What are colonial hurricane shutters?
Colonial shutters are pairs of louvered aluminum or steel panels permanently mounted on both sides of a window or door. During everyday weather they fold open flat against the wall, acting as traditional decorative shutters. When a storm threatens, you swing them closed and latch them from inside — fully protecting the opening in minutes.
They've been a fixture of coastal architecture for over a century. Today's versions are impact-rated, code-approved, and built to withstand Category 3 and higher wind loads when properly installed and latched.
How they workHow colonial shutters work
Installed permanently on both sides
Each window gets two panels — one hinged on the left side, one on the right. They're mounted directly to the exterior wall with heavy-duty aluminum hinges rated for repeated storm deployment.
Rest open flat against the house
Day-to-day, the panels fold flat against the wall on each side. They let in light and airflow through the louvers and add a classic coastal look to the home's exterior.
Swing closed and latch before a storm
When a storm is named, you swing each panel closed and drop the interior slide bolt into the sill. No tools, no ladders for most windows, no panels to carry. Takes under 2 minutes per window.
Overlap and lock in the center
The two panels meet in the center and a heavy-duty center latch locks them together. When properly latched they form a single rigid barrier rated to your local wind zone requirement.
Open again after the storm passes
Once it's safe, simply release the latch and fold the panels back open. No storage, no cleanup, no hardware to put away.
Pros and cons
✓ Advantages
- Permanently mounted — nothing to store
- Adds significant curb appeal and home value
- Fast deployment — 1 to 2 minutes per window
- Code-approved in most coastal counties
- Available in 20+ colors to match any home
- No electricity or motors required
- Qualifies for Florida wind mitigation discount
- 20+ year lifespan with basic maintenance
✗ Limitations
- Requires wall space on both sides of window
- Not suitable for very wide openings over 6 feet
- Blocks all light when closed
- Higher upfront cost than storm panels
- Louvers can collect debris — needs cleaning
- Some HOAs restrict color choices
How much do colonial shutters cost?
Colonial shutter pricing depends on the size of your openings, the material grade, and your county's permit requirements. The ranges below reflect 2026 installed prices from licensed contractors across all 13 states we cover.
| Opening size | Material cost | Installation | Total estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small window (24×36") | $180–$280 | $80–$140 | $260–$420 |
| Standard window (36×48") | $280–$450 | $120–$200 | $400–$650 |
| Large window (60×48") | $450–$720 | $180–$300 | $630–$1,020 |
| Entry door (36×80") | $520–$840 | $200–$320 | $720–$1,160 |
| Full home (avg. 8 openings) | $2,800–$4,800 | $1,000–$1,800 | $3,800–$6,600 |
What the installation process looks like
Colonial shutter installation is typically a one-day job for a whole house. Here's what to expect from a licensed contractor:
Measurement and permitting
A contractor measures every opening and pulls the required permits from your county building department. In most FL counties this takes 3–7 business days. Never hire a contractor who skips the permit — unpermitted shutters won't pass a wind mitigation inspection.
Custom fabrication
Colonial shutters are custom-made to your exact window dimensions. Most local suppliers fabricate in 2–4 weeks. Rush orders are available before hurricane season but cost 20–30% more.
Installation day
Two-person crew installs hinges into the wall framing, hangs panels, and tests every latch. Expect 4–8 hours for an average home. They clean up and walk you through operation before leaving.
Inspection and insurance
Schedule a licensed wind mitigation inspector within 30 days ($75–$150). Submit the completed form to your insurance carrier to begin receiving your premium discount — typically 15–25% in Florida.
Maintaining your colonial shutters
Colonial shutters are low maintenance. Follow this schedule and they'll last 20+ years with no issues.
Colonial vs other shutter types
| Feature | Colonial | Accordion | Storm Panels | Bahama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deployment time | 1–2 min | 30 sec | 30–60 min | 2–3 min |
| Installed cost | $20–35/sqft | $26–35/sqft | $15–30/sqft | $18–32/sqft |
| Storage needed | None | None | Yes | None |
| Curb appeal | Excellent | Good | None | Excellent |
| Best opening width | Up to 6 ft | Any | Any | Up to 5 ft |
| Light when closed | None | None | None | Partial |