What are aluminum storm panels?
Aluminum storm panels are corrugated or flat aluminum sheets that slide into permanent tracks mounted around your windows and doors. The tracks stay on the house year-round — nearly invisible. Before a storm you carry the panels from storage, slide them into the tracks, and bolt them in place. After the storm you remove and store them again.
They're the most common first-shutter purchase for budget-conscious homeowners. Many families start with panels and upgrade to accordion or roll-down shutters over time as budget allows.
PhotosSee them on a real home
Pros and cons
✓ Advantages
- Lowest upfront cost of any code-approved option
- Panels last 30+ years if stored properly
- Tracks stay on permanently — nearly invisible
- Qualifies for wind mitigation insurance discount
- Steel, aluminum, and polycarbonate options
- Can install yourself once tracks are mounted
✗ Limitations
- Requires storage space for panels — heavy and bulky
- 30–60 minutes to deploy full home
- Two-person job for large or heavy panels
- Blocks all light when installed
- Cannot be used on irregularly shaped openings
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 → |