Do you live in an area that's typically prone to storms or hurricanes? If you are looking for security storm shutters, there are several types available. The accordion is not in the wooden shutters category but is a very durable shutter that moves horizontally between the lower track and the upper. Interlocking blades that are made of aluminum make up a wall of protection in the shutter. If you have a larger area for it to cover, it can have a center opening with half of the shutter moving to the right and the other to the left. Although this shutter doesn't fall into one of your most decorative window coverings category, it provides good protection against theft, flying debris, and hurricanes as well as forced entry. It will also give you more privacy and reduce noise.

One type of protective covering that does a good job in protecting from the glare of the sun and heat is the aluminum awning. Affordably priced and very functional, they fit doors, patios, porches and windows well. There are two types available, the standard awning and the winged awning, and both easily close down to convert to storm shutters.

Window coverings such as bahama shutters are more decorative and will provide excellent privacy, weather protection, security and sun control. They also work well in helping to reduce solar-heat buildup over porches, carports, and windows. It protects enclosed terraces, balconies and patios as well. Another excellent shutter is the colonial hinged shutter. It can withstand hurricane force winds, and when it is installed beside the window, it will swing closed and can be locked to deter vandalism and unauthorized entry. The roll shutter comes from the wooden shutters family and is energy efficient. It rolls up and down over the opening and offers great protection from hurricanes or burglar attempts. It is also great for noise reduction and makes a wonderful exterior window treatment. Whether you purchase wood shutters, aluminum or some other type of product, they can offer you a good hedge of protection from storms, theft and flying debris.