What are roll-down hurricane shutters?
Roll-down shutters consist of interlocking aluminum or steel slats that coil into a compact housing box mounted above the window or door. Manual versions use a hand crank or pull strap. Motorized versions drop at the touch of a button — some can be automated to deploy when wind speeds are detected.
They offer the cleanest appearance of any shutter type — when open, the only visible element is a slim housing box above the window. When closed they form a continuous armored barrier with no gaps.
PhotosSee them on a real home
Roll-down shutters — open/housing visible
Replace with: exterior of Florida home showing slim roll-down housing boxes above windows, shutters fully retracted, clean modern look
Roll-down shutters — deployed closed
Replace with: roll-down shutters fully lowered on a home, storm protection in place, showing solid armored appearance
Pros and cons
✓ Advantages
- Cleanest appearance — slim housing box only
- Motorized option available for effortless deployment
- Strongest wind resistance of any shutter type
- No storage, no carry — always in place
- Works on very large openings including garages
- Blocks light, heat, and sound when closed
- Smart home integration available on motorized units
✗ Limitations
- Highest cost of all shutter types
- Motorized units add $350–$600 per opening
- Requires housing box above every opening
- Motor maintenance needed every few years
- Professional repair required if mechanism fails
2026 installed cost
Prices below reflect 2026 contractor quotes across all 13 states we cover — Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.
| Opening size | Low estimate | High estimate | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small window (24×36") | — | ||
| Standard window (36×48") | Most common | ||
| Large window (60×48") | — | ||
| Entry door (36×80") | — | ||
| Full home (avg. 8 openings) | Use calculator → |
⚠️ Get 3 quotes before signing anything. Use our free calculator to get your estimate first — homeowners who come in with a number save an average of 15–20%.