How Midatlantic Storm Protection Shutters Work and What to Know Before Installing

What Midatlantic Storm Protection shutters are and how they protect your home

Midatlantic Storm Protection manufactures impact-resistant shutters designed to shield windows and doors from high winds, flying debris, and heavy rain during hurricanes and severe storms. The shutters mount permanently to your home's exterior and deploy either manually or with motorized operation when a storm approaches. Unlike temporary plywood or removable panels you install each season, Midatlantic shutters stay in place year-round and are ready to close within minutes.

The shutters work by creating a barrier between your windows and the outdoor elements. When closed, they distribute the force of wind and impact across a reinforced frame anchored to your home's structure, rather than letting that force concentrate on glass. This prevents windows from breaking inward, which is what allows wind and water to enter and damage your interior. The shutters also block rain from driving through gaps around window frames.

Midatlantic offers several styles—including accordion shutters, colonial shutters, and roll-down models—so you can choose based on your home's appearance, how often you want to operate them, and your budget. The company is based in the mid-Atlantic region and serves customers throughout that area and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Midatlantic Storm Protection shutters mount permanently to your home and close manually or with a motor when storms approach.
• Different styles (accordion, colonial, roll-down) suit different homes and usage patterns, so compare options before deciding.
• Installation requires anchoring to your home's structure, which may involve drilling into brick, vinyl, or wood depending on your exterior material.
• Motorized shutters cost more upfront but let you close all windows from inside your home without climbing a ladder.
• Your homeowner's insurance may offer a discount for installing impact-resistant shutters, so check with your provider before purchasing.

Shutter styles Midatlantic offers and what each one does

Accordion shutters fold to the side of your window or door when open and pull across to cover the opening when closed. They mount on a track on either side of the window frame. Accordion shutters are typically the least expensive option and work well for sliding glass doors and large windows. They are manual—you pull them closed by hand—so closing multiple windows takes time and physical effort.

Colonial shutters look like traditional wooden shutters but are made from aluminum or composite materials and hinge on either side of the window. They swing closed from left and right to meet in the middle. Colonial shutters blend with many home styles and are also manual. They work best on standard-sized windows rather than very large openings.

Roll-down shutters (also called rolling shutters or roll-up shutters) mount above your window or door and roll down from a housing when you need protection. They can be manual, operated with a crank, or motorized with a button or remote control. Roll-down shutters take up less visual space when open because the housing sits above the window rather than beside it. Motorized versions are the most convenient but also the most expensive.

Installation requirements and what to expect

Midatlantic shutters require permanent installation, meaning they are anchored to your home's structure with bolts or screws. The installation process varies depending on your exterior material. If you have brick, the installer drills into the mortar or brick itself. Vinyl siding requires drilling through the siding into the underlying wood framing. Wood exteriors are drilled directly. In all cases, the goal is to reach solid structure that can hold the weight and force of the shutter.

Most homeowners hire a professional installer rather than doing the work themselves, because improper anchoring can leave shutters loose or ineffective. Midatlantic either provides installation through authorized dealers or recommends installers in your area. Installation typically takes one to three days depending on how many windows you are covering and which style you choose. The installer will also show you how to operate the shutters—whether that means pulling them closed by hand, using a crank, or pressing a button.

Before installation, the installer should inspect your windows and doors to make sure the shutter will fit properly and that your home's structure can support the anchors. If you have older windows or doors that are not square, or if your exterior material is damaged, the installer may recommend repairs first.

Manual versus motorized operation and the cost difference

Manual shutters require you to close them by hand or with a crank. With accordion shutters, you pull them across. With colonial shutters, you swing them closed. With roll-down shutters, you either turn a crank or pull a cord. Manual operation is slower and requires you to be home and physically able to close the shutters before the storm arrives. If you have many windows, closing them all can take 30 minutes or more. Manual shutters cost less upfront because there is no motor or electrical wiring involved.

