Looking for Clamshell Awnings? Consider This Rated Alternative

For many, the classic look of a coastal home is defined by its awnings. Vintage aluminum “clamshell” awnings, with their distinctive rounded shape and striped patterns, evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. They are excellent at providing shade and can add a unique retro charm to a home. However, it’s critically important for homeowners in the coastal Carolinas to understand a vital fact: **a traditional clamshell awning is not a hurricane shutter**.

While they may be made of aluminum, these awnings are not engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds or impacts. In fact, they can be incredibly dangerous, catching the wind like a sail and being ripped from the house. At American Hurricane Shutters, we offer a modern, beautiful, and vastly superior alternative that provides the same shade benefits with the added peace of mind of certified storm protection: the **hurricane-rated Bahama shutter**.

The Dangers of Relying on Old Awnings for Storm Protection

Many older homes still have vintage clamshell or other metal awnings installed. It’s tempting to think that because they are made of metal, they offer some level of protection. This is a dangerous misconception.

• They are not impact-rated: They have not been tested to stop flying debris and can be easily punctured.
• They catch the wind: Their shape is aerodynamic in the wrong way, creating immense “lift” forces that can tear the awning and a chunk of your wall away from the house.
• Weak hardware: The arms and brackets are designed to hold the awning’s own weight, not to resist the pulling forces of a 120-mph wind.

The Superior Alternative: Modern, Rated Bahama Shutters

Our **hurricane-rated Bahama shutters** deliver all the benefits of an awning with none of the danger. They are a permanent, top-hinged window covering that provides shade and privacy year-round, but they are also a fully engineered, lab-tested piece of life-safety equipment.

Style Meets Strength

Here’s how our Bahama shutters outperform old-style awnings in every category:

• Superior Aesthetics: With their clean lines and louvered design, Bahama shutters offer a more refined, upscale architectural look. We offer a vast array of **powder-coat colors** to perfectly match your home’s style.
• Engineered for Wind and Impact: Unlike an awning, our rated Bahama shutters are designed to be lowered and secured tightly against the window. Their robust construction and heavy-duty hardware are lab-tested to withstand hurricane-force winds and impacts.
• Adjustable Comfort: While a clamshell awning is fixed in place, our premium **Town & Country Articulating Blade Bahama Shutters** allow you to adjust the louvers, giving you complete control over your light, view, and airflow.

A Smart Investment in Your Home’s Value and Safety

Upgrading from old, dangerous awnings to modern, rated Bahama shutters is a wise investment. Let’s look at the costs:

• Fixed Blade Rated Bahama Shutters: Offering maximum strength and a classic look, these cost approximately $56 per square foot.
• Articulating Blade Rated Bahama Shutters: For ultimate control over light and privacy, these premium systems are around $64 per square foot.

While the upfront cost is higher than a simple awning, you are getting a dual-purpose system that adds significant value, beauty, and, most importantly, certified safety to your home. Many insurance companies may also offer discounts for installing rated storm protection, helping to offset the cost over time.

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