-side motion that is difficult to automate reliably. For motorized solutions, we recommend Rolldown Shutters or Hurricane Screens.

30. Why choose American Hurricane Shutters for accordions?

We are a family-owned, disabled-owned business with over 15 years of experience. We don’t use subcontractors; our own trained employees install your shutters. We are fully insured and committed to the safety of our local community. See our past projects here.