Hurricane Protection for the Crystal Coast: Your Shutter Guide

The Crystal Coast of North Carolina is a special place. From the historic waterfront of Morehead City to the beautiful beaches of Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach, it embodies a unique blend of fishing village heritage and relaxed coastal living. But this prime location on the Bogue Banks and mainland Carteret County also means being on the front lines during hurricane season.

For residents of the Crystal Coast, choosing the right hurricane shutters is about more than just protection; it’s about preserving the lifestyle and aesthetic you love. American Hurricane Shutters has extensive experience serving homeowners throughout this region, providing storm protection that is as strong as it is beautiful. This guide will help you select the perfect system for your Crystal Coast home.

Understanding the Unique Risks of the Crystal Coast

The geography of the Crystal Coast, a series of barrier islands and coastal towns, presents specific challenges that your storm protection must be prepared to handle:

• Vulnerability to Storm Surge: With extensive sound-side and ocean-front properties, the risk from storm surge is extremely high. Your first line of defense is preventing window and door breaches that allow water to rush in.
• High Wind Speeds: As a prominent point on the North Carolina coastline, the area is subject to some of the highest wind speeds from approaching Atlantic storms.
• Aesthetic Considerations: The charming cottages and classic beach homes require protection that complements, rather than detracts from, their architectural style.

Preserving the Beach Vibe: Bahama Shutters for Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle

The quintessential look of a beach cottage is often completed by Bahama shutters. These top-hinged shutters provide cooling shade and privacy all year long, and our hurricane-rated versions offer incredible protection during a storm.

Why They Are Perfect for the Crystal Coast:

• Style and Function: They are a permanent, beautiful addition to your home. We offer a wide range of colors to match any style.
• Rated Protection: Unlike decorative versions, our Bertha HV and Town & Country rated Bahama shutters are engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds. Our Fixed Blade models (approx. $56/sq ft) offer maximum strength, while our Articulating Blade models (approx. $64/sq ft) provide adjustable light and privacy control.
• Quick Deployment: Preparing for a storm is as simple as lowering the shutter and securing the support arms.

Practical Protection for Morehead City and Mainland Families

For year-round residents and businesses in Morehead City, Beaufort, and other mainland communities, practical, convenient, and valuable protection is often the top priority.

Accordion Shutters: The All-Around Champion

Bertha HV Accordion Shutters are an extremely popular choice for their balance of features. At approximately $34 per square foot, they are a cost-effective, permanent solution. They require no storage, can be closed and locked in minutes, and provide a formidable barrier against wind and debris. They are an ideal, no-fuss solution for any home.

Storm Panels: Affordable, Rated Security

For the most budget-conscious, our Rated Storm Panels offer the same level of certified protection as more expensive systems. Our Aluminum Panels ($18/sq ft) are strong and lightweight, while our ClearTek Panels ($22/sq ft) allow light into your home during a storm. They are an excellent, affordable way to secure your property.

Modern Systems for New Construction and Premier Properties

For new homes being built along the coast or premier properties with large expanses of glass, modern systems offer unmatched performance.

Roll-Down Shutters, especially motorized versions, offer push-button convenience and retract into a housing that doesn’t obstruct the stunning water views that are so prized on the Crystal Coast. For protecting large porches or patios, Alutech StormTex Screens offer a lightweight, translucent, and highly effective barrier.

Why Our Expertise Extends Up the Coast

Though our business is based in Wilmington, our service area and expertise extend throughout the Crystal Coast. As a family-owned business, we have been committed to protecting our Carolina neighbors since 2007. We are fully insured, highly experienced with the unique building styles of the region, and dedicated to providing the highest quality products and installation services.