DIY Hurricane Shutter Installation: 5 Reasons to Hire a Professional
In the age of online tutorials and home improvement shows, the do-it-yourself spirit is stronger than ever. For many projects, this can be a great way to save money and gain a sense of accomplishment. However, there are certain jobs where the stakes are simply too high for a DIY approach, and installing hurricane shutters is at the very top of that list.
An improperly installed hurricane shutter can create a catastrophic false sense of security, failing at the exact moment you need it most. At American Hurricane Shutters, our top priority is the safety of our community. This guide outlines the five critical risks of a DIY installation and explains why hiring a licensed, insured professional is the only responsible choice for protecting your home and family.
Risk #1: Improper Anchoring – The Most Common Point of Failure
A hurricane shutter is not just a piece of metal; it’s an engineered system. And that system is only as strong as its connection to your house. This is, without a doubt, the most critical and most commonly failed aspect of a DIY installation.
The Professional Difference:
Our factory-trained technicians understand the structural engineering required. We know that:
- A concrete block wall requires a different type of anchor (like a concrete sleeve anchor) than a wood frame house with siding (which requires lag bolts into studs).
- The depth of the anchor (embedment) is precisely specified by the engineers to achieve maximum holding power.
- The spacing of the anchors along the track is calculated to evenly distribute the immense wind load across the entire shutter.
A DIY installer using the wrong fasteners or missing the structural studs can result in the entire shutter system being ripped off the wall by hurricane-force winds, causing catastrophic damage.
Risk #2: Code Violations and Lack of Permitting
In virtually all coastal counties in North and South Carolina, the installation of hurricane shutters is considered a structural modification and requires a building permit. The permitting process involves submitting product specifications and installation plans to the local building department for approval, followed by an inspection after the job is complete.
The Professional Difference:
We handle the entire permitting process for you. We know exactly what the inspectors are looking for, and we guarantee that our work will be fully code-compliant. A non-permitted DIY installation can lead to fines, difficulties when you try to sell your home, and, most importantly, could cause your insurance company to deny a claim for damages.
Risk #3: Voiding Your Manufacturer’s Warranty
We proudly install premium products from industry leaders like **ASSA/Bertha HV** and **Alutech United**. These companies invest millions in research, development, and testing. To protect their reputation and ensure their products perform as designed, their warranties are almost always contingent upon installation by a licensed, certified, and insured professional.
The Professional Difference:
When you hire American Hurricane Shutters, your investment is fully protected. Our professional installation ensures your manufacturer’s warranty is valid. If a part fails, you are covered. A DIY installation instantly voids that warranty, leaving you with no recourse if a motor fails or a part breaks.
Risk #4: Personal Safety and Property Damage
Installing hurricane shutters is a physically demanding and potentially dangerous job. It involves:
- Working on tall ladders while handling heavy, awkward materials.
- Using powerful drills to penetrate brick, concrete, and stucco.
- Risking costly mistakes like drilling into hidden electrical wiring or plumbing.
The Professional Difference:
Our crews are equipped with the proper safety gear, tools, and experience to do the job safely and efficiently. We are also fully covered by Workers’ Compensation and General Liability insurance. If an accident were to happen on your property, you are completely protected. With a DIY project, you assume all of that risk yourself.
Risk #5: The Hidden Costs of DIY
The primary motivation for a DIY project is to save money, but the hidden costs can quickly add up. You may need to rent or buy specialized tools like hammer drills and masonry bits. A single mistake—like a mis-drilled hole or a cracked window—can cost hundreds of dollars to fix, quickly erasing any potential savings.
Your Home’s Safety is Not a DIY Project
Your home is your most valuable asset, and your family’s safety is priceless. Don’t leave their protection to chance. Trust the licensed, insured, and experienced professionals who have been serving your neighbors since 2007.
Call American Hurricane Shutters today at (910) 256-1288 or email the owner, Matthew Burns, at matt.burns@ahscarolinas.com for a free, no-obligation quote and the peace of mind that comes from a job done right.
