The Ultimate Guide to Hurricane Shutter Costs in the Carolinas (2025 Prices)

As a homeowner anywhere along the coast from New Bern, NC, down to Pawleys Island, SC, you understand that hurricane season is a serious reality. When the forecast turns ominous, the scramble for protection begins. One of the first, most critical questions homeowners ask is, “How much do hurricane shutters actually cost?”. It’s a question we’ve answered for thousands of our neighbors since we first opened our doors in 2007.

The truth is, there is no simple, one-size-fits-all sticker price. The cost of protecting your home is a tailored investment, carefully calculated based on your property’s unique needs, your budget, and your desired level of convenience. This comprehensive guide will pull back the curtain on hurricane shutter pricing, providing real numbers and exploring the factors that influence your final quote. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge so you can make the best decision for the safety of your home and family.

Why an “Average Cost” Is Just a Starting Point

You may see general price ranges online, but these often fail to capture the full picture. A simple square-foot price is only one piece of a complex puzzle. Think of it like buying a car; the base model price is attractive, but the final cost depends on the engine, features, and trim level you choose. Hurricane protection is no different.

At American Hurricane Shutters, we believe in a transparent process. The price we quote isn’t just for a product; it’s for a complete, professionally engineered safety system. It includes crucial factors that online calculators miss, such as installation complexity, the specific materials needed to anchor to your home’s exterior (brick is very different from siding), local permitting requirements, and any custom fabrication needed for unique windows or doors. This is why a thorough, on-site consultation from an experienced expert is the only way to get a truly accurate number.

Detailed Breakdown of Hurricane Shutter Costs (with 2025 Pricing)

Here, we’ll explore the different types of shutter systems we offer, their specific price points, and who they’re best suited for. This will help you understand where your investment goes.

Category 1: Storm Panels (The Most Economical Protection)

For the budget-conscious homeowner who wants proven, rated protection without a large upfront investment, storm panels are the gold standard. These are removable panels that are stored away and then manually attached to pre-installed anchors around your windows and doors before a storm.

• Rated Aluminum Panels: At approximately $18 per square foot, these are the most affordable rated option. They are incredibly strong, lightweight for their strength, and can be stacked compactly for storage.
• Rated Clear “ClearTek” Panels: Priced around $22 per square foot, these panels offer the same incredible protection as aluminum but are made from a clear, impact-resistant polycarbonate. Their major advantage is allowing natural light into your home, avoiding the “cave-like” feeling during a storm.

Best For: Homeowners with a tight budget, those who are physically able to install the panels before a storm, and properties with adequate storage space. Learn more about our Hurricane Rated Storm Panels.

Category 2: Accordion Shutters (The Perfect Blend of Value and Convenience)

Accordion shutters are one of the most popular choices in coastal communities like Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. They are permanently affixed to the sides of your windows and unfold “accordion-style” along a track to cover the opening and lock securely in the middle.

• Rated Accordion Shutters: The investment for our Bertha HV Accordions is approximately $34 per square foot. This price reflects a permanently installed system that requires no storage and can be deployed by one person in minutes.

Best For: Virtually any homeowner. They are a fantastic mid-range option that eliminates the need for storage and last-minute labor, making them a significant upgrade in convenience over panels. Discover the benefits on our Accordion Shutters page.

Category 3: Roll-Down Shutters (The Ultimate in Convenience and Security)

For the ultimate in effortless protection, nothing beats a roll-down shutter. Housed in a discreet box above the opening, these shutters roll down along a track to provide a solid wall of protection. They are ideal for second homes, multi-story buildings, and anyone who values speed and ease of use.

• Manual Rated Rolldowns: Operated with a hand crank, these systems cost around $48 per square foot. They provide the same formidable protection as electric versions at a lower initial investment.
• Electric (Motorized) Rolldowns: The ultimate upgrade. The cost is the base price of the shutter plus an additional $700 per opening for motorization. This allows you to deploy every shutter in your home with the push of a button.

Best For: Homeowners seeking the fastest deployment, maximum security against intrusion, and a clean aesthetic, as the shutters are completely hidden when not in use. Explore our premium Rolldown Shutter systems.

Category 4: Hurricane Screens (The Modern, Lightweight Solution)

A cutting-edge alternative to rigid shutters, hurricane screens are made from incredibly strong, tightly woven fabric that can stop wind-borne debris. They are lightweight and allow light to pass through.

• Rated Hurricane Screens: Our Alutech StormTex screens, made with advanced OmegaTex fabric, are priced around $44 per square foot. They are an excellent value, especially for protecting very large openings.

Best For: Protecting large areas like lanais, porches, and large glass walls where metal shutters would be excessively heavy or expensive. See how they work on our Hurricane Screens page.

Category 5: Decorative Shutters (Style Meets Rated Strength)

Who says you have to sacrifice curb appeal for safety? We offer a full line of decorative shutters that are not only beautiful but also fully hurricane-rated to protect your home.

• Rated Colonial Shutters: Providing a timeless, traditional look, these are priced around $56 per square foot. They hinge on the sides and close over the window.
• Fixed Blade Rated Bahama Shutters: Offering permanent shade and a tropical aesthetic, these cost approximately $56 per square foot.
• Articulating Blade Rated Bahama Shutters: The premium choice for light and privacy control, these cost around $64 per square foot, allowing you to adjust the louvers.
• Note: We also offer purely decorative, non-rated Bahama and Colonial shutters starting at $50/sq ft for applications where storm protection is not the primary goal.

Best For: Homeowners who want to enhance their home’s architectural style while investing in certified storm protection. See our full range of shutter products.

The American Hurricane Shutters Difference: An Investment in Trust

When you receive a quote from us, you’re getting more than just a price on materials. You’re getting the assurance of a company that stands behind its work. As a family and disabled-owned business, we have built our reputation on trust and expertise since 2007. We are fully insured with General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Auto, and a $2,000,000 umbrella policy for your complete protection. Our membership in the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association (HBA) is a testament to our commitment to quality and ethical business practices. You can see the quality of our work in our gallery of past projects.