Hurricane Preparation
Hurricane Shutters: What to Expect Before and After a Storm
Shutters go up before a storm and come down afterwards, and the panels leave marks on whatever they were bolted to. This page covers what to expect from that cycle. The part we handle is what the shutters leave behind — the staining and salt film on the wall, the track runs, and the pavers underneath — which is pressure washing and paver sealing work.
What Storm Prep Involves
- Metal panel, accordion, and impact shutters are the common types used to cover openings
- Shutters typically go over windows, doors, sliders, garages, and lanais — wherever there's an opening to protect
- Second-story openings need shutters too, not just ground floor
- Installation usually happens shortly before a storm and comes down again once it has passed
What Does Hurricane Shutter Installation Cost?
Pricing depends on:
- Post-storm exterior cleaning is quoted as pressure washing
- Shifted or stained pavers are quoted as paver sealing or paver repair
We no longer take on hurricane preparation work itself. The post-storm cleaning and paver resetting we do handle is quoted as pressure washing or paver sealing.
How It Plays Out
Shutter evaluation
A property gets evaluated for shutter type, size, and number of openings before anything goes up.
Per-opening installation
Shutters go up over every window, door, slider, garage, or lanai opening that needs covering.
Fastener and hardware check
Bolts and fasteners get checked and tightened so panels hold under wind load.
Weather-ready inspection
Once up, shutters get checked for alignment to confirm the property is storm-ready.
Coming back down
After the storm passes, shutters come back down — which is usually when they leave the staining and salt film behind that we clean up as pressure washing.
What Sarasota & Bradenton Say
5-star Google review
“I recently hired South West Sharks for power washing, and they went above and beyond my expectations! Not only did they make my driveway, patio, and siding look brand new, but they also did an incredible job cleaning my windows. Everything is sparkling clean! The team was professional, punctual, and very attentive to detail. They took the time to make sure every surface was spotless. Friendly and efficient service made the whole experience a breeze. If you’re looking for a reliable power washing company that does it all, I highly recommend South West Sharks!”
5-star Google review
“I was so impressed Southwest sharks did it all!!!! They pressure washed cleaned my roof and my windows then talked me into getting my pavers sealed best money I ever spent fast and professional work thank you guys!”
5-star Google review
“The Southwest Sharks were absolutely amazing at taking down our shutters. It took them less than 20 minutes. Super nice!! Very Professional! Would 100% recommend them for any of your outdoor house cleanup needs.”
5-star Google review
“Highly recommend ZACH AND HIS team, They do it all from Pressure washing to Rescreening, Our driveway is impossible to clean due to all the oak trees in our yard, Now it looks like Brand new concrete was just poured with their Pressure washing system Customer Service Top Notch”
5-star Google review
“I think everybody should go and see Zack for his peculiar attention to detail even when it may come out of his own pocket. By all means, actually they give him a call.I promise you you won't be disappointed!”
5-star Google review
“Great Job on our house! These dudes get an A+ 5 stars on professionalism and attention to detail! Thanks guys!!”
5-star Google review
“These guys are the best in the business!”
5-star Google review
“Thank you Zach for all you help cleaning up the store and making it safe during our restoration. Your team was helpful and friendly. I would recommend your team to any one needing your services. The team quickly cleaned up our store and got us on our way to getting the doors back open. Thanks again!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you install hurricane shutters?
No — we no longer take on that work. What we handle is what the shutters leave behind: the staining and salt film on the wall, the track marks, and the pavers underneath.
What types of hurricane shutters are there?
The common types are metal panel, accordion, and impact shutters, covering everything from windows and doors to garages and lanais.
What happens to shutters once a storm passes?
They come back down — and that's usually when the staining and salt film they left behind becomes visible on the wall and the pavers underneath.
Can you clean up the marks shutters leave behind?
Yes — that's pressure washing and paver sealing work, which we do quote. See those pages for what's involved.
What we can help with after a storm
Storm cleanup on your home's exterior, driveway and lanai ispressure washing work, and pavers that have shifted or stained are paver sealing.