Hurricane Window Covers: Top 5 for Secure Homes

Why Window Protection is Your Home’s First Line of Defense

Hurricane window covers are protective barriers installed over windows and doors to shield homes from high winds, flying debris, and storm damage. They come in several main types:

• Storm Panels – Removable metal or polycarbonate sheets ($7-$15/sq ft)
• Accordion Shutters – Fold-out shutters on tracks ($18-$30/sq ft)
• Roll-Down Shutters – Motorized or manual shutters in a housing ($28-$60/sq ft)
• Bahama/Colonial Shutters – Decorative hinged shutters ($40-$60/sq ft)
• Hurricane Fabric/Screens – Lightweight fabric barriers ($8-$20/sq ft)
• Impact Windows – Permanent laminated glass windows (higher upfront cost)

During a hurricane, your windows are your home’s most vulnerable point. One homeowner learned this the hard way when a plywood-protected window failed from positive pressure—the glass broke inward without any debris impact, while children were in the room.

Broken windows create a cascade of destruction. As wind and rain pour inside, the sudden pressure change can lift your roof or blow out walls. Properly installed aluminum or steel hurricane shutters can withstand winds of at least 110 mph, with some systems rated for over 170 mph.

Many homeowners believe taping windows offers protection—it doesn’t. This myth has been debunked by experts; tape doesn’t prevent breakage and can create larger, more dangerous shards of glass.

The good news is you have proven options, from budget-friendly removable panels to permanent impact-resistant windows that work 24/7. The key is choosing the right solution for your home, budget, and tolerance for pre-storm prep.

Key terms for hurricane window covers:

• Fort Myers window installation
• storm shutters miami

A Guide to Permanent and Temporary Hurricane Shutter Systems

Choosing the right hurricane window covers is paramount for Florida homeowners. This guide details the most common shutter types, including their pros, cons, and costs, to help you find the best fit for your home and budget in areas like Boca Raton, Fort Myers, and across our service areas in Palm Beach, Broward, Lee, Charlotte, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties.

Storm Panels: The Cost-Effective, Removable Option

Storm panels are a popular, cost-effective, and removable option. Made from steel, aluminum, or clear polycarbonate, these hurricane window covers offer robust protection when needed. Properly installed, they can withstand winds over 170 mph. Clear polycarbonate panels offer the same protection but are translucent, allowing natural light in. They can be mixed with metal panels for a combined solution.

• Pros:
  • Low Cost: The most budget-friendly professionally installed option.
  • High Protection: Excellent defense against impacts and high winds.
  • DIY-Friendly (with caveats): Professional installation is recommended, but for DIY, accurate measurement is crucial. Panels should extend 6-8 inches beyond the opening height.
• Cons:
  • Labor-Intensive: Installation and removal are time-consuming and may require multiple people.
  • Storage Needs: Require significant storage space.
• Cost: $7-$15 per square foot. Clear panels average around $12.10 per lineal foot for stock sizes.
• Installation: Attach to walls using bolts and tracks or permanent bolts.
• Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners with standard windows.

Accordion Shutters: Convenient Protection for Large Openings

Accordion shutters blend convenience and strength. These one-piece hurricane window covers are permanently affixed beside openings, folding away neatly when not in use.

• Pros:
  • Quick Deployment: Can be closed rapidly by one person.
  • No Storage Space Needed: Permanently installed.
  • Lockable: Many systems include a 5-point locking system for added security.
  • Excellent for Large Openings: Ideal for sliding glass doors, lanais, and large windows. Can be customized for curved openings.
• Cons:
  • Bulky Housing: The retracted housing can be bulky and impact aesthetics.
  • Maintenance: Rollers and tracks require occasional cleaning and lubrication.
• Cost: $18-$30 per square foot installed.
• Best for: Sliding glass doors, lanais, upper-floor windows, and homeowners seeking quick, affordable security.

Roll-Down Shutters: The Ultimate in Convenience and Security

Roll-down shutters offer the ultimate convenience and security. These hurricane window covers retract into a discreet box above the opening, deploying vertically.

• Pros:
  • Effortless Deployment: Motorized options allow instant protection via remote, switch, or app, which is ideal for second-story windows or when you’re away.
  • Excellent Security: Offer robust protection against break-ins.
  • Aesthetic Integration: Designed to blend seamlessly with home architecture, with some hidden-mount options available.
  • Energy Efficiency & Noise Reduction: Provide excellent insulation, reducing energy bills and noise.
  • Manual Override: A manual crank is standard for power outages.
• Cons:
  • Highest Cost: The most expensive option, especially when motorized.
  • Professional Installation Required: Their complexity requires professional installation.
  • Potential Motor Failure: Though rare and often warrantied, motor issues can occur. Manual overrides are standard.
• Cost: $28 (manual) to $60 (motorized) per square foot.
• External Link: Shop Controls & Accessories to improve your roll-down shutter experience.
• Best for: Homeowners prioritizing convenience, security, aesthetics, and energy savings.

