Protecting your home from harsh weather is important. This is especially true during hurricane season. Accordion shutters are a smart choice for homeowners. They shield homes from storms, strong winds, and flying debris. These shutters offer reliable protection. They are valuable for homes in hurricane-prone areas.
This guide covers all about shutters. It explains their functionality and benefits. It also covers installation and maintenance. Use this guide to learn more. It will help you decide if shutters are right for your home.
What Are Accordion Shutters?
Accordion shutters protect windows and doors from storms. They shield homes from hurricanes and high winds. Manufacturers use strong materials like aluminum or steel. These shutters resist powerful winds and debris impact.
Their accordion-style design lets them fold neatly when not in use. Installers mount shutters on tracks. The tracks are at the top and bottom of windows or doors. You can easily deploy and lock them before a storm. Their simple design makes them reliable. They are a great choice for storm protection.
How Do Accordion Shutters Work?
The primary function of Shutters is to create a strong barrier against the elements. They are especially useful in hurricane-prone areas.. Here’s how they work:
- Track System: Installed at the top and bottom of the window or door, the tracks guide the shutters as they open and close, ensuring smooth operation.
- Folding Mechanism: The interlocking panels of the shutters fold in an accordion-like fashion. When not in use, they remain compactly folded to the side.
- Deployment: In preparation for a storm, the shutters can be easily pulled across the window or door. The interlocking panels slide along the tracks, expanding to cover the opening completely and providing maximum protection.
Once deployed, it form a secure barrier that protects windows and doors from high winds and flying debris. Their locking mechanism ensures that they remain in place throughout the storm.
Why Should You Consider Accordion Shutters?
Accordion shutters offer several benefits that make them a popular choice among homeowners. Here are some key advantages:
- Hurricane Protection
- Designed to withstand strong winds and flying debris, accordion shutters add an extra layer of security to your home during hurricane season.
- They can prevent costly damage to windows and doors, ultimately reducing repair expenses after a storm.
- Ease of Use
- Unlike traditional shutters requiring tools for installation, accordion shutters can be deployed quickly and easily within minutes.
- They can be operated by one person, making them a convenient option for households of all sizes.
- Durability
- Made from materials such as aluminum or steel, they resist rust, corrosion, and wear, ensuring long-term reliability with proper maintenance.
- Their sturdy construction ensures they can last for many years, providing ongoing protection without the need for frequent replacement.
- Space-Saving Design
- When not in use, the shutters fold neatly to the side, preserving the aesthetic appeal of your home.
- They do not obstruct the view from your windows, allowing for unobstructed natural light when folded away.
- Increased Home Value
- Potential buyers see accordion shutters as a valuable feature, particularly in hurricane-prone regions, enhancing the property’s appeal.
- They can contribute to lower home insurance premiums, making them a cost-effective investment.
- Energy Efficiency
- When closed, accordion shutters provide an extra layer of insulation, helping regulate indoor temperatures and potentially lowering energy bills.
- They can help reduce the strain on heating and cooling systems by minimizing heat transfer.
Types of Accordion Shutters
There are various types of shutters available to suit different needs and preferences:
- Standard Accordion Shutters
- The most common type, typically made from aluminum or steel, available in various colors to match your home’s style.
- These shutters provide reliable protection against moderate weather conditions.
- Hurricane Accordion Shutters
- Specifically designed to withstand hurricanes, featuring reinforced materials for extra strength against high winds and debris.
- They meet stringent building codes for hurricane-prone areas.
- Impact-Resistant Accordion Shutters
- These shutters provide enhanced protection against extreme weather conditions and are built with thicker materials for added durability.
- They can withstand direct impact from debris traveling at high speeds.
- Electric Accordion Shutters
- Automated for convenience, these shutters can be operated with the push of a button, ideal for large or hard-to-reach windows and doors.
- They can be integrated with smart home systems for remote control.
How Much Do Accordion Hurricane Shutters Cost?
Accordion hurricane shutters price per window will vary depending on the size and shape of your windows. They typically cost $20-$25 per square foot. For a seven-square-foot window, expect to pay between $200 and $250. On average, installing these shutters on a standard home costs $3,000 to $4,000. Larger homes or those with more windows may face higher costs, ranging from $8,000 to $10,000. Unique window shapes and sizes can also increase expenses.
Installation of Accordion Shutters
Proper installation is essential to ensure maximum protection. It is recommended to hire a professional for installation. Here is an overview of the process:
- Assessment: A professional installer will measure the dimensions of your windows and doors to ensure a perfect fit.
- Mounting the Tracks: Tracks are securely installed at the top and bottom to guide the shutters.
- Installing the Shutters: The interlocking panels are mounted onto the tracks, ensuring smooth folding and unfolding.
- Testing the Mechanism: The installer tests the system to confirm smooth operation and secure locking.
- Final Inspection: A thorough inspection is conducted to verify proper alignment and function.
Professional installation ensures that the shutters provide optimal protection and function correctly when needed most.
Installation Costs
Labor costs for installing accordion hurricane shutters typically range from $40 to $100 per hour. Most shutters can be installed in about one hour for most windows. As a result, installation costs usually average between $70 and $75 per window.
Maintenance of Accordion Shutters
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the long-term performance of your shutters. Follow these maintenance tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Use mild soap and water to clean off dirt and debris, preventing buildup that can interfere with operation.
- Lubrication: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks to ensure smooth operation and prevent sticking.
- Inspection: Check for any signs of wear, such as cracks or dents, and address them promptly.
- Locking Mechanism: Ensure that the locks function properly and tighten them if necessary.
- Testing: Before hurricane season, test the shutters to confirm they operate smoothly and efficiently.
Routine maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your shutters and ensures they are ready when needed.
Conclusion
Accordion shutters protect homes from hurricanes and severe weather. They are durable and easy to use. Their space-saving design makes them a smart choice.
Understanding their function and benefits helps you decide. Proper maintenance keeps them effective. Shutters offer protection and add long-term value to your home.