How to Truly “Hurricane Proof” Your House’s Openings
The term “hurricane proof” is a powerful one, evoking images of an indestructible fortress that can withstand any storm. While no home is truly indestructible, you can absolutely make your home hurricane *resistant* by focusing on its most vulnerable areas. The key to surviving a major storm is to protect what engineers call the “building envelope.”
At American Hurricane Shutters, we are experts in fortifying the weakest points of your home’s envelope: the windows and doors. This guide will explain the science behind why this is so critical and how our systems provide the “hurricane proofing” your home needs to survive even a Category 5 storm.
The Science of Building Failure: Internal Pressurization
Post-hurricane analysis has shown that the most catastrophic structural failures don’t happen because the wind pushes a house over. They happen when the house explodes from the inside out. This process, called internal pressurization, occurs when a window or door is broken by flying debris. Hurricane-force winds rush into the home, creating immense upward pressure on the roof and outward pressure on the walls. This internal force, combined with the suction on the outside of the structure, can lift the roof off and cause the walls to collapse. **Protecting your windows and doors is the single most important step you can take to prevent this from happening.**
The Foundation of a “Hurricane Proof” Home: Protecting the Openings
Your strategy for hurricane proofing should start and end with your openings. Even if you have the strongest walls and a perfectly strapped roof, a single broken window can compromise the entire structure. This is where hurricane shutters come in. They are the armor for your home’s weak points.
Creating a Sacrificial Shield
A hurricane shutter’s job is to take the hit so your window doesn’t have to. Every rated shutter system we sell, from our most affordable **panels** to our premium **rolldown shutters**, has been lab-tested to withstand impacts from a 9-pound 2×4 stud traveling at 34 mph. They are designed to be a sacrificial shield that preserves the integrity of your glass.
Choosing the Right Armor for Your Home
We offer a range of solutions to fit every home and budget, all designed to provide the certified protection you need.
Level 1 Protection: Rated Storm Panels
This is the most affordable way to “hurricane proof” your openings. Our Bertha HV panels, in either aluminum (approx. $18/sq ft) or clear polycarbonate (approx. $22/sq ft), provide an incredibly strong, lab-tested barrier. The trade-off for the lower cost is the manual labor required to install them before a storm.
Level 2 Protection: Convenient, Permanent Systems
For those who want protection that is always ready, our permanently installed systems are the answer.
- Accordion Shutters: At around $34 per square foot, these offer a fantastic balance of cost and convenience. They can be deployed in minutes, providing a solid aluminum wall of protection.
- Hurricane Screens: A modern, lightweight option (approx. $44/sq ft) that is perfect for large openings like porches and lanais. The ballistic fabric stops impacts while allowing light in.
- Decorative Shutters: Our rated Bahama and Colonial shutters (starting at $56/sq ft) prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style for safety.
Level 3 Protection: Automated, Effortless Security
For the ultimate in “hurricane proofing,” our motorized rolldown shutters offer unmatched performance. At the push of a button, your entire home can be armored in solid aluminum, providing the highest level of protection against both storms and intruders.
Beyond the Shutters: A Holistic Approach
While protecting your openings is the most critical step, a truly resilient home also has:
- A well-maintained roof, with shingles or metal panels securely fastened.
- A garage door that is either hurricane-rated or reinforced with a shutter system.
- Trimmed trees and secured outdoor furniture to reduce the amount of potential flying debris.
Start Fortifying Your Home Today
True hurricane resistance is not a single product, but a thoughtful process that starts with protecting your weakest points. Let our team of experts guide you through this process and help you select the perfect armor for your home’s windows and doors.
As a family-owned, fully insured business with a deep commitment to the safety of our Carolina communities, we are your trusted partner in storm protection. 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.
