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.

Comparison of accordion shutters and traditional hurricane windows on a coastal home

Accordion Shutters vs. Traditional Hurricane Windows: A Cost-Effectiveness Comparison Explained

Accordion Shutters vs. Impact (Hurricane) Windows — Which Is the Most Cost‑Effective? Choosing hurricane protection affects both your immediate budget and your home’s long‑term value. This guide compares accordion shutters and impact (hurricane) windows in plain terms — how each system works, how they perform, and which lifecycle costs matter most: purchase, installation, maintenance, and

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Modern coastal home with roll-down hurricane shutters partially closed against a stormy sky

Choosing the Best Materials for Roll Down Hurricane Shutters

Choosing the Best Materials for Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters: A Practical Guide to Durable, Impact-Resistant Options Roll-down hurricane shutters are engineered systems that unroll from a headbox to shield windows and exterior openings from windborne debris and extreme wind pressures. In this guide we explain why material selection is the single biggest driver of performance, service

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House with roll down hurricane shutters deployed during a storm, showcasing storm protection

Operating Roll Down Hurricane Shutters During a Hurricane: What You Need to Know

How to Operate Roll‑Down Hurricane Shutters During a Storm: Practical Guides for Manual and Motorized Systems Correctly operating roll‑down hurricane shutters during a hurricane can be the difference between protecting your home and avoidable damage. This guide lays out how these shutters work, the key differences between manual and motorized systems, and clear, step‑by‑step instructions

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Roll down hurricane shutters on a coastal home, illustrating storm protection features

Essential Guide to Repairing Roll Down Hurricane Shutters

Essential Guide to Repairing Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters: Troubleshooting, Maintenance & Professional Repair Roll-down hurricane shutters are exterior protection systems made of interlocking slats that roll into a housing above windows and doors to block wind-driven debris and heavy rain. They move on vertical tracks and lock at the sill or jamb; motorized units use an

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Coastal home with roll down hurricane shutters partially deployed, highlighting storm protection features

DIY vs. Professional Installation: Choosing the Best Option for Roll Down Hurricane Shutters

DIY vs. Professional Roll-Down Shutter Installation: A Practical Guide for Coastal NC & SC Homeowners Roll-down hurricane shutters are permanently mounted systems that tuck into a housing above a window or door and slide down guide rails to protect openings from windborne debris. Choosing to install them yourself or hire a pro affects safety, code

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Elegant accordion shutters on a coastal home, showcasing stylish storm protection and aesthetic integration

Accordion Shutter Design Ideas for an Elegant Home

Elegant Accordion Shutter Designs for Coastal Homes — Stylish Storm Protection That Complements Your Exterior Accordion shutters are hinged, folding storm shutters mounted beside windows and doors that deploy quickly to secure openings during severe weather. They combine tested hurricane protection with design-conscious details so your home stays safe without looking like it’s in emergency

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Energy efficient roll down hurricane shutters on a coastal home with ocean view

Energy Efficient Roll Down Hurricane Shutters for Homeowners

Energy‑Efficient Roll‑Down Hurricane Shutters for Carolina Homeowners: Benefits, Costs, and Installation Living on the North or South Carolina coast means balancing two priorities: protecting your home from storms and keeping energy bills in check. Energy‑efficient roll‑down hurricane shutters do both — they block wind and impact while cutting solar heat gain and improving nighttime retention.

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Coastal home with roll-down hurricane shutters demonstrating storm protection and durability

Durability of Roll Down Hurricane Shutters Explained

How Durable Are Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters? Lifespan, Materials, and Maintenance Roll-down hurricane shutters are a proven protection system — a rolling curtain of interlocking slats, guide rails, and a protective shutter box that shields windows and doors from wind, flying debris, and water intrusion. This guide explains how material choice, engineering, installation quality, and regular

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Coastal home with roll down hurricane shutters partially closed, showcasing storm protection features

Comparing Roll Down Hurricane Shutters With Other Storm Protection Options: Key Insights and Benefits

Comparing Roll Down Hurricane Shutters with Other Storm-Protection Options: What Coastal Homeowners and Businesses Should Know Roll down hurricane shutters are a permanently mounted protection system that lowers over windows and openings to resist wind-driven debris and surge-related damage. This guide walks through how roll down shutters work, compares them to accordion shutters and other

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Modern home with roll down hurricane shutters partially open, showcasing storm protection features

Step-by-Step Guide to Accurately Estimating Roll Down Hurricane Shutter Costs

Step-by-Step Guide to Accurately Estimating Roll Down Hurricane Shutter Costs Roll down hurricane shutters are retractable exterior storm protections that unroll from a cassette and lock into side tracks to cover windows and doors. This guide shows you how to estimate their cost with confidence. You’ll get practical measurement steps, a clear look at the

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