Best Hurricane Shutters for New Orleans: A Practical Guide to Choosing, Installing, and Saving on Insurance
Introduction, why picking the right shutters matters in New Orleans
If you live in New Orleans, shutters are not cosmetic, they are life insurance. The right product keeps flying debris out, prevents roof uplift from broken windows, and can lower your insurance bill. Search intent matters, so this guide focuses on the best hurricane shutters for New Orleans homes, not generic storm covers.
Here is the problem, plain and simple. Many homeowners buy the cheapest option, only to learn that it fails impact testing, violates local code, or does not qualify for insurance credits. New Orleans faces storm surge, windborne debris, and winds that often exceed 100 miles per hour during major events, so product ratings matter.
What you will learn next, in practical steps, includes how to read impact ratings like ASTM E1886 and E1996, why Miami Dade approvals matter, which shutter types suit historic versus new construction, how to size and install correctly, and how to document purchases for insurer discounts.
Why New Orleans needs specific hurricane protection
New Orleans faces a unique combo of hazards, so the best hurricane shutters for New Orleans are not the same as what works inland. Coastal and metro parishes see design wind speeds that often top 120 to 130 mph, and that wind comes with large debris and storm surge. When windows fail, floodwaters and wind force follow through openings, so pick shutters that resist both wind pressure and impact.
Local codes changed after Katrina, and many neighborhoods require impact rated protection or engineered shutter systems, with inspections and permits. Look for products tested to ASTM E1886 and E1996, or Miami Dade TAS approvals, and make sure installation follows manufacturer specs so the city inspector signs off.
Insurance carriers will offer credits only for certified products and documented installs, so save labels, approval numbers, and the contractor invoice. Practical tip, pick shutters that are operable for daily use, or permanent impact systems if you want maintenance free protection and guaranteed insurer recognition.
The main types of hurricane shutters, and how they compare
Accordion shutters, pros: instant protection with the flip of a lever, fast to deploy during sudden storms, very durable in high winds. Cons: visible when closed, motorized models add cost. Typical cost: about $800 to $2,500 per opening, depending on size and manual versus motorized. Best use case: main entries and large patio doors in high risk New Orleans neighborhoods where rapid closure matters.
Roll down shutters, pros: highest wind performance, full frame seal, great for insurance credits. Cons: premium price, requires professional installation and electricity for motors. Typical cost: $1,500 to $5,000 per opening. Best use case: beachfront or lakefront homes that need top rated protection and long term value.
Bahama shutters, pros: stays open for shade and storm protection when lowered, adds curb appeal. Cons: weaker than solid systems in direct impact. Typical cost: $600 to $2,000 per window installed. Best use case: sun forward homes in Uptown that want daily use plus weekend storm readiness.
Colonial shutters, pros: classic look, quick to close, lower cost than roll down. Cons: manual panels are less airtight. Typical cost: $500 to $1,800 per window. Best use case: historic districts where aesthetics matter.
Storm panels, pros: inexpensive and lightweight, good temporary solution. Cons: time consuming to install, storage needed. Typical cost: $100 to $300 per panel installed. Best use case: secondary properties or budget conscious owners.
Plywood, pros: cheapest emergency option. Cons: ugly, labor intensive, not code for sustained protection. Typical cost: $10 to $30 per sheet. Best use case: last minute, short term protection.
Impact windows, pros: permanent, low maintenance, best insurance savings. Cons: highest upfront cost. Typical cost: $300 to $1,500 per window. Best use case: long term retrofit for high wind zones seeking the best combination of protection and savings.
How to choose the right shutters for your New Orleans home
Start by matching protection to risk. Step 1, check your local design wind speed or ask the city planner, then pick shutters with a wind rating at or above that number. Step 2, measure every opening, note sliding doors and transoms, and choose a system that fits the largest continuous glass area. Step 3, pick material based on use and budget: aluminum or steel for frequent operation and longevity, roll down for convenience, accordion for quick deployment, plywood for short term emergency use only. Step 4, balance cost and placement; put permanent systems on street facing windows where damage risk and insurance savings are highest, use removable panels elsewhere to save money. Step 5, evaluate aesthetics; Bahama or colonial styles keep curb appeal while meeting impact standards. Step 6, document approvals and installation with manufacturer ratings or Miami Dade style certification, plus photos and contractor invoices, to secure maximum insurance discounts. Following these steps will simplify choosing the best hurricane shutters for New Orleans.
