Professional Installation · NC & SC Licensed GC
Hurricane Shutter
Installation in NC & SC
Every AHS hurricane shutter and storm shutter installation includes a custom design pressure analysis, permit coordination, OSHA-30 certified crew, and a 7-year workmanship warranty. We have been doing this since 2007.
OSHA-30
Safety Certified
NC+SC
Licensed GC
7-Yr
Workmanship Warranty
Free
Design Pressure Analysis
Our Process
What Our Hurricane Shutter Installation Process Includes
Every installation we perform follows the same six-step process — from free in-home estimate to final inspection sign-off.
- 1Free In-Home EstimateWe measure every opening, assess your wall construction and substrate, and identify any HOA or architectural requirements. No charge, no obligation, same-week scheduling throughout coastal NC and SC.
- 2Site-Specific Design Pressure AnalysisEvery shutter installation requires a design pressure calculation for your exact address, elevation, and exposure category. Generic spec sheets from big-box stores do not account for your property. We calculate the actual wind load — this determines whether your shutters stay on the house during a direct hit, or do not.
- 3Custom FabricationEvery shutter is custom-fabricated to your exact opening dimensions. Lead time is typically 6–12 weeks for permanent systems. Order before May to ensure coverage for hurricane season.
- 4Permit CoordinationAs licensed General Contractors in NC and SC, AHS handles all permit applications on every job. We know every coastal county permit office and schedule inspections as part of the standard process — at no extra charge.
- 5OSHA-30 Certified InstallationOur crews are OSHA-30 certified and trained on aerial lift operations — required for multi-story homes and elevated oceanfront properties. We fasten every track and header into structural framing using 316 stainless steel fasteners sized to our design pressure analysis.
- 6Inspection, Sign-Off & Wind Mitigation DocumentationWe coordinate the final county inspection and provide all documentation required for your homeowner insurance wind mitigation form — which typically reduces your annual premium in the first renewal cycle after installation.
By Shutter Type
Hurricane Shutter Installation by Type
The installation process differs depending on shutter type. Here is what to expect for each system.
| Shutter Type | Typical Install Time | What Gets Installed | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accordion Shutters | 1 day (avg home) | Track, header, shutter panels, lock hardware | Yes |
| Roll Down Shutters | 1–2 days | Housing box, guide rails, curtain, motor/strap | Yes |
| Bahama Shutters | Half to full day | Top hinge, support arms, bottom latch hardware | Yes (rated) |
| Colonial Shutters | Half to full day | Side hinges, shutter panels, center storm bar | Yes (rated) |
| Storm Panels | Half day | Track system around each opening; panels stored off-site | Yes |
| Hurricane Screens | 1 day | Track system, screen material, tensioning hardware | Yes |
Why Licensed Installation Matters
Why You Need a Licensed Hurricane Shutter Installer
Hurricane shutter installation is a structural job. In NC and SC, it requires a licensed General Contractor to pull building permits. Here is what is at stake.
Legal Compliance
Unpermitted shutter installations can fail county inspection, trigger fines, and require removal and reinstallation at your expense. AHS handles every permit — no exceptions.
Insurance Eligibility
Wind mitigation credits require documented, permitted installations. An unpermitted install — even if structurally sound — typically cannot qualify for the insurance discount. That is hundreds of dollars per year lost indefinitely.
Structural Integrity
Improper anchor spacing or fastener selection is the most common cause of shutter failure during a hurricane. AHS performs a full structural analysis of every opening — a shutter that looks right but is improperly anchored provides false security.
Cost Guide
Hurricane Shutter Installation Cost in NC and SC
Storm shutter installation costs vary by type, number of openings, and wall construction. General ranges for coastal NC and SC:
Storm Panels
$8–$14/sq ft installed
Most affordable. Aluminum or polycarbonate. Stored between seasons.
See storm panels →Most affordable. Aluminum or polycarbonate. Stored between seasons.
Accordion Shutters
$18–$35/sq ft installed
Most popular. Permanent mount, no storage, 60-second deploy.
See accordion shutters →Most popular. Permanent mount, no storage, 60-second deploy.
Bahama & Colonial
$18–$40/sq ft installed
Decorative permanent shutters. Shade or traditional aesthetic.
See bahama shutters →Decorative permanent shutters. Shade or traditional aesthetic.
Roll Down (Manual)
$35–$50/sq ft installed
Premium protection. Retracts into housing above the opening.
See roll down shutters →Premium protection. Retracts into housing above the opening.
Roll Down (Motorized)
$50–$65/sq ft installed
Electric motor with remote or smart home integration.
See motorized shutters →Electric motor with remote or smart home integration.
Hurricane Screens
$20–$45/sq ft installed
Fabric system. Ideal for large openings, patios, commercial.
See hurricane screens →Fabric system. Ideal for large openings, patios, commercial.
Use our free cost calculator for an estimate based on your home’s specific openings and location.
Common Questions
Hurricane Shutter Installation FAQ
The physical installation of accordion shutters on an average home is typically completed in one day. However, because every shutter is custom-fabricated to your exact opening dimensions, total lead time from signed contract to installation day is typically 6–12 weeks. Order before May to be covered for the June–November hurricane season.
Yes — rated hurricane shutter installation requires a building permit in every coastal NC and SC county. AHS Carolinas handles all permit applications as part of every job. We are licensed General Contractors in both NC and SC, which is required to pull structural installation permits.
A design pressure analysis calculates the specific wind load your shutters must withstand based on your property’s address, elevation, exposure category, and building construction. Without it, there is no way to know if the shutter you are installing is rated for your actual conditions. AHS performs this analysis on every opening — most other installers do not.
After installation and county inspection, AHS provides all documentation required for your insurer’s wind mitigation inspection form. You submit this form to your insurer and typically receive a wind mitigation credit on your next renewal. Annual savings commonly run $300–$800 for coastal NC properties.
Schedule Your Free Installation Estimate
Free in-home estimates with same-week scheduling throughout coastal NC and SC. We measure, engineer, permit, and install — you are covered from start to finish.
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