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The Dangers of “Decorative Only” Non-Impact Bahama Shutters
Bahama shutters are the essence of coastal style. They add a relaxed, tropical vibe to any home while providing excellent shade and privacy. However, in a hurricane zone, there is a critically important distinction that every homeowner must understand: the difference between a **non-impact, decorative Bahama shutter** and a true **hurricane-rated Bahama shutter**. Choosing the wrong one doesn’t just leave you unprotected; it can actively put your home in greater danger.
At American Hurricane Shutters, a core part of our mission is to educate homeowners about these crucial safety differences. A decorative shutter might look the part, but in a storm, it can become a dangerous liability. This guide will explain the specific dangers of non-impact shutters and show you why investing in a rated system is the only safe choice for a coastal home.
A False Sense of Security is Sometimes Worse Than No Security
A non-impact shutter gives the illusion of protection. This can lead homeowners to neglect other, more effective measures (like boarding up with plywood), believing their decorative shutters will suffice. This is a catastrophic mistake. A non-impact shutter will fail.
Anatomy of a Failure: Why Decorative Shutters Don’t Work
Let’s break down the specific reasons why a non-impact Bahama shutter is not just ineffective, but actively dangerous in a hurricane.
1. Flimsy Materials and Construction
A decorative shutter is built for aesthetics, not for strength. The materials are chosen for looks and low cost.
- Materials: They are often made from thin-gauge aluminum, hollow vinyl, or lightweight wood. These materials have little to no resistance to impacts from flying debris. A wind-borne 2×4 would punch through them like paper.
- Construction: The louvers are often hollow or weakly attached to a lightweight frame. The entire shutter is not designed to function as a single, rigid unit under stress.
2. Inadequate Hardware
This is the most common point of catastrophic failure. The hardware on a decorative shutter is designed only to support the shutter‘s own weight against gravity.
- Hinges: They use standard, light-duty hinges that will bend or rip out under the immense pulling forces of hurricane winds.
3. The “Kite” Effect
Because it projects from the house, a Bahama shutter is uniquely susceptible to aerodynamic lift. The wind gets underneath the shutter and tries to rip it upwards and away from the wall. A non-impact shutter, with its weak hardware and frame, cannot resist this force. It will detach from the house and become a massive, sharp-edged projectile, posing a threat to your property and your neighbors’. If you have this style, you must make sure to collapse them before a storm.
The Safe Alternative: Engineered, Hurricane-Rated Systems
In stark contrast, our **hurricane-rated Bahama shutters** are designed from the ground up as a life-safety system. Every component is over-engineered for strength.
- Robust Construction: Our **ASSA Bertha HV** and **Town & Country** rated shutters are built from heavy-duty, extruded aluminum with reinforced frames and solid louvers.
- Heavy-Duty Hardware: They feature continuous, heavy-gauge top hinges and beefy, telescoping support arms with secure locking mechanisms that anchor the shutter firmly in its closed position.
- Proven Performance: Most importantly, they have been physically tested in a certified lab to withstand massive impacts and extreme wind loads, earning them a certification that proves they can protect your home.
While we do offer high-quality non-rated decorative shutters (starting at /sq ft) for applications where storm protection is not a concern, we are always transparent about their purpose. For any home in a hurricane-prone area, we strongly and exclusively recommend a rated system, with prices starting at ** per square foot**.
Your Home’s Safety is Not a Cosmetic Decision
Don’t be fooled by a pretty face. When it comes to protecting your family and your biggest investment, choose a shutter that has been proven to perform. The difference in cost between a decorative shutter and a rated one is a small price to pay for the priceless peace of mind that comes from certified safety.
Let our experts show you the robust engineering of a truly protective Bahama shutter. Call American Hurricane Shutters today at (910) 256-1288 or email the owner, Matthew Burns, at [email protected] for a free, educational consultation.
