Cost of Hurricane Shutters: CountBricks Residential Guide

Price source: Costs shown are derived from our proprietary U.S. construction cost database (updated continuously from contractor/bid/pricing inputs and normalization rules).

Eva Steinmetzer-Shaw

Head of Marketing

Understanding Hurricane Shutter Costs for Trade Professionals

For construction professionals, understanding the cost of hurricane shutters is crucial for accurate project planning. Current installation rates range from $5–$60 per sq. ft. per square foot, depending on material and design. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Corrugated steel panels: $5–$15 per sq. ft. per sq. ft.
Accordion aluminum shutters: $15–$30 per sq. ft. per sq. ft.
Colonial style shutters: $20–$50 per sq. ft. per sq. ft.
Motorized roll-downs: $25–$60 per sq. ft. per sq. ft.
Impact-rated fabric screens: $5–$30 per sq. ft. per sq. ft.

Factors Influencing Costs

Several factors can affect the final cost of hurricane shutters:

Opening Size and Shape: Custom fabrication for irregular windows can increase costs by up to 25%.
Material Selection: Aluminum offers a balance of strength and weight, while steel is cheaper but labor-intensive.
Installation Height: Second-story installations require additional equipment, impacting labor costs.
Local Code Requirements: Compliance with local codes can vary, affecting installation specifics and costs.
Finish and Automation: Features like powder-coating and motorization add to upfront costs but can enhance property value.

Calculating Costs with CountBricks

CountBricks offers a streamlined process for calculating shutter costs:

Conduct a voice walkthrough of the property.
AI converts speech to dimensions and detects shutter preferences.
Real-time supplier pricing and labor productivity data are integrated.
Receive a detailed PDF quote, ready for client presentation.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Be aware of potential hidden costs:

Permit fees: $50–$200.
Structural reinforcements for older homes.
Disposal of old panels: $0.25 per pound.
Seasonal demand surcharges during storm season.

Maximizing ROI and Insurance Savings

Installing compliant shutters can reduce insurance premiums by 8%–15%. CountBricks provides ROI calculators to help justify premium options.

Choosing the Right Shutter Style

Consider the following options based on project needs:

Budget: Impact fabric or corrugated steel.
Mid-range: Accordion aluminum for easy deployment.
Historic: Colonial or Bahama shutters for aesthetic appeal.
Luxury: Motorized roll-downs for smart-home integration.

Pro Tips for Contractors

Here are some tips to optimize your shutter projects:

Measure openings accurately to ensure precise estimates.
Group similar sizes for bulk discounts.
Sequence installations to minimize labor costs.
Consider detachable panels for infrequent use.
Schedule installations outside storm season for better availability.

Commitment to Accuracy

CountBricks guarantees accuracy in estimates, recalibrating projects if deviations exceed 2%. This commitment ensures contractors can confidently manage costs and deliver quality results.

Our AI app can generate costed estimates in seconds.

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Cost of Hurricane Shutters: CountBricks Residential Guide

Case Study: Efficient Shutter Installation

The Ramirez family in McAllen, Texas, upgraded their home with accordion aluminum shutters, reducing their insurance premium by $510 annually. The project included:

Voice walkthrough: 7 minutes.
AI blueprint takeoff: 3 minutes.
Materials: 1,130 lbs of aluminum, 624 fasteners, 12 gallons of powder-coat.
Total cost: $21,900.
Payback period: 4.3 years.