How Much Do Hurricane Shutters Cost?
Hurricane shutters typically cost between $1,528 and $5,911 to install. But the actual cost can be as little as $300 or as high as $10,000. The total cost will be dependent on the type of shutters you want, time of year, and local labor fees.
Price of Hurricane Shutters by Type
One of the most impactful factors determining how much you spend on hurricane shutters is the type. So, let’s look at the different types of hurricane shutters and what price tags you can expect from them.
Accordion Hurricane Shutters
Accordion hurricane shutters are permanent hurricane shutters that open and close similarly to an accordion made from aluminum. They cost $15 to $30 per square foot plus $45 to $100 for labor fees. While not aesthetically pleasing, these shutters are popular among homeowners for budget-friendly prices.
Roll Down Hurricane Shutters
Roll-down shutters are a durable, permanent hurricane shutter solution. You can lower these shutters manually or automatically. They run about $25 to $60 per square foot, so you’re looking at about $220 to $520 total, including installation fees, for a seven-square-foot window.
Bahama Shutters
If you’ve ever been to the Caribbean, you’ve probably seen these sturdy, durable shutters that are aesthetically pleasing, low maintenance, and provide ample privacy and storm protection. Bahama shutters are made from wood, aluminum, or composite material, and cost $20 to $35 per square foot and average at $185 to $345 for installation per seven-square-foot window.
Colonial Shutters
Colonial shutters are a permanent, durable solution with lots of historic charm. Their convenient design allows for easy opening and closing to protect your homes and windows from storm damage while allowing sun exposure and increased privacy. These shutters typically cost $25 to $35 per square foot, totaling $220 to $345 for a seven-square-foot window.
Plywood
While not precisely a shutter type, homeowners have used plywood as a hurricane shutter for decades. Commonly referred to as “boarding up,” this temporary solution is cost-effective and offers some protection in low hurricane wind speeds. Plywood costs $2 to $6 per square foot and a total of $15 to $45 per seven square foot window.
Storm Panels
Storm panels come in steel or aluminum and cover the entire window during hurricanes. Because of their design, these are temporary solutions that are only installed during hurricane threats. They cost $10 to $20 per square foot with an average of $115 to $240 per seven-square-foot window.
Fabric Storm Shutters
Fabric storm shutters are made from reinforced PVC or mesh sheets and can be a temporary or permanent solution. They work as a shield between hurricane forces and your home. The temporary option costs $5 to $15 per square foot with an estimated $80 to $205 per seven-square-foot window. And the permanent solutions cost $25 to $50 per square foot.
Hurricane Shutters Cost Breakdown
Investing in hurricane shutters is a major home improvement. So, understanding where every dollar is going is critical to ensure you’re getting a proper estimate. Let’s go over each cost category below.
Labor
When looking for a solution that will protect you and your home from storm damage, a hurricane shutter installer near you may charge $45 to $100 per hour.
Material
The material cost you’ll pay depends on the type of hurricane shutter you want, but range anywhere from $2 to $60 per square foot.
Factors That Influence Cost of Hurricane Shutters
Besides the type of hurricane shutters you want and the labor costs, here are other significant factors that will determine how much you’ll spend for this hurricane protection:
Amount: The number of windows you have that’ll need hurricane shutters will impact your total project price.
Location: If you have multiple stories and want hurricane shutters on more than your ground level, it’ll cost more in labor fees.
Time of year: When it’s closer to or in the middle of hurricane season, due to supply and demand, it’ll cost more than if you were installing them in mid-winter.
Permit: While not everyone will need a permit to install hurricane shutters, some neighborhoods or HOAs might require one. And the cost to get a permit for this project is $50 to $200.
Geographical location: If you live in an area that frequently experiences hurricanes, it’ll cost more than areas that experience little to no hurricanes.
Material: The type of material you want to use for your hurricane shutters will also play a role in how long it’ll take to install and if any additional equipment is needed to install them.
Window size and shape: Your window size and shape will influence your final cost, especially if you’ll need custom shutters.
Cost to Install Hurricane Shutters Yourself
If you have experience installing shutters and are confident that they’ll work as intended during a storm, it’s possible to DIY this project. However, it’s best to call a pro if you’re unsure. The best DIY option is plywood shutters. At $2 to $6 per square foot, they are the most inexpensive solution, and are more easily installed and removed than other options. You should budget for an additional $60 for material and equipment such as:
Screws
A drill
