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.

Homeowner inspecting accordion shutters for storm readiness

Accordion Shutter Inspection Checklist for Homeowners

Accordion Shutter Inspection Checklist for Homeowners: Step-by-Step Maintenance and Safety Guide Accordion shutters are a permanently mounted storm‑protection system made of interlocking panels that fold like an accordion to cover windows and doors. This guide walks homeowners through a practical inspection checklist to boost safety, maintain code compliance, and improve storm readiness. Coastal properties face

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Coastal home with fiberglass and vinyl hurricane shutters showcasing durability and aesthetic appeal

Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Hurricane Shutters: Which Lasts Longer?

Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Hurricane Shutters: Which Lasts Longer and Offers Better Durability? Choosing the right shutter material is one of the biggest decisions coastal homeowners make to protect their homes from wind, rain, and debris. This guide compares fiberglass and vinyl hurricane shutters—what they’re made of, how long they typically last, how much upkeep they

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Home with accordion shutters installed, showcasing hurricane protection features

Understanding Additional Installation Fees for Accordion Shutters: What Homeowners Need to Know

Understanding Additional Installation Fees for Accordion Shutters: What Homeowners Need to Know Accordion shutters give your home a permanent, engineered barrier at windows and doors to resist wind and flying debris during hurricanes. This guide breaks down the extra costs you may see when installing accordion shutters so you can budget with confidence, avoid surprises,

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Accordion hurricane shutters on a coastal home, showcasing durability and protection against storms

Local Accordion Shutter Contractors for Hurricane Protection

Local Accordion Shutter Contractors for Hurricane Protection — Cost, Installation, and Benefits Across Coastal Carolina Accordion hurricane shutters are permanently mounted, impact-rated folding panels that protect windows and openings during storms. They work especially well along Coastal Carolina because they deploy quickly and are built to resist salt-air corrosion. This guide walks you through what

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Coastal home with roll-down hurricane shutters demonstrating storm protection features

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Roll Down Hurricane Shutter Brand

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Roll Down Hurricane Shutter Brand Roll-down hurricane shutters are exterior, retractable systems that protect windows and openings by forming a continuous, impact-resistant barrier that lowers wind pressure and keeps flying debris out during storms. Picking the right brand matters for coastal homeowners and businesses because material choice,

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Various storm shutter materials including aluminum, polycarbonate, and fabric displayed in a coastal setting

What Are the Most Cost-Effective Storm Shutter Materials?

Most Cost‑Effective Storm Shutter Materials: Affordable Hurricane Shutters and Durable Coastal Protection Finding storm shutters that are truly cost‑effective means weighing upfront price against lifespan, upkeep, and the value of any insurance wind‑mitigation credits. Along the Carolina coast, salt air and corrosion change the math: materials that resist rust and keep their ratings tend to

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Modern accordion shutters on a coastal home, showcasing sleek design and functionality

Modern Accordion Shutter Styles You Should Consider

Modern Accordion Shutter Styles to Protect Your Coastal Home in Style Modern accordion shutters blend tested storm protection with clean, contemporary design so coastal homeowners can safeguard their property without losing curb appeal. This guide shows what makes an accordion shutter “modern”—from material choices and slim stacking profiles to motorized options and required code approvals—so

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Coastal home with hurricane screens protecting against storm, showcasing durability and visibility

Hurricane Screen Types You Need to Know

Hurricane Screen Types You Need to Know for Effective Storm Protection Hurricane screens are engineered fabric and frame systems designed to reduce wind loads, deflect debris, and preserve visibility during coastal storms. Understanding the different types helps homeowners choose the best protection strategy for each opening. This article explains hurricane screen types in clear terms—material

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Coastal home with accordion shutters partially closed, showcasing storm protection features

Understanding Accordion Shutter Types for Your Home

Accordion Shutters for Your Coastal NC/SC Home: Types, Benefits, Installation, Maintenance, and Cost Accordion shutters are permanently mounted storm panels that slide sideways on tracks to cover windows and doors, forming a quick, on-site barrier against high winds and flying debris. This guide breaks down accordion shutter varieties, how they work, design trade-offs, routine care,

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Coastal home with roll down and accordion hurricane shutters highlighting storm protection features

Exploring Roll Down vs. Accordion Hurricane Shutters: Key Differences You Need to Know

Roll‑Down vs. Accordion Hurricane Shutters — Which Is Right for Your Coastal Home? Hurricane shutters form a physical barrier that protects windows and doors from wind, flying debris, and water intrusion. Two of the most common choices for coastal properties are roll‑down and accordion shutters. This guide breaks down how each system works, what makes

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