Buyer guide
Accordion vs roll down vs storm panels which storm shutter type fits your customers
Every storm shutter line ends up with the same three families: removable storm panels, permanently mounted accordion shutters and roll down shutters. Here is how they compare on cost, deployment, storage and selling points — so you can build the right mix.
- Storm panels: lowest cost, slowest to deploy
- Accordion: permanent, fast, mid-price
- Roll down: most convenient, highest price, adds security
- Most dealers stock all three tiers
Storm panels (hurricane panels)
Corrugated aluminum, steel or polycarbonate panels installed in tracks or on studs before a storm. Pros: lowest cost, simple, easy to ship flat. Cons: labor to install each time, storage space, ladders for upper floors. Best for budget-conscious homeowners and large retail volume. See hurricane shutters.
Accordion shutters
Blades stacked beside the opening that slide closed and lock. Pros: always in place, deploy in minutes, no storage. Cons: visible when open, moderate cost, tracks need occasional cleaning. Best for owners who want speed without the price of motorized systems. See accordion shutters.
Roll down shutters
Slats coil into a head box and lower by crank, strap or motor. Pros: push-button deployment, everyday security, shading and noise reduction. Cons: highest cost, head box needs space, motors need power. Best for premium homes and commercial frontages.
Building a range
A typical dealer range: polycarbonate and aluminum panels as the entry tier, accordion shutters as the core installed product, roll down shutters as the premium tier. Add flood barriers for coastal customers who face storm surge as well as wind.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Storm panels | Accordion shutters | Roll down shutters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relative cost | Low | Medium | High |
| Deployment | Install each storm | Slide & lock (minutes) | Crank or motor (minutes) |
| Storage needed | Yes | No | No (head box) |
| Everyday security | No | Some (lockable) | Yes |
| Aesthetics when open | Invisible (stored) | Visible stacks | Head box visible |
| Shipping | Flat bundles | Long bundles | Crated systems |
| Typical buyer | Retail, budget | Installers, homeowners | Premium, commercial |
Comparison is general guidance; no type is rated or certified by default.
No certification claimed by default. We do not claim FEMA, Miami-Dade NOA, UL, ASTM or any other approval, rating or test result. Products are built to customer-specified standards; test reports can be provided on request where available.
Frequently asked questions
Which hurricane shutter type is best?
There is no single best — it depends on budget, deployment speed and storage. Many buyers mix panels for upper windows with accordion or roll down shutters on doors.
Are roll down shutters worth the cost?
For customers who want push-button deployment and everyday security, yes; for budget buyers, panels or accordion shutters are more practical.
Are storm panels and hurricane panels the same?
Yes, the terms are used interchangeably.
Can I order all three types in one container?
Yes, mixed containers are common for distributors; see wholesale.
Related pages
Building a shutter range?
Tell us your tiers and volumes — we will suggest a mix and quote.