Motorized shutters close at the press of a button, either on a wall-mounted control panel inside your home or on a remote control. Some systems let you program the shutters to close automatically when wind speed reaches a certain level, though this requires a weather sensor. Motorized operation is much faster and means you do not have to be outside on a ladder or climbing around your home as a storm approaches. The trade-off is higher cost—motorized systems typically cost 50 to 100 percent more than manual versions—and the need for electrical wiring and occasional maintenance of the motor.

How much Midatlantic shutters typically cost

Shutter cost depends on the style, the number of windows and doors you are covering, whether you choose manual or motorized operation, and your location. Accordion shutters are generally the least expensive per opening, while roll-down motorized shutters are the most expensive. Installation labor also varies by region and installer. Because prices change and depend on your specific home, contact Midatlantic or an authorized dealer in your area for a quote. Many dealers offer free in-home estimates where they measure your windows and give you a price for different options.

Some homeowner's insurance companies offer discounts of 5 to 15 percent on your annual premium if you install impact-resistant shutters, which can offset part of the cost over time. Contact your insurance agent before purchasing to ask whether your policy qualifies for a discount and what documentation the insurance company needs to verify the installation.

Maintenance and how to keep shutters working

Permanent shutters require less maintenance than temporary plywood or panels because they stay in place and are built to withstand weather. However, you should inspect them once or twice a year, especially before hurricane season. Check that bolts and fasteners are tight, that hinges move freely, and that tracks (on accordion shutters) are clear of dirt and debris. If you have motorized shutters, test the motor and controls to make sure they work before storm season arrives.

Clean shutters with a soft brush and mild soap and water to remove dirt, salt spray (if you live near the coast), and algae. Do not use a pressure washer, which can force water into seams or damage the finish. If a shutter becomes dented or damaged, contact your installer or Midatlantic to discuss repair or replacement options. Most shutters are designed to last 15 to 20 years or longer with basic care.

Insurance discounts and what your homeowner's policy may cover

Many homeowner's insurance companies recognize that impact-resistant shutters reduce the risk of window breakage and water damage during storms, so they offer premium discounts. The discount amount varies by insurance company and by state—some offer 5 percent, others offer 15 percent or more. A few insurance companies require that shutters meet specific standards, such as those set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), so check your policy or call your agent before purchasing.

Your insurance policy typically covers damage to the shutters themselves if they are damaged by a covered event like a hurricane or severe wind. However, insurance does not cover normal wear and tear or damage from lack of maintenance. Keep your installation receipt and any documentation of maintenance you perform, as your insurance company may ask for proof if you file a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to close Midatlantic shutters before every storm, or only hurricanes?

You can close them for any storm where you are concerned about wind or flying debris. Many homeowners close them for severe thunderstorms with high winds, nor'easters, or tropical storms, not just hurricanes. Because they are permanent, you have the option to close them whenever you feel it is necessary.

Can I paint or stain Midatlantic shutters to match my home?

Most Midatlantic shutters come in standard colors like white, bronze, and black. Some styles can be painted, but check with your installer or the manufacturer first, as painting may void the warranty or affect how the shutter operates. Composite or aluminum shutters may not accept paint the way wood does.

What happens if my power goes out and I have motorized shutters?

Most motorized systems have a manual override so you can close the shutters by hand or crank if the power is out. Ask your installer to show you how the manual override works before you need it during a storm.

Will shutters block all light and make my home dark inside?

When closed, shutters do block most natural light, though some designs allow thin slats of light through. If you need to keep shutters closed for an extended period, you may need to use interior lighting. Some homeowners close shutters only when a storm is actively approaching rather than hours in advance.

Can I install Midatlantic shutters on a rental property?

Because installation involves permanent anchoring to the structure, you will need permission from the property owner. Many landlords are willing to install shutters because they protect the property and may lower insurance costs, but this is something to discuss and get in writing before proceeding.