More Than Storms: Using Your Hurricane Shutters for Home Security
When you invest in hurricane shutters, your primary goal is clear: to protect your home from the destructive forces of a major storm. But what about the other 360 days of the year? Many homeowners are surprised and delighted to learn that certain types of hurricane shutters provide a powerful, secondary benefit as a robust home security system. This dual-purpose functionality adds tremendous year-round value to your investment.
At American Hurricane Shutters, we help our clients choose systems that not only provide life-saving storm protection but also enhance their daily peace of mind. This guide will explore how permanently installed hurricane shutters can serve as a formidable barrier against intruders, turning your home into a secure sanctuary.
Why Windows and Glass Doors Are a Security Risk
According to security experts, windows and sliding glass doors are the most common entry points for burglars. Glass is easily broken, and standard locks on windows and patio doors can often be bypassed with minimal effort. This makes these large openings a prime target. A high-quality hurricane shutter system effectively armors these vulnerable points, transforming a weakness into a strength.
The Best Hurricane Shutters for Home Security
While any rated shutter provides some level of deterrence, two types stand out for their exceptional security features. These systems are permanently installed and can be deployed any time you need an extra layer of protection.
1. Roll-Down Shutters: The Ultimate Security Fortress
Our **ASSA/Bertha HV and Alutech United Roll-Down Shutters** are, without question, the best option for security. When deployed, the curtain of interlocking, heavy-duty aluminum slats creates a solid, impenetrable wall. There are no visible hinges or accessible locking points from the outside.
- Formidable Physical Barrier: The strength required to breach a fully engaged rolldown shutter is immense. It cannot be pried open quietly and would require extreme force and loud power tools, attracting immediate attention.
- Visual Deterrent: The mere presence of rolldown shutters signals that a home is well-protected. Potential intruders are far more likely to move on to an easier, unprotected target.
- “Lock and Leave” Peace of Mind: This is the number one choice for vacation homes or for homeowners who travel frequently. When you leave for an extended period, you can deploy your shutters, creating a secure shell around your property. This is especially easy with motorized systems that can be controlled remotely.
The investment for this premium system starts at **$48/sq ft for manual** and an additional **$700 per opening for motorization**, a price that reflects both its top-tier storm protection and its capabilities as a high-security barrier.
2. Accordion Shutters: A Strong and Practical Deterrent
Our **Bertha HV Accordion Shutters** also provide an excellent level of security at a more accessible price point.
- Robust Locking System: When the two halves are brought together, they are secured from the inside with multiple, heavy-duty thumbturn locks. Some systems also feature key locks for an added layer of security. This makes it extremely difficult to force the shutter open from the outside.
- Full Coverage: Like rolldowns, accordions cover the entire window or door opening, leaving no weak points for a potential intruder to exploit.
- Quick Deployment: If you’re leaving for the weekend or hear a suspicious noise at night, you can quickly slide your accordion shutters closed and lock them, adding an instant layer of security and peace of mind.
At approximately **$34 per square foot**, accordion shutters offer a fantastic combination of storm safety, security, and value.
Enhancing Your Security Beyond Storm Season
Think about the different ways this dual functionality can benefit you:
- Vacations: Secure your entire home when you travel, knowing your windows are protected.
- Extended Power Outages: During a post-storm power outage when alarm systems may be down, your shutters provide a critical physical barrier.
- Securing a Guesthouse or ADU: Protect a secondary building on your property when it’s not in use.
- Commercial Security: For businesses, these shutters are an ideal way to prevent “smash-and-grab” burglaries. See our **commercial solutions**.
Invest in Protection That Works 365 Days a Year
Your hurricane shutters are a powerful tool in your home safety arsenal, ready to protect you from more than just the weather. When you choose a permanently installed system, you are investing in year-round security and peace of mind.
Let our experts help you design a system that keeps your family safe from storms and secure every day of the year. 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 consultation.
