Hurricane Shutters in Sarasota, FL

Hurricane shutters cover the glass instead of replacing it. For many Sarasota homes they are the fastest and least expensive way to get every opening protected, which is what both the building code and the insurance credit care about. The trade-off is that shutters only work when they are closed, so the right style depends on who will close them and how much time you will have.

The main permanent styles

• Accordion: folding blades stack at the side of the opening and pull across on a track, then lock in the middle. Good for wide windows, balconies and walkways.
• Bahama: a louvered awning hinged at the top, propped open for shade and dropped and secured for a storm. Popular on the keys for its island look.
• Colonial: a pair of louvered panels hinged at the sides that swing shut over the window. Decorative most of the year and protective when latched.

Roll-down shutters and removable storm panels are covered on their own pages, since they work quite differently.

What you are actually buying

A shutter system is the blades or panels, the headers and tracks, the anchors into the wall, and the locking hardware. All of it is tested together, and the Florida Product Approval spells out the maximum span and how the system has to be fastened. On block walls that means masonry anchors at set spacing; on frame walls or over stucco on wood it means different fasteners and sometimes added blocking. Shutters installed outside those limits are not approved, which matters to the building inspector and to the wind mitigation inspector later.

Living with shutters

Closing accordion shutters means walking to every opening, sliding each one across and locking it, and on a whole house that adds up. For a single-story house with a few people at home, that is a manageable afternoon. For a second story, a frequent traveler or someone who cannot lift and reach, it may not be realistic, and that is usually the point where impact glass or motorized roll-downs make more sense. In salt air, wheels, locks and tracks wear, so plan on periodic service over the life of the system.

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Care in a coastal climate

Salt air corrodes tracks and wheels and dries out locks. A short routine keeps shutters working when you need them:

• Rinse tracks and blades with fresh water a few times a year, more often on the keys
• Clear sand, leaves and insect nests from the bottom tracks
• Lubricate rollers and locks with a product the manufacturer approves
• Do a test close at the start of each hurricane season, June 1, not when a storm is two days out

Insurance and permits

Approved shutters count as opening protection on Form OIR-B1-1802, the same as impact windows, as long as every glazed opening is covered. Permanent shutters need a permit from the building department for your address, and we include it in the quote. Many condo and homeowner associations also have rules about shutter color, style and how long shutters may stay closed, so check yours before you choose.