Bahama & Colonial Shutters: Protection with Aesthetic Appeal

For homeowners prioritizing curb appeal, Bahama and Colonial shutters offer a stylish, permanent solution that provides both protection and architectural flair.

Bahama Shutters (Awning Shutters): Top-hinged shutters that prop open to create an awning effect, popular for their tropical look.

• Pros: Aesthetic appeal, permanent attachment, provide shade and energy savings, and allow daylight and views when open.
• Cons: Older styles may not meet current impact ratings. Must be closed from the outside.

Colonial Shutters: Traditional side-hinged shutters that fold inward from the sides.

• Pros: Classic aesthetic, permanent attachment, and customizable.
• Cons: Must be closed from the outside with a storm bar. May not match the impact resistance of other systems.
• Cost: Both types typically range from $40-$60 per square foot.
• Best for: Homeowners who prioritize aesthetics and permanent, decorative protection.

Hurricane Fabric & Screens: A Lightweight Alternative

Hurricane fabric and screens are an innovative, lightweight, and flexible alternative to solid shutters, popular for their ease of use and versatility.

• Pros:
  • Lightweight & Easy to Store: Easy to handle and rolls up compactly.
  • Translucent: Allows light to pass through, avoiding a ‘shut-in’ feeling.
  • Versatile: Ideal for irregular shapes (arches, trapezoids) and large areas like lanais.
  • High Protection: Astroguard, for example, is 143 mph Wall of Wind Tested, ASTM E 1996 Large Missile Tested, and blocks 97% of wind and rain.
• Cons:
  • Flexibility: The fabric absorbs impact, but the glass behind it may still break. The fabric prevents debris from entering.
  • Installation Time: Requires deployment before a storm.
• Cost: $8-$20 per square foot installed. Astroguard installation is approximately $14 per square foot.
• Porous vs. Non-Porous: Porous systems require wind-pressure-rated windows behind them. Non-porous systems, like many hurricane fabrics, reduce internal pressure on their own and offer higher protection.
• Best for: Lightweight, easy-to-store, translucent protection, especially for large or irregular openings.

Impact Windows vs. Hurricane Shutters: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between 24/7 passive protection (impact windows) and deployable active protection (shutters) is a major decision for Florida homeowners. This section compares the two solutions to help you weigh the benefits for your home in Palm Beach County, Broward County, or Sarasota County.

The Case for Hurricane Shutters

Hurricane window covers like shutters are a tried-and-true method of protection with several advantages:

• Lower Initial Investment: Shutters, especially storm panels, have a lower upfront cost than replacing all windows with impact glass.
• Removable Options: Storm panels can be removed after storm season for an unobstructed view.
• Versatility for Different Openings: Shutters can be customized to fit virtually any opening, including lanais and garage doors.
• Proven Protection: Shutters have a long history of protecting homes. Properly installed, they withstand winds of at least 110 mph.
• Choice and Flexibility: A wide range of styles and materials allows you to choose the best fit for your home and lifestyle.

However, they also have drawbacks:

• Manual Effort Required: Most shutters (except motorized roll-downs) require manual deployment before a storm.
• Aesthetic Impact When Closed: Deployed shutters alter your home’s appearance and block light, creating a “bunker” feeling.

The Case for Impact-Resistant Windows

Impact-resistant windows are the “gold standard” in passive storm protection. We install high-quality impact windows and doors from top brands like PGT Windows & Doors and CGI Windows.

• Continuous 24/7 Protection: Impact windows provide constant protection with no pre-storm preparation needed.
• No Pre-Storm Deployment: Your home is always protected without any effort.
• Improved Home Aesthetics: They look like regular windows, seamlessly integrating into your home’s design.
• Energy Efficiency & UV Protection: Energy-efficient coatings reduce heat transfer, lower energy bills, and block UV rays that fade interiors.
• Sound Insulation: Laminated glass provides superior sound dampening for a quieter home.
• Increased Home Value & Security: They add significant value and offer improved security against intruders.
• Insurance Discounts: Many Florida insurance companies offer significant discounts for homes with impact windows.
• No Storage Required: They are your actual windows, so no storage is needed.

The main consideration is their:

• Higher Upfront Cost: This is a substantial investment, but programs like Florida PACE can cover up to 100% of project costs, with repayment through your property tax bill.

A combination of both may be the best solution. For example, use impact windows for continuous defense and add shutters to a large lanai for extra protection. Our team at Access Doors & Windows can help you find the right balance for your home and budget.

Understanding Installation, Codes, and Maintenance for Hurricane Window Covers

Proper installation and adherence to building codes are critical for hurricane window covers to perform correctly. Even the strongest shutter is useless if improperly installed.

Navigating Florida’s Building Code Requirements

Florida has some of the nation’s most stringent building codes for hurricane protection, designed to ensure homes can withstand hurricane forces.