Best options by budget and house type
Low cost, practical: corrugated steel or pre cut plywood panels, and removable aluminum storm panels. They cost the least, are easy to store, and work well on ground floor windows and doors, but practice the drill, label panels, and pre drill anchor points so you can install in 20 to 30 minutes per opening. Mid range, smart value: accordion shutters, Bahama shutters, and interlocking aluminum panels. They deploy fast, add curb appeal, and many models meet Miami Dade or ASTM ratings that can lower premiums. High end, long term protection: motorized roll down shutters or impact rated aluminum with tested wind ratings above 150 mph, built in locks, and corrosion resistant hardware for coastal New Orleans conditions. For historic homes, favor removable wood look Bahama panels or impact glass to preserve the facade, and get approvals from the local preservation board before altering sightlines. For raised houses, measure from the elevated porch and use full height systems or extra anchor kits, and choose stainless steel fasteners to resist saltwater corrosion while ensuring insurance compliance.
DIY versus professional installation, what to expect
DIY can work for simple solutions, like temporary plywood or pre drilled accordion shutters, especially for a single story bungalow. Expect 1 to 3 hours per window if you have basic tools and carpentry skills, and plan for careful measuring and solid anchoring into studs or masonry.
Permits matter in Orleans Parish, check with the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits before you start, and factor inspection timelines into your schedule. Insurance companies often require proof of permitted installation to grant discounts, so keep receipts and permit paperwork.
Professional installers cost more upfront, often adding 25 to 50 percent in labor, but they handle complex masonry anchoring, multi story access, and historic district rules. Hire a licensed contractor for second story work, structural framing, or properties in historic areas, when choosing the best hurricane shutters for New Orleans.
Maintenance and preparation tips for hurricane season
Treat maintenance like insurance, not an afterthought. Inspect shutters monthly during storm season, check fasteners, rollers, seals, and anchor points for corrosion or looseness. Lubricate tracks and hinges with silicone spray, not oil, to avoid attracting grit. Test deployment at least once each season so you know how long it takes and which tools you need.
Pre storm checklist, do these 48 to 72 hours before landfall:
Gather bolts, anchors, and a labeled tool kit.
Remove loose outdoor items and trim weak branches.
Pre fit removable panels to confirm alignment.
Storage tips for removable panels, store vertically on padded racks in a dry spot, label each panel by window, and strap them to prevent warping. Common mistakes to avoid, waiting until the last minute, storing panels flat where they bend, and forgetting to photograph installed shutters for insurance claims.
Where to buy in New Orleans, and local considerations
When shopping for the best hurricane shutters for New Orleans, start with three seller types, big box stores for off the shelf panels, local shutter specialists who handle custom installs, and licensed window contractors who offer impact rated systems. Vet contractors, verify a Louisiana state contractor license, ask for proof of liability and workers compensation, check recent photos, call two references, and scan BBB and Google reviews. Confirm permits and code compliance with the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits, and insist on manufacturer certification for wind ratings. For savings, get a wind mitigation inspection to secure insurance credits, ask your insurer about rebate programs, and explore contractor or state financing options.
Conclusion and next steps
You now know how to weigh cost, protection, and insurance savings when shopping for the best hurricane shutters for New Orleans, and which options work best for different homes, from impact resistant panels to rolling shutters and accordion systems. Local building codes and wind load anchoring matter as much as material choice.
Simple action plan:
- Get three competitive quotes from local installers, request model numbers and warranty details.
- Schedule a structural inspection to confirm anchoring points and permit needs.
- Call your insurer to confirm credits and paperwork.
Get quotes and schedule inspections this week, protect your home and lower premiums.
