Impact Windows vs. Hurricane Shutters

Analyzing hurricane shutters vs. impact windows is a wise decision for any coastal homeowner, given the impact on property damage and insurance claims from wind, water, and debris.

Given that both are very effective at preventing a breach, however, it’s going to come down to budget, lifestyle, and property type. 

In this guide, we’ll compare the costs, wind ratings, ease of use, and answer when each type of hurricane protection is the best option.

What Are Hurricane Shutters?

Hurricane shutters are exterior barriers that provide protective cover for windows against storms and strong winds. They can be absolutely vital in protecting glass windows and homes from wind damage, debris, and water damage. 

Types of Hurricane Shutters

There are various types of hurricane shutters you can use to protect your home: 

Roll-down Shutters

Roll-down hurricane shutters are a tidy solution, available in both motorized and manual setups. They provide protection that can be hidden away in permanent housing above the window. When it’s time to lock up, they can deploy in seconds. 

When installed in a motorized set-up, roll-down shutters can all be deployed from a remote or smartphone app, 

Accordion Shutters

Accordion shutters are hurricane shutters that fold horizontally open and closed via side tracks. 

They feature manual operation, but are still fast to close and require no storage between storms. 

Storm Panels

Storm panels are removable aluminum or polycarbonate panels that you can install over your windows or doors before the storm arrives. This makes them the most affordable option but the least convenient, with slow, cumbersome installation and the need for storage when not in use. 

Bahama Shutters

Bahama shutters are top-hinged exterior shutters that can be propped open for daily shade. However, they are mostly decorative shade shutters and provide little to no protection during strong winds and storms. 

What Are Impact Windows?

Impact windows are reinforced windows, built with laminated glass and reinforced frames that resist shattering should strong winds or flying debris collide. While they don’t prevent cracking, they do prevent the home from being breached by holding the glass in place upon impact. 

Impact windows are permanent installations, with no deployment. In brief, it’s a window, but one designed not to shatter!

Owners will also benefit from up to 70% improved noise reduction, UV blocking, and improved energy efficiency. 

 

Hurricane Shutters vs Impact Windows: Cost Comparison

The cost of hurricane shutters vs impact windows is an important factor in any analysis of the different types of hurricane shutters.

At around just $50 to $105 per window, storm panels are by far the most affordable option, with accordion shutters close behind at $105 to $175 per window. 

At the other end of your options, electric roll-down shutters cost about the same as impact windows at $420 to $490 per window, but with the significant benefit of closing automatically, offering increased security, energy efficiency, and far better storm protection. 

However, impact window costs are likely to include installation, while shutters often require additional professional installation costs. 

 

Shutter Type	Cost Per Sq Ft	Per Window (7 sq ft)	Whole Home (15 windows)
Storm Panels	$7–$15	$50–$105	$750–$1,575
Accordion Shutters	$15–$25	$105–$175	$1,575–$2,625
Bahama Shutters	$20–$35	$140–$245	$2,100–$3,675
Manual Roll-Down	$25–$30	$175–$210	$2,625–$3,150
Electric Roll-Down	$60–$70	$420–$490	$6,300–$7,350
Impact Windows	$40–$65	$280–$455	$4,200–$6,825

 

Protection & Performance: Side-by-Side

Roll-down shutters undoubtedly provide the best window protection, due to the physical barrier they offer. Debris will simply never touch the glass.

Impact windows, however, don’t require any activation, but will crack from damage from debris or severe winds. They just won’t shatter or breach. 

Both can withstand wind speeds of 150-200 mph. 

Shutters also offer a significant security advantage: they look tough to breach, deterring looting and break-ins. While impact windows are harder to break, they are still glass at the end of the day. 

 

Feature	Hurricane Shutters	Impact Windows
Wind Rating	Up to 150–200 mph (roll-down)	Up to 150–200 mph
Debris Impact	Full barrier, so debris never reaches the glass	Glass may crack, but the membrane prevents a breach
Energy Efficiency	Insulating air gap when closed (rolling shutters)	Year-round insulation, lower AC costs
Noise Reduction	Significant when closed	Up to 70% reduction, always active
UV Protection	Full block when closed	Filters UV year-round
Security / Anti-Theft	Physical barrier – major deterrent	Harder to break but still glass
Daily Convenience	Must deploy before the storm (unless motorized)	Always on – no action needed
Curb Appeal	Hidden when retracted (roll-down)	Seamless – looks like normal windows
Lifespan	15–20+ years	20–25+ years

 

When Hurricane Shutters Are the Better Choice 

When deciding between hurricane impact windows and hurricane shutters, the former is the better investment when you live in a coastal or hurricane-prone area and want total protection for certain openings.

While impact windows eliminate the need for shutter roll-down and housing, they can break and therefore need to be replaced. 

