Shutter systems · Compared
Hurricane shutters vs fabric vs screens
Permanent shutters stay on the house; removable hurricane fabric needs storage and installation before use. Compare how each fits your openings and who can get the home ready when you are away.
Tell us about your projectWhat stays on the house and what you do before a storm
Accordion and roll-down shutters stay on the home and close in place. Hurricane fabric leaves only anchors on the wall; each panel is stored, then matched to its opening and attached. Ordinary shade or insect screens are a different product category unless the exact product is documented for storm protection.
Accordion guide Roll-down guide
Documented protection is what separates a shutter from a screen
Where windborne debris protection is required, TDI says glazed openings can use impact-rated products or ordinary products with a tested protective device. A patio screen only counts if that exact product is documented for the purpose.
Resources and glossary
Compare the work needed before a storm
On phones, each row is shown with its column labels.
| Consideration | Permanent shutters | Removable hurricane fabric | Shade or insect screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-state appearance | Side stacks or overhead housing remain on the home. | Attachment hardware remains; fabric stores separately. | Depends on fixed or retractable screen design. |
| Preparation task | Close and secure each shutter as instructed. | Match each panel to its opening and attach as instructed. | Do not count as hurricane protection without applicable model-specific documentation. |
| Quote must specify | Assembly, model, anchors, opening sizes and operation. | Fabric model, anchors, attachment layout and opening sizes. | Intended use and performance documentation if protection is claimed. |
| Practical question | Can everyone responsible operate every opening? | Where are panels stored and who can reach the anchors? | Is this a patio comfort purchase or a documented opening-protection system? |
Compare the same opening list
Model and installation
Match product documentation to the proposed dimensions, anchorage and clearances.
Deployment and storage
Decide who will close shutters or attach fabric if you are away. Check reachable controls, keys, panel labels and storage.
Scope and exclusions
Identify uncovered openings, electrical work, access equipment and any required inspections.
Source notes
Reviewed 2026-10-14
Common questions
Is hurricane fabric as strong as metal shutters?
Not as a category; performance depends on the specific product, its evaluation or test limits and how it is installed. Compare documentation for the exact fabric and shutter models proposed for each opening.
Is a patio shade screen hurricane protection?
Not unless that exact product is documented for storm protection. Shade and insect screens are designed for comfort; ask for the product’s intended use, evaluation or test documents and installation requirements.
Can I compare fabric and shutters by price per square foot?
Not reliably. An area price can leave out anchors, different opening sizes, upper-story access and deployment work, so compare the full installed scope on the same opening list.
Which system is easiest to use if I am away during storm season?
Usually a permanent system, because nothing has to be fetched and attached, but it still needs someone to close it. Fabric avoids visible stacks or boxes but needs a person who can attach every panel.