1. What are Colonial shutters?

Colonial shutters are two-piece window coverings hinged on the sides that swing inward to close. They offer a traditional, “Southern estate” aesthetic, often appearing as decorative features on either side of a window. Unlike purely decorative shutters, our hurricane-rated versions are functional engineering marvels that lock together to protect your glass from high-velocity winds and flying debris.

They are the preferred choice for homeowners who want to maintain the architectural integrity of a historical or traditional home while gaining serious storm protection. When open, they frame the window beautifully; when closed, they create a solid aluminum shield.

2. Are Colonial shutters effective for hurricanes?

Yes, rated Colonial shutters are highly effective and engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds and impacts. Our **Bertha HV** and **Town & Country** systems are tested to meet High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) standards. They are constructed from heavy-duty aluminum and use storm bars or locking clips to ensure they stay closed during a Category 5 storm.

It is crucial to distinguish these from the vinyl “fake” shutters often found at big-box stores, which offer zero protection. Only impact-rated aluminum systems, properly installed by professionals like American Hurricane Shutters, are verified to stop wind-borne debris.

3. How much do Colonial shutters cost per square foot?

Rated Colonial shutters (Louvered or Board and Batten) typically cost $56 per square foot. If you are looking for non-rated, purely decorative options, the price is generally around $50 per square foot. This investment adds permanent value to your home compared to temporary panels.

Prices can vary based on custom arches or specific installation challenges. To get a precise estimate for your windows, try our Hurricane Shutter Cost Calculator. While they are a higher initial investment than Accordion shutters ($34/sq ft), they offer superior curb appeal.

4. What is the difference between Bahama and Colonial shutters?

The main difference is the hinge location: Bahama shutters hinge at the top and swing out, while Colonial shutters hinge at the sides and swing in. Bahama shutters provide daily shade and a tropical look, whereas Colonial shutters offer a clearer view when open and a classic, formal appearance.

Both styles offered by American Hurricane Shutters are available in hurricane-rated models. Many customers mix them—using Bahama Shutters on sunny south-facing windows and Colonial shutters on the front façade for a traditional look.

5. How do you close and lock Colonial shutters?

To close them, simply unlatch the “dogs” (hold-backs) keeping them against the wall, swing the panels inward until they meet in the center, and secure them with a storm bar or locking pin. This process takes only a minute or two per window.

The locking mechanism is critical. Rated shutters use a horizontal storm bar that spans the width of the shutter or robust locking clips that anchor the panels together, ensuring they don’t blow open even in 150+ mph winds.

6. Aluminum vs. Wood Colonial Shutters: Which is better?

Aluminum is the superior choice for coastal Carolina homes due to its strength and resistance to rot, warping, and termites. While wood offers a traditional look, it requires constant painting and maintenance in our humid, salty environment. Our aluminum shutters are powder-coated to mimic the texture of wood without the upkeep.

Furthermore, achieving a true hurricane rating with wood is difficult and heavy. Our 6063-T6 aluminum alloys provide the highest strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring easy operation and certified protection.

7. How to measure for Colonial shutters?

Measure the width and height of the window opening, then add overlap (typically 1-2 inches per side) to ensure the shutter mounts to the structural frame, not just the window trim. The two panels combined must be wide enough to cover the entire opening when closed.

Measurements must be precise to the millimeter for rated systems. If the shutter is too narrow, the storm bar won’t engage properly. We recommend having our professional team measure to guarantee fit and code compliance.

8. What styles of Colonial shutters are available?

The two most popular styles are “Louvered” (slatted) and “Board and Batten” (solid planks). Louvered styles mimic traditional blinds and allow some airflow, while Board and Batten offers a rustic, farmhouse, or cottage aesthetic. Both styles are available in our rated aluminum systems at the same price point ($56/sq ft).

We can also fabricate custom arched tops to match curved windows, ensuring that even unique architectural features are protected.

9. How do I maintain my aluminum Colonial shutters?

Wash your shutters with mild soap and water every 3-6 months to remove salt spray, and lubricate the hinges with a clear silicone spray. Regular cleaning prevents the powder coat from pitting, especially for homes in Wrightsville Beach or Topsail Island.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners or oil-based lubricants like WD-40, which attract sand. For a detailed guide, visit our Maintenance Page.

10. Can Colonial shutters be installed on brick or siding?

Yes, Colonial shutters can be installed on brick, stucco, vinyl siding, or Hardie plank, provided the correct anchors are used. For vinyl siding, we often use spacers to prevent crushing the siding when the bolts are tightened into the structural studs beneath.

Installation on brick requires specialized masonry anchors. Our team at American Hurricane Shutters has been installing on all coastal building materials since 2007, ensuring a secure connection that won’t fail during a storm.

11. Do Colonial shutters provide security against burglars?

Yes, when locked, Colonial shutters provide a strong physical barrier that deters intruders and prevents “smash and grab” break-ins. The aluminum construction is difficult to breach without power tools, and the locking bars are designed to be secure from the outside.

Many homeowners leave them partially closed or fully closed when going on vacation to secure the home, giving them peace of mind while away.

12. What colors do Colonial shutters come in?

We offer over 200 powder-coated colors, including classic black, Charleston green, white, and custom blends to match your home’s trim. The powder coating process ensures the color is baked into the metal, resisting fading and chipping for years.

Check out our color chart to see the options. We can usually match any aesthetic requirement your HOA might have.

