If you live in Florida, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll end up experiencing a hurricane or tropical storm (if you haven’t already). Whether you decide to ride out the storm or evacuate, protection for the windows and glass doors of your home is something that should be on everyone’s hurricane preparedness checklist. But the question is…what is the best method of shuttering your home against the elements?

Well, that depends on your budget and what you’re looking for. To give you a better idea of your options, here are the 5 most common types of storm shutters:

Plywood

Arguably the most affordable of the options, plywood can be bought at any hardware store and is usually attached to the window frame with screws and nails. However, using plywood will leave unsightly holes in your home, and you’ll need the tools to cut it to size.

Colonial

Colonial shutters are a permanent fixture that consist of two panels mounted on either side of the window frame that can be swung shut and latched to shield the window. As a bonus they can boost curb appeal and are probably the most aesthetically pleasing choice.

Bahama

Another permanent fixture, Bahama shutters are louvered shutters on hinges that function as a canopy over the window when not in use. Much like an awning they provide extra shade but can also block natural light and your view. 

Accordion

Made up of a series of small, linked panels, metal accordion shutters unfold along an installed track to protect the window. These are especially good for glass doors and larger windows.

Roll Down

Generally made of aluminum or polycarbonate plastic, roll down shutters can be pulled down from the top of a window to protect the glass. This kind of shutter requires a box to be installed over the frame to store it, which can look bulky and unattractive depending on the style of window.


At Title Junction, we care about helping you stay informed throughout your real estate transaction. The experts at our title company have extensive knowledge about real estate not only in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, but all of Florida as well.

Have questions? Give us a call at 239.415.6574.

In case you missed it, check out our last Title Junction post: What Steps Are Involved In The FHA Loan Process?

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