When Budget Is Your Priority

If you’re on a smaller budget, you may want to consider storm panels or accordion shutters. They can protect your entire home for around $750 to $3,000. Of course, these options come with limitations and drawbacks, but they will protect your home from occasional storms. 

When You Don’t Want to Replace Your Windows

Replacing functional windows with impact windows may seem like a waste of money and a real nuisance. Instead, you can simply add shutters over your existing windows.

You Have Security Concerns

Roll-down shutters will add additional security from break-ins and prevent the glass from ever cracking. This can be especially valuable in evacuation zones, where your home may sit empty after a storm.

You have a Vacation or Rental Property.

Motorized roll-down shutters can be deployed remotely via an app, with no need to be on-site. This can be a real game-changer for rental properties, where you can’t necessarily trust the guest to close up when they leave, or if a storm arrives.

You Want Layered Protection

Adding an extra layer of protection, even to impact windows, will provide crucial protection during category 4 to 5 storms. 

You Want the Rollac Advantage

Motorized roll-down shutters eliminate the biggest drawback of manual deployment. With Rollac’s roll-down hurricane shutters, you can use a remote, app, or smart home voice control to deploy them in mere seconds!

 

When Impact Windows Are the Better Choice

Alternatively, when considering impact-resistant windows vs hurricane shutters, you may want the shatterproof glass option, if:

Your Old Windows Need Replacing Anyway

If your current windows don’t seal or latch properly, have any cracks, or don’t provide sufficient insulation, impact windows will solve two problems at once by increasing efficiency and protection against hurricane breaches. 

You Want Year-Round Benefits 

Impact windows provide increased energy savings, noise reduction, and UV protection every day (not just during storms). That makes them ideal if you’re looking for something that goes beyond just storm protection. 

Aesthetics Are Your Priority

Some people prioritize the visuals of their home. If that’s you, then impact windows may be better, as there is no visible hardware, tracks, or housing. The home looks the same as it did before. 

You Have Physical limitations.

If you’re physically unable to deploy manual shutters, and can’t invest in a motorized system or will be prone to forgetting to use them, then impact shutters are a permanent solution. 

You Have HOA Restrictions on Hurricane Shutters

If your face HOA limits on exterior shutter hardware, then impact windows may be your only option, as they will comply with all appearance standards. 

 

Can You Use Hurricane Shutters and Impact Windows Together? 

So, why compare hurricane windows vs shutters? Can’t you just use both?

Yes! Many experts recommend doing so for the maximum protection in high-risk hurricane zones. 

The impact windows will handle daily benefits, while the shutters will provide a physical barrier during Cat 4-5 events and for post-storm security. 

Even if the impact glass cracks, you’ll have shutters that prevent the breach from letting wind, water, or debris inside. 

Rollac’s roll-down shutters are the ideal layering solution. They retract flush against the wall when not in use and don’t affect the visuals of your windows. 

 

Insurance Discounts: Hurricane Shutters vs Impact Windows

Both impact windows and hurricane shutters can reduce your homeowner’s insurance premiums in hurricane zones, as Florida’s wind mitigation inspection considers both as qualifying protection. 

The discounts vary by insurer, but typically it’s around 8 to 15% for shutters and 10 to 20% for impact windows. You may also gain additional energy-efficiency credits via qualifying impact windows. 

To qualify, your hurricane shutters must cover ALL openings. We also recommend a wind mitigation inspection after installation to ensure the maximum discount possible. 

 

FAQs on Hurricane shutters vs Impact windows

What is better, impact windows vs hurricane shutters?

With similar per-window prices and the same wind rating, the question really becomes: Do you want a layer that protects your windows from cracking and break-ins, or would you rather have just shatterproof windows? 

What are stronger, impact-resistant windows or hurricane shutters?

They both have the same wind rating of 150-200mph, but, naturally, since windows are made of glass, they can crack when debris or severe winds hit. Hurricane shutters, however, will protect your windows from damage. 

Are accordion shutters better than impact windows?

When considering accordion shutters vs impact windows, know that they provide the same wind-rating protection as impact windows, plus the added benefit of being break-in deterrents and providing an extra layer of protection for your windows.

Do impact windows eliminate the need for hurricane shutters?

Yes and no. Impact windows will prevent your home from being breached by hurricanes, as the glass does not shatter. However, that glass will still crack and need to be replaced. Hurricane shutters prevent that from happening. 

 

Trust Rollac for Hurricane Certified Shutter Solutions 

Impact windows and hurricane shutters are the industry-standard solutions for protection against strong winds and debris. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and your preferences. 

If you want the additional benefits of hurricane shutters, Rollac is your trusted solution. With motorized deployment, smart and storm sensors, and shutters that meet Florida Building Code and Texas Department of Insurance approval, our shutters are the most advanced and trusted hurricane protection on the market. 

Feel free to contact us today for a custom quote, so you can build a system that meets your needs.