Every June, Southwest Florida homeowners face the same question: are my shutters ready? Hurricane season runs June through November, and the worst time to find out your shutters don't work is when a Category 3 is two days out. The time to prepare is now — before the season starts, before the hardware stores run out of supplies, and before every contractor in the region is booked solid.
Know What Type of Shutters You Have
Not all storm shutters are the same, and each type has its own maintenance and deployment requirements:
- Accordion shutters — fold out from the sides of the window and lock in the center. Check that the track is clear of debris and the locking mechanism engages smoothly.
- Roll-down shutters — motor or hand-crank operated. Test the motor or crank now, not when a storm is approaching. Lubricate the guides annually.
- Panel shutters — corrugated aluminum or polycarbonate panels stored in a garage or shed. Locate all panels and hardware now and make sure nothing is missing.
- Fabric/screen shutters — roll down like a shade. Check for tears, fraying, or broken guides.
Pre-Season Shutter Checklist
Walk through this checklist before June 1 every year:
- Test every shutter — open and close each one fully to confirm it operates correctly
- Check all locking hardware — bolts, pins, and latches should engage firmly with no play
- Lubricate tracks and hinges with a silicone-based spray
- Inspect for corrosion — Florida's salt air is tough on metal; sand and repaint any rust spots
- Locate all panel hardware — bolts, wing nuts, and tracks for panel systems
- Confirm you can deploy alone — if a shutter requires two people, make a plan now
- Check motorized shutters with the power off — know how to operate them manually if you lose power
When to Deploy Your Shutters
The general rule: deploy when a storm watch is issued for your area, not when a warning is issued. A watch means conditions are possible within 48 hours — that gives you time to work carefully. A warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours — by then you should already be buttoned up.
Trying to deploy panel shutters in high winds or rain is dangerous. Give yourself a full day of calm weather to get everything closed properly.
What If Your Shutters Need Repair or You Don't Have Any?
If your shutters failed the pre-season test — broken tracks, seized motors, missing panels — don't wait. Shutter contractors book up fast once the season starts. RL Spencer installs accordion shutters, roll-down systems, and panel setups for homes across Southwest Florida.
If you don't have shutters at all, now is the time. A properly installed shutter system protects your windows from wind-driven debris, reduces the risk of structural failure, and can lower your homeowner's insurance premium. Call us for a free estimate before the rush starts.