Costs, Pricing & Value

1. How much do hurricane shutters cost per square foot?

Price is often the determining factor for homeowners. Costs vary based on the deployment mechanism and material strength. Below is the 2025 pricing guide for our most popular rated products:

For a precise estimate, try our Online Cost Calculator.

2. Are hurricane shutters worth the investment?

Absolutely. Beyond immediate storm protection, permanent shutters increase your home’s resale value and can lower insurance premiums. Compared to the cost of replacing broken windows, water damage restoration, and potential looting after a storm, the ROI on shutters like our Bertha HV Accordions is substantial. Unlike plywood, they are a one-time purchase that lasts for decades.

3. Will installing shutters lower my homeowners insurance premium?

In most coastal regions of NC and SC, insurance providers offer “wind mitigation discounts” if you protect all glazed openings (windows, doors, skylights) with rated products. We recommend contacting your insurance agent to confirm their specific requirements for windstorm mitigation credits.

4. Which is cheaper: plywood or hurricane shutters?

Initially, plywood is cheaper material-wise. However, plywood is heavy, difficult to store, prone to warping/rot, and requires new hardware periodically. Over 3-5 years, the labor and replacement costs of plywood often exceed the cost of durable Aluminum Storm Panels, which start at just $18/sq ft.

5. Do you offer financing or free estimates?

Yes, we provide free, no-obligation estimates for all properties in our service area, from Morehead City to Pawleys Island. While we do not act as a bank, we can guide you toward payment options. Transparency is key—the price we quote is the price you pay.

Product Types & Comparisons

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

Bahama shutters hinge at the top and prop open, providing shade and tropical aesthetics. Colonial shutters hinge on the sides and close inward like traditional window coverings. Both our Town & Country rated models offer excellent protection, but Bahamas offer the added benefit of daily energy efficiency by shading the window.

7. Are polycarbonate (clear) shutters as strong as aluminum?

Yes. Our ClearTek Rated Polycarbonate ($28/sq ft) and clear panels ($22/sq ft) are engineered to withstand high-velocity impact similar to aluminum. The main advantage of polycarbonate is that it lets light in during a storm, preventing the “cave-like” feeling of total darkness during a power outage.

8. What are hurricane screens, and do they really work?

Hurricane screens, such as our Alutech StormTex systems, are made from high-strength OmegaTex fabric. They are incredibly strong, effectively bouncing debris off the window. They are an excellent solution for large openings like lanais or balconies where rigid metal shutters might be visually intrusive.

9. Electric vs. Manual Rolldown Shutters: Which should I choose?

Both offer superior protection. Manual rolldowns are reliable and cost-effective ($48/sq ft). Electric versions add convenience (+$700/opening), allowing you to deploy shutters with the push of a button—ideal for second homes or high windows. Our electric motors also come with a manual override crank for power outages.

10. Can I just use window film instead of shutters?

Window film holds shattered glass together, but it does not prevent the window from breaking or popping out of the frame due to pressure changes. For true structural protection against 140+ mph winds, you need a rated shutter system that anchors to the home’s structure.

Installation & Permits

11. Can I install hurricane shutters myself (DIY)?

While panel systems can be a DIY project for handy homeowners, we strongly recommend professional installation for permanent systems like Accordions or Rolldowns. Improper anchoring can lead to failure during a storm. If you choose DIY, ensure you are using the correct substrates and fasteners for your specific siding (brick, stucco, or vinyl).

12. Do I need a permit to install hurricane shutters?

Sometimes. In many all coastal jurisdictions, a permit is required to ensure the shutters meet wind zone codes. As a licensed contractor, American Hurricane Shutters handles the permitting process for our clients.

13. How are shutters attached to vinyl siding?

We do not attach shutters to the vinyl itself, as it cannot hold a load. We mount directly to the structural header and framing behind the vinyl, or use build-out tubes to clear the siding. This ensures the shutter is anchored to the skeleton of the house.