• Florida Building Code (FBC) & Miami-Dade NOA: All hurricane window covers in Florida must meet FBC standards. In High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) like Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, products often need a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA), signifying they passed rigorous testing.
• Importance of Product Approval: Products must be approved, not just look strong. We verify all products meet or exceed requirements. You can verify approvals on the Miami-Dade Building Code Compliance Office or Florida Building Code Product Approval websites, and pre-screen manufacturers via the International Hurricane Protection Association.
• Professional Installation vs. DIY Risks: Poor installation is a primary cause of shutter failure. As a licensed and insured State of Florida Certified General Contractor, we ensure every installation is done correctly and to code, which is crucial for your safety and insurance discounts.
• Florida PACE Program: The PACE program can be a fantastic resource, covering up to 100% of the cost of qualified projects like impact windows. It allows repayment over time through your property tax bill, often with no money down. Learn more at the Florida PACE website.

Measuring, Installation, and Maintenance Essentials for your hurricane window covers

Proper measurement, installation, and maintenance are essential for performance.

• Correct Measurement: Accurate measurement is the crucial first step. For example, storm panels must extend 6-8 inches longer than the opening’s height for adequate overlap.
• Securing to Structural Members: Proper attachment to your home’s structural members is vital. Our licensed team ensures every installation meets these standards.
• Professional Installation Benefits: Professional installation ensures code compliance, proper fit, and warranty validity. We have over 25 years of expertise in hurricane protection.
• Maintenance Needs: Hurricane window covers require some TLC. This includes cleaning tracks, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting hardware for corrosion.
• Deploying Temporary Covers: Install temporary covers (panels, fabric) before a storm and remove them after. Leaving them up year-round can violate HOA rules, block escape routes, and cause moisture damage.

What are the best hurricane window cover options for different openings?

Different openings require different solutions. Here’s a breakdown of the best hurricane window covers for various scenarios:

• Windows:
  • Standard Windows: Storm panels are cost-effective. Impact windows, roll-down, Bahama, or Colonial shutters offer more convenience and better aesthetics.
  • Second-Story Windows: Motorized roll-down shutters or lightweight hurricane fabric are excellent for easy deployment.
• Doors:
  • Entry Doors: Impact-rated doors are the best solution. Roll-down or accordion shutters can also be used.
  • Sliding Glass Doors: Accordion shutters are an excellent, quick solution. Roll-down shutters are a premium option.
• Lanais: Accordion shutters are popular for wide spans. Hurricane screens are another great option, custom-built to enclose entire lanais, blocking 97% of wind and rain without sacrificing the view.
• Garage Doors: A significant point of failure. Replacing the door is one option; another is covering it with dedicated hurricane screens or storm panel systems.

Our experts can provide a free consultation to recommend the optimal hurricane window covers for every opening in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hurricane Window Protection

Here are some common questions we encounter about hurricane window covers:

Can I get a discount on my homeowner’s insurance for installing hurricane window covers?

Yes. Most Florida insurance companies offer significant discounts (wind mitigation credits) for professionally installed, code-approved hurricane protection. This includes impact windows and all types of code-compliant shutters and fabrics. Check with your provider for specific discounts. The Florida PACE program can also help finance these upgrades.

Is it okay to leave storm panels or plywood up for the entire hurricane season?

No, this is not recommended and often violates homeowner association (HOA) rules. It also poses safety and structural risks:

• Emergency Egress: Shutters block emergency escape routes.
• Moisture Buildup: Trapped moisture can lead to mold, wood rot, and damage to window seals and siding.

Temporary covers should only be deployed for an imminent storm. For continuous, effort-free protection, impact-resistant windows are the superior choice.

What does “impact-rated” or “missile-impact tested” mean?

“Impact-rated” or “missile-impact tested” means a product has passed rigorous, standardized tests simulating hurricane forces. This involves being struck by a projectile (like a 9-pound 2×4 stud) at high speed to mimic flying debris. For example, products like Astroguard are 143 mph Wall of Wind Tested and ASTM E 1996 Large Missile Tested.

The goal is to ensure the hurricane window covers protect the building’s envelope from being breached. An impact-rated product will remain intact even if struck, preventing wind and water intrusion that can lead to catastrophic failure. Always look for products with Florida Building Code (FBC) approval or a Miami-Dade NOA for true impact resistance in our Florida service areas.

Secure Your Peace of Mind with the Right Protection

Choosing the right hurricane window covers is a critical investment for any Florida homeowner. From cost-effective storm panels to convenient accordion shutters and the 24/7 protection of impact windows, the best solution for your home in Boca Raton or Fort Myers balances your budget, aesthetics, and desired convenience.

The goal is to fortify your home by selecting code-approved products and ensuring professional installation. As a USA Military Family-owned, licensed, and insured business, Access Doors & Windows is committed to customer satisfaction. We install top brands like PGT Windows & Doors and CGI Windows to provide ultimate, energy-efficient hurricane protection.

For expert guidance on storm protection in Florida, trust our team at Access Doors & Windows to secure your home and give you peace of mind.

Learn more about our storm shutter and impact window installation services today and take the first step towards a safer, more secure home.