Roll down hurricane shutters

I posted this June/2005. STT/Water Island. Lower level of the home which is ......3 8 ft. sliders, about 4 3 ft windows.
There are different kinds of shutters and we requested estimates for both kinds: Panels, Accordion and roll-down. Rolldown and Accordion are more convenient and more expensive. Panels are easy to put up/take down but you also have to find a place to store them when they're not on the windows/doors. Also, we got estimates from 2 different suppliers/service providers (though only one supplier had the "panels").

Accordion - around $9000
Rolldown - around $14000
Panels - around $5000

I had a combination of accordion, rolldown, and panel shutters installed on my house (STX) 2 years ago. I got two estimates, which were about the same price, and went with the company that was recommended by several people I knew. Unfortunately, they ordered the wrong size accordian shutters initially, took about 5 months to get them installed, and did a poor job installing the shutters overall. The rolldown shutter clutch broke the first time the shutter was operated for storm preps by my property management company and it took almost a year to get it repaired by the company that installed it. The guy who finally repaired it (the worker - not the salesman of this "high-quality" product) also told me that they have a lot of repair problems with rolldown shutters in general and the model I have in particular.

Once I moved here I decided to install panels on my remaining windows myself. If you are the least bit handy (and have a hammerdrill) you will find they are pretty easy to install and very inexpensive. You should be able to buy all the materials you need for a french door (panels, removable lower track, screws, anchors, etc.) for well under $200. I priced my materials at 3 different places here and one company (Rooftops) was half the price of the other two (Kokomos and Centerline).

JE, I'm smiling at your story. We went with the panels including installation. In June, we paid 50% of the $ and waited. Around October (after much follow-up), the guys arrived and installed panels on the windows. Then left. I say to husband "HEY! Husband! Those guys coming back tomorrow?" Husband replies, "Why? They were here today!" Arrrgh! Around December (after much follow-up), the guys arrived and installed panels on the doors.

The only thing about panels is you have got to have a place to store them besides in a stack outside your bedroom slider. After happy hour & porch sitting, those panels can leap in front of your toes (did I mention these were "magic" panels). Fortunately, I was in just the perfect blissful state to not freak out too much with the bleeding foot. Of course, the next morning was not as blissful.

In August we had Kokomo's install panel type on three of our windows. They did it the next day, were reasonable and very nice. it has since been sold, but I met the new owner, and he seemed very nice also.

Hi Doug, I have found a company in Florida, after about 40hrs. of research. It was the best pricing I have found. The quality however I don't know, but I am going to order one to see. I would also be able to help you with the install if you decided to go with them.

Hi westendwaterdog.

We currently have accordion shutters but plan to replace all of our doors and windows and are considering roll down shutters. I'd like to benefit from your hours of research if you'd be willing to share the name of the firm whose shutters you found to be competitively priced. Also, I'd be very interested to hear what you think of their quality once you've examined the shutters first hand.

could you share the name of the company with wwhom you had the problems?

Hi westendwaterdog
Me too about 30 hours in to looking at hundreds of sights. Do we want foam filled ,1000 mm or 1500mm what to do.I talked to one guy and got the best advise.Use the Texas dept.of Insurance standards.He feels thay are the most realistic about storm protection.I am waiting for a few more quotes before I decide.The quotes I've gotten from Florida suppliers are about the same as the guy's on ST. Croix were.No big savings and I have to ship them down.
One more thing, if your in a low area or by the water storm surge is the issue. More damage is done by storm water being pushed inland than by wind. One site offers water tight flood panels that bolt infront of doors to keep storm surge out.They won't work in a New Orleans type of flood but wood keep lesser flooding out.I hope to have my rolldown shutters on order by the end of the month, so i'm ready for the next hurricane season.

Hey Doug, The company name is Storm Safe Shutters
1-800-282-3819 stormsafeshutters.com
They have an online calculator so you can figure the pricing.
Let me know if they compare to your findings.