14. How long does installation take?

Once your custom shutters are manufactured (lead times vary by season), the actual on-site installation is efficient. An average single-family home can typically be completed in 1-2 days by our experienced crews.

15. What is your method of shutter installation?

Serious installation requires precision. We measure every opening to the 1/16th of an inch to ensure a custom fit and use Stainless Steel fasteners. “Close enough” doesn’t work when a Category 4 storm hits.

Maintenance & Storm Prep

16. How do I maintain and lubricate my hurricane shutters?

Salt air is corrosive. We recommend washing your shutters with mild soap and water every 3-6 months. For moving parts (tracks and locks on Accordions/Rolldowns), apply a clear silicone spray spray twice a year. Never use WD-40 or grease, as these attract sand and grit which can jam the mechanism.

17. When should I put up my shutters before a storm?

We recommend deploying shutters when a Hurricane Watch (48 hours out) is issued. Do not wait for the Warning. Winds may already be too high to safely use ladders or handle large panels. Early deployment ensures you aren’t rushing.

18. How do I clean my hurricane shutters?

Use a soft-bristle brush, warm water, and a mild detergent (like dish soap). Rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that could damage the powder-coated finish of your Bertha or Alutech products.

19. My shutters are stuck. What should I do?

Force is rarely the answer. If an accordion or rolldown is stuck, check the tracks for debris (dirt/insect nests). Clean the track and apply silicone spray. If they remain stuck, contact us for a service call—forcing them may break the slat locks.

20. Can I leave my shutters up all year round?

Permanent shutters (Bahamas, Colonials, Rolldowns) are designed to stay on the house year-round. Removable panels should be taken down after hurricane season ends (typically November 30th) to let light in and allow egress.

Service Area & Company Info

21. What areas do you service?

We serve the entire coastal corridor of SE North Carolina and NE South Carolina. This includes Wilmington, Jacksonville, New Bern, Morehead City, Southport, Oak Island, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Little River, and Pawleys Island.

22. Are your shutters approved for HOAs?

Most HOAs allow hurricane shutters, but they may dictate the style (e.g., requiring Bahamas over Accordions for street-facing windows). We offer a wide range of colors and styles to meet strict architectural guidelines.

23. Do hurricane shutters provide security against theft?

Yes. Rated Rolldown shutters and Accordion shutters provide an excellent security barrier against break-ins. They are often used to secure sliding glass doors and storefronts when the property is vacant.

24. How long do hurricane shutters last?

High-quality aluminum shutters, like the Bertha HV line we install, are powder-coated to resist corrosion. With proper maintenance (cleaning and lubrication), they can last 20-30 years or more.

25. Do shutters reduce outside noise?

Yes, particularly Rolldown shutters and Accordions. When closed, they create a dead air space between the shutter and the window, significantly dampening traffic noise and increasing energy efficiency.

26. What is the difference between “rated” and “non-rated” shutters?

“Rated” shutters have passed strict testing (like ASTM, TAS, or Miami-Dade protocols) for impact resistance and wind load. Non-rated shutters (often decorative Bahamas) are for aesthetics only and will not protect your home from storm debris. We supply both, but clearly distinguish between them.

27. Can you repair shutters installed by another company?

In many cases, yes. If you have existing shutters that need service or lock replacement, give us a call. However, if the parts are obsolete, we may recommend a retrofit.

28. What if I have a uniquely shaped window (arch or trapezoid)?

We have solutions for odd shapes. Polycarbonate panels can be cut to fit arches, and Accordion shutters can be mounted to cover large or irregular openings. We customize every job.

29. Why choose American Hurricane Shutters over a big box store?

Big box stores sell standard sizes and hire third-party subcontractors. We are a family-owned, disabled-owned local business. We manufacture and customize specific to your home, handle the permitting, and our in-house team handles the installation. We are experts in this specific niche.

30. How do I get started?

The first step is a free consultation. Call us at (910) 256-1288 or email matt.burns@ahscarolinas.com. We will measure your windows, discuss your budget, and recommend the best protection for your home.