13. Can I install Colonial shutters myself (DIY)?

While possible for a skilled contractor, we generally do not recommend DIY installation for hurricane-rated systems due to the strict fastening patterns required by building codes. One missing screw or a weak anchor can cause the shutter to fail in high winds.

However, if you are looking for purely decorative shutters or have construction experience, we can supply the materials. For rated protection, professional installation ensures your warranty and insurance credits remain valid.

14. Do Colonial shutters rust?

Our aluminum Colonial shutters are naturally rust-resistant, and we use 18-8 stainless steel fasteners to prevent corrosion. Unlike steel shutters which can rust quickly in salt air, aluminum oxidizes very slowly and the powder coat protects it further.

This makes them the ideal long-term investment for coastal properties in North and South Carolina, where salt spray is a daily reality.

15. What is the warranty on Colonial shutters?

American Hurricane Shutters offers a comprehensive 7-year warranty on our installations and products. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. The high-quality powder coat finish is designed to last for decades with proper care.

We stand by our work because we live here. Our reputation in the Cape Fear region is built on installing products that last.

16. How much privacy do Colonial shutters offer?

When closed, Colonial shutters offer complete privacy; when open, they offer none (unless you have operable louvers). Most rated Colonial shutters have fixed louvers or solid backings for impact strength, meaning you cannot tilt the slats like a blind.

However, you can partially close the shutters to restrict the view from the street while still allowing breeze to enter through the gap between the panels.

17. Do Colonial shutters block light?

When fully closed, they block nearly 100% of the light, acting as blackout shades. This is excellent for sleeping during a storm or power outage but means the room will be dark. When open, they allow full natural light into the window.

If you need light transparency during a storm, you might consider our ClearTek Polycarbonate panels or specialized articulating blade Bahamas.

18. Can Colonial shutters be used on doors?

Yes, Colonial shutters are an excellent solution for French doors or single entry doors, as they swing open horizontally just like the door itself. They can be mounted to swing clear of the doorway, preserving your walkway.

For wider sliding glass doors, however, Accordion Shutters or Rolldown Shutters are often a more practical solution due to the weight and width of the panels required.

19. What is the lead time for ordering?

Typical lead time is 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the season and customization requirements. Custom arches or custom color blends may take slightly longer. We manufacture and assemble locally to keep timelines as short as possible.

We advise ordering in the winter or spring to avoid the pre-hurricane season rush that occurs in August and September.

20. Are Colonial shutters energy efficient?

They provide energy efficiency primarily when closed, by creating an insulating air pocket and blocking direct solar heat gain. Unlike Bahama shutters which provide shade while open, Colonial shutters must be closed to provide significant thermal benefits.

Closing them during the hottest part of the day or during a winter cold snap can help reduce your utility bills.

21. What is the “Bertha” system?

The “Bertha” system is a recognized industry standard for high-velocity hurricane protection components, known for its heavy-gauge aluminum and robust engineering. When we install Bertha HV Colonial shutters, you are getting a product that has been rigorously tested for Florida Building Code compliance.

22. Do Colonial shutters rattle in the wind?

Properly installed Colonial shutters are secured with “shutter dogs” (hold-backs) to keep them from banging against the wall in a breeze. When locked for a storm, the storm bars hold them rigid. If they rattle, it usually means a fastener needs tightening or a bumper needs replacement.

23. Can you install Colonial shutters on arched windows?

Yes, we can custom fabricate Colonial shutters with arched tops to perfectly match the radius of your windows. This ensures you don’t lose the beautiful architectural detail of your home while still gaining full storm protection.

24. How do rated Colonial shutters compare to decorative ones?

Rated shutters ($56/sq ft) have reinforced frames, thicker metal, and locking systems; decorative shutters ($50/sq ft) are often thinner and lack the hardware to withstand impact. The price difference is minimal ($6/sq ft), so we almost always recommend the rated version to gain the protection and insurance benefits.

25. Will installing Colonial shutters lower my homeowners insurance?

In many cases, yes. Installing rated, code-compliant wind mitigation features like Colonial shutters can qualify you for discounts on your wind/hail premium. You will typically need a wind mitigation inspection after installation to provide proof to your insurer.

26. Are Colonial shutters permanent?

Yes, they are permanently mounted to the exterior of your home. This means you never have to clear out garage space to store panels or worry about carrying heavy plywood. They are always there, ready to deploy in minutes.

27. Can I motorize Colonial shutters?

Generally, Colonial shutters are manually operated. While motorized hinges exist in the luxury market, they are rare, expensive, and prone to maintenance issues in salt air. We recommend manual operation for reliability and cost-effectiveness.

28. Where can I buy Colonial shutters near me?

American Hurricane Shutters serves the entire coastal corridor from Jacksonville, NC to Pawleys Island, SC. Our showroom is located in Wilmington at 1200 Castle Hayne Road. We come to you for a free consultation and measurement.

29. What happens if a shutter gets damaged?

Because they are built from component parts, we can often repair individual slats or hinges rather than replacing the entire unit. Our service team offers repairs and maintenance for all the systems we install.

30. Why choose American Hurricane Shutters for Colonial shutters?

We are family-owned, disabled-owned, and have been protecting Carolina homes since 2007. We don’t use subcontractors for installation, ensuring our strict quality standards are met. With thousands of installs and a $2,000,000 insurance policy, you can trust us to protect your biggest asset. See our work here.