Matthew Burns

Matthew Burns is a storm protection expert and the President of American Hurricane Shutters. Continuing his family's legacy, he combines 6+ years of hands-on experience with an analytical background from Duke University (B.S., Economics). He specializes in breaking down complex building codes and the long-term financial benefits of hurricane protection, helping Carolina homeowners make safe, informed, and cost-effective decisions.

Modern home with roll down shutters in a coastal setting, showcasing hurricane protection features

Understanding Building Codes for Roll Down Shutters

Understanding Building Codes for Roll Down Shutters — A Practical Guide to Compliance and Coastal Protection Roll down shutters are purpose-built exterior systems that protect windows and doors from wind pressure, flying debris, and water intrusion during severe storms. This guide walks homeowners and contractors through how building codes influence shutter selection, testing, and installation

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Accordion shutters on a coastal home providing storm protection

How Accordion Shutters Can Impact Your Home Insurance Premiums and Coverage Choices Explained

How Accordion Shutters Can Affect Your Home Insurance Costs and Coverage Choices in the Carolinas Accordion shutters are permanently mounted protection for windows and doors that help keep wind and flying debris out during hurricanes—cutting a home’s exposure to storm damage. This piece walks through how accordion shutters work, why insurers recognize them, and how

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Hurricane shutters installed on various window frames in a coastal home setting

Top Questions About Ensuring Compatibility With Your Existing Window Frames Answered

Top Questions About Ensuring Your Existing Window Frames Work with Hurricane Shutters Many homeowners worry whether hurricane shutters will properly fit older, historic, vinyl, or aluminum window frames. This guide breaks down what “compatibility” really means for storm protection—how the frame material and condition, plus the chosen mounting method, determine which shutter systems will perform

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Coastal Carolina home with accordion shutters and storm panels for hurricane protection

Accordion Shutters vs Panels: Which Is Better?

Accordion Shutters vs. Storm Panels — Which Protects Carolina Homes Best? The right hurricane window protection can be the difference between a quick repair and catastrophic loss for coastal Carolina homes. This guide explains accordion shutters and storm panels—how each system works, how well they resist wind and debris, and which features matter most for

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Coastal home with accordion shutters demonstrating energy efficiency and storm protection

Unlock Energy Savings With Accordion Shutters

Save Energy with Accordion Shutters: A Coastal Homeowner’s Practical Guide Accordion shutters are a permanently mounted, operable storm system that folds beside windows when not in use and locks into place to form a continuous protective barrier. For coastal homes, they deliver reliable hurricane protection and measurable energy benefits. This guide lays out how accordion

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Accordion and roll-down shutters on a coastal home, showcasing durability and design

Comparing Durability: Accordion Shutters vs. Roll-Down Shutters in Severe Weather Events

Comparing Durability: Accordion Shutters vs. Roll-Down Shutters in Severe Weather Events Accordion shutters and roll-down shutters are the two most common engineered options homeowners rely on to protect doors and windows during hurricanes. This guide looks at durability, operation, cost, and maintenance with a focus on conditions in coastal North and South Carolina. You’ll learn

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Accordion shutters installed on a coastal home, highlighting storm protection features and aesthetic appeal

Understanding the Average Cost of Accordion Shutters: Installation Fees Included Explained

Accordion Shutters: Average Installed Cost — What Coastal Homeowners Need to Know Accordion shutters are permanently mounted storm-protection systems that fold on tracks and lock across windows and doors to defend against high winds and impact. This guide breaks down both material and installed-price elements so coastal homeowners can estimate total project cost, compare shutter

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Homeowner inspecting accordion shutters for maintenance in a coastal setting

How to Maintain Accordion Shutters for Maximum Lifespan

Accordion Shutter Maintenance: Cleaning, Lubrication & Inspection to Maximize Lifespan Accordion shutters protect windows and openings when storms hit. With the right upkeep they stay dependable, safe, and long-lasting. This guide shows homeowners practical cleaning, lubrication, and inspection steps that slow corrosion, prevent seized parts, and preserve structural strength — especially important on coastal properties

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Accordion shutters on a coastal home, illustrating storm protection and aesthetic appeal

Accordion Shutters User Reviews: Real Experiences Revealed

Accordion Shutters — Real Homeowner Reviews, What They Reveal, and What Coastal Property Owners Should Know Accordion shutters are permanently mounted storm panels that fold neatly beside windows and doors and lock into place to shield glass during hurricanes. This page pulls together real user reviews and explains how accordion shutters protect your home, plus

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Coastal home with roll down hurricane shutters being cleaned, showcasing the importance of maintenance

How to Clean Roll Down Hurricane Shutters Effectively

How to Clean Roll‑Down Hurricane Shutters: Step‑by‑Step Maintenance Guide for Coastal Homes Roll‑down hurricane shutters protect windows and doors from wind, flying debris, and driving rain. Left unchecked, salt, sand and grime can seize moving parts, damage finishes, and shorten the life of the system. This guide shows practical, safe cleaning and maintenance steps to

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