Hurricane Shutter Types: Accordion, Roll-Down & Panels
What this guide covers: “Hurricane shutters” is not one product. The styles differ a lot in cost, convenience, and appearance, and the right pick depends on your home and how you want to live with them. This page breaks down every hurricane shutter type available in Brevard County, in plain English, from a local Space Coast installer.
If you have searched “hurricane shutters near me” and landed on a wall of confusing options, this is the guide that sorts it out. Here is each type, what it does well, and who it is for.
✔ Miami-Dade Approved Products Available
✔ Insurance Discount Eligible
The Main Hurricane Shutter Types
1. Accordion Shutters
Accordion Shutters palm bay fl stay mounted beside each opening and slide closed on a track when a storm approaches. They are the value favorite across Melbourne and Palm Bay: durable, low maintenance, quick to deploy, and reasonably priced. The tradeoff is appearance, since the housing stays visible when open. A strong all-around choice for most homes.
2. Roll-Down Shutters (Manual or Motorized)
Roll-down shutters mount above the opening and roll down into position. Motorized versions deploy at the touch of a button or remote, the most convenient option of all, especially on large sliders and second-story windows. Manual roll-downs use a hand crank for the same protection at a lower price. Both add year-round privacy, shade, and security. This is the premium shutter category.
3. Storm Panels
Storm Shutters Melbourne FL are removable metal or polycarbonate panels you put up before a storm and store afterward. They are the most affordable protection and a smart fit for rentals or seasonal homes. The tradeoff is real effort and storage space, and you have to deploy them every time a storm threatens.
4. Colonial and Bahama Shutters
These double as architectural features. Bahama shutters hinge at the top and prop out for shade. Colonial shutters hinge at the sides and close like classic louvered shutters. Both protect openings while boosting curb appeal, which makes them popular on coastal and traditional Brevard County homes.
Hurricane Shutter Types Compared
| Type | Convenience | Curb Appeal | Insurance Eligible? | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accordion | High | Moderate | ✔ Yes | Low – Moderate |
| Roll-Down (motorized) | Highest | Good | ✔ Yes | High |
| Storm Panels | Low (manual) | Low | ✔ Yes | Lowest |
| Colonial / Bahama | Moderate | Best | ✔ Yes | Moderate – High |
Quick Picker for Hurricane Shutter Types
- Best value and everyday practicality: accordion shutters
- Most convenient, best for big openings: motorized roll-down shutters
- Lowest cost, occasional use: storm panels
- Curb appeal plus protection: colonial or Bahama shutters
- No deployment at all: impact windows, the no-shutter alternative
Local insight: Across Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, and Satellite Beach, most homeowners do not pick a single shutter type for the whole house. They match the product to the opening: motorized roll-downs on big lanai sliders, accordions on standard windows, panels on a garage or utility area. Whatever you choose, the goal for safety and insurance is to protect every opening to code, garage door included.
Want Help Choosing Per Opening?
A local expert will walk your home and recommend the right shutter type for each opening and budget. Most Melbourne and Palm Bay homeowners get a quote within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Hurricane Shutter Types
What are the main types of hurricane shutters?
Accordion shutters, roll-down shutters (manual or motorized), storm panels, and colonial or Bahama shutters. Accordions are the value favorite, roll-downs the most convenient, panels the most affordable, and colonial or Bahama shutters add curb appeal.
Which hurricane shutter type is cheapest?
Storm panels, which is why they are popular for rentals and seasonal homes. The tradeoff is effort: they must be put up before each storm and stored afterward.
Which shutters are the least hassle?
Motorized roll-down shutters, deployed at the touch of a button, ideal for large or high openings. If you would rather not deploy anything, impact windows are the no-effort alternative.
Do all shutter types qualify for an insurance discount?
Yes. Code-approved shutters of any type can qualify for the wind mitigation credit when installed to code and documented in an inspection. Protecting every opening matters more than the style.
Are accordion or roll-down shutters better?
Accordions offer the best value and everyday practicality at a lower price. Roll-downs cost more but add one-touch convenience on large or hard-to-reach openings, plus year-round privacy and shade. It depends on budget and how the openings are used.
Serving the Entire Space Coast
Brevard Hurricane Protection installs every type of hurricane shutter, accordion, roll-down, storm panels, and colonial and Bahama, across Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Titusville, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, Viera, Merritt Island, and surrounding Brevard County communities. All installations are permitted, performed by licensed and insured contractors, and documented for your wind mitigation inspection.
Get Your Free Hurricane Shutter Estimate
No sales pressure. No hidden fees. Just a clear quote from a local expert who knows Brevard County homes.