Accordion shutters are the most popular hurricane protection choice in Florida. They stay permanently mounted at every opening, deploy in under a minute, and never require a trip to the garage when a storm is closing in.
Accordion shutters mount in tracks above and below each window opening. The blades stack to one or both sides of the window when not in use. When protection is needed, you unfold the blades, slide them across the opening, and lock them at the center.
A standard window takes 30 to 60 seconds to close. A full house can be secured in 15 to 30 minutes — one person, no tools, no help required.
Quality accordion systems are rated for sustained winds of 150 to 185+ mph. They meet Florida Building Code requirements for large and small missile impact testing, which is the same standard that qualifies them for insurance wind mitigation credit.
When locked, they create a sealed barrier against wind pressure, flying debris, and rain infiltration. That's not just comfort — it's structural protection. A breached window during a major storm can lead to interior pressurization, roof failure, and total loss.
Accordion shutters work on nearly every opening: standard single and double-hung windows, sliding glass doors, French and inswing doors, garage-style openings, and large picture windows. Irregular shapes — trapezoid and arched openings — can be handled through custom fabrication.
When locked, accordion shutters provide meaningful burglar resistance. That matters for military families deployed during storm season, seasonal residents who leave Crestview for months at a time, and vacation properties that sit empty for stretches. A locked accordion shutter is a serious deterrent, and most would-be intruders move on to easier targets.
The military-family angle is common in this region — Eglin Air Force Base anchors the local community, and secured-when-empty is a real requirement, not a marketing line.
Accordion shutters qualify for wind mitigation discounts under the OIR-B1-1802 inspection form. Savings vary by insurer, but many Okaloosa County homeowners recover a significant portion of the installation cost through reduced premiums over time. The contractor provides documentation for the inspection.
Maintenance is minimal: lubricate the top and bottom tracks once or twice a year, inspect blade hinges for corrosion, test the lock mechanism, and rinse with fresh water to clear salt and debris. That's the full list for a system that lasts 20+ years.
Call (850) 801-5890 or fill out the contact form. Crestview Shutters will connect you with a contractor in the network who measures every opening and provides a clear, itemized price for your whole home.
Motorized or manual-crank shutters that roll down from a compact housing above the window. One-button storm prep.
Removable aluminum panels that mount over windows and doors. The most affordable code-compliant hurricane protection.
Side-hinged decorative shutters that frame windows daily and close for hurricane-rated protection when storms approach.