Accordion Shutters

What are accordion hurricane shutters made of?

Accordion hurricane shutters are typically made from metal (aluminum) or a polycarbonate material. Aluminum is a light-weight, durable, rust-resistant material perfect for weathering the harsh Florida summers. 

Although aluminum doesn’t rust, it can begin to corrode over time. The best way to prevent corrosion is to paint the storm shutters with metal paint. This should also be done periodically as preventive maintenance to improve the longevity of your aluminum shutters.

How do accordion hurricane shutters work?

Accordion shutters are one- or two-piece hurricane coverings that are permanently affixed to your home. The accordion shutters travel on a track-and-wheel system. They unfold like an accordion to cover and protect windows or doors during a storm. 

  • One-piece accordion shutters are mounted on one side of the window or door to be protected. When it is time to protect your home from an impending hurricane, they can be unlocked, opened, and secured to the opposite side of the window.
  • Two-piece accordion shutters are mounted on both sides of the window or door. To secure the accordion shutters for a storm or hurricane, they unfold and meet in the middle of the window or door. They are then locked in place.

Accordion hurricane shutters slide on a track, making it easy for one person to secure the entire home before a storm. Over time, the track used to house the storm panels may break down or get damaged, so proper maintenance is required.

Accordion Hurricane shutters protect your windows from breaking under strong, hurricane force winds and flying debris.

What do accordion hurricane shutters look like?

Available in the following colors:

  • Beige
  • Bronze
  • Ivory
  • White

What are the pros and cons of accordion shutters?

Pros of Installing Accordion Shutters

  • Can be locked and secured to prevent theft
  • Easy for one person to install if needed
  • Easy to operate
  • Fits over any size window or door
  • Increase home value
  • One-time investment
  • Permanently affixed to the home
  • Strong and durable

Cons of Installing Accordion Shutters

  • Blocks exits in case of emergency
  • Bulky – may look bad on some types of homes
  • Tracks may wear down over time

Compare & Choose Hurricane Shutters Near Me

If you’re not sure which hurricane shutters are best for your home, give us a call. We’re available for a free in-home consultation and would be happy to help you choose hurricane shutters that:

  • Look beautiful
  • Are easy for you to install 
  • Protect your home and family
  • Fit into your budget
  • Meet all your needs

How much does it cost to install accordion shutters?

The average cost for accordion shutters is $16 – $20 per square foot.

How to install accordion hurricane shutters

If you fancy yourself a DIY expert, then you might consider installing your accordion shutters yourself. You can purchase shutters at the local big box home improvement store. 

Make sure to take accurate measurements of your windows.

Be sure to purchase all the required materials, including:

  • Hardware: Bolts, nuts, washers, wingnuts, anchors
  • Tracks: F-track, h-channel
  • Panels 

You’ll need the following tools for the storm shutter installation job: Pencil, level, wrench or socket wrench, drill and drill bits. You’ll need to have cement drill bits for cement or brick structures or metal drill bit for structures with siding or wood structures.

Since each DIY hurricane shutter installation kit has its own instructions, we recommend reading all installation instructions prior to installing the hurricane shutters.

Note that hurricane shutters which are not professionally installed may not be covered by a warranty.

2020 is going to be a BIG year for hurricanes. Take action NOW to protect your home from the next major storm.

How long does it take to install accordion shutters?

After the initial installation by storm shutter installers, the average storm preparation time for accordion shutters is 15-30 minutes for an entire house.

Here’s how to prepare your home for a hurricane with accordion shutters:

  1. Unlock your accordion shutters. You’ll find a lock with a keyhole on one side of the window frame. Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it to unlock the shutters.
  2. Disengage the locking rods. You’ll find the locking rods on the bottom of either side of the window frame. These locking rods need to be disengaged. Turn the handle to unlock the rods. The top rods will rise up and the lower rods will slide down. These rods hold the shutters out of the way when they’re not in use.
  3. Pull the shutters closed. Single-piece accordion shutters will roll across from one side of the window to the other. Two-piece accordion shutters pull from each side of the window frame to meet in the middle.
  4. Fit the grooves together. Fit the outside blade on one shutter into the inside groove in the other. 
  5. Push on the lock to snap it closed and secure the shutters.
  6. Engage the locking rods to keep the shutters from rattling in strong winds. Pull up the locking rods on the bottom of the shutters. Lower the locking rods on the top of the shutters.

How to maintain accordion shutters

To improve the longevity of your storm shutters follow these three maintenance tips for accordion shutters:

  • Wash the tracks regularly with soap and warm water.
  • Lubricate the tracks every six months. It is best to use a clear silicone spray lubricant. You can find silicone spray lubricant at the local hardware store. Avoid using WD-40.
  • Operate your accordion shutters at least once a month.

When to use hurricane shutters

The National Hurricane Center recommends putting up your hurricane shutters when a hurricane watch is issued for your area.

  • A hurricane watch is issued whenever tropical storm conditions are expected to begin within 48 hours. 
  • Hurricane warnings are issued when tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

When do I need to remove my accordion hurricane shutters?

In Volusia county, hurricane shutters need to be removed from the home no later than November 30th each year. The end of November marks the end of peak hurricane season.

Every city has its own codes and ordinances regarding hurricane shutters. Some require hurricane coverings to be removed within 72 hours of a “storm event”. Homeowners associations may also impose their own regulations regarding hurricane shutters. Follow the rules of the most specific governing sources. For example, a homeowners association’s rules supersede the rules of your city. If you do not have a HOA, then follow the rules of your city. If the city in which you live does not have regulations regarding the removal of hurricane shutters, then follow county codes.

However, the best advice for removing storm shutters comes from the fire department. Fire safety officials recommend removing hurricane coverings from your home as soon as the weather is clear and tropical storm conditions have passed. Blocked off windows and doors limit escape routes from the home in case of fire or emergency.

Keep your family safe and remove hurricane coverings as soon as possible.

Where to store accordion shutters

Accordion shutters are mounted to the outside of the home and do not need to be stored elsewhere. You’ll thank us later when you see all your neighbors numbering heavy plywood panels, carrying them from the house to the shed, and trying to stuff them into nooks and crannies for storage.

Which hurricane shutters are best?

The best hurricane shutters:

  • Protect your home from hurricane damage
  • Fit into your budget
  • Maintain your home’s curb appeal
  • Are convenient to deploy
  • Give you peace of mind

In other words, the best hurricane shutters depend upon factors unique to you and your needs. We’d love the opportunity to create the right storm protection solution for your home or business. So call today!

Pros & Cons of Each Type of Hurricane Shutter