Hurricane Shutters for Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, & Pleasure Island
Living in New Hanover County means enjoying the best of the Carolina coast—from the Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington to the surf at Wrightsville Beach. However, it also means your home is on the front line of the Cape Fear region’s hurricane corridor.
At American Hurricane Shutters, we specialize in fortifying homes across the county, whether it’s a historic bungalow in Sunset Park, a luxury estate on Figure Eight Island, or a vacation rental in Carolina Beach. Our wind-rated storm protection systems are engineered to withstand the unique high-velocity wind zones of the Cape Fear coast.
We don’t just install Wilmington hurricane shutters; we protect your lifestyle. From the salt spray of Kure Beach to the strict HOA guidelines of Landfall and Porters Neck, our marine-grade aluminum systems are built to resist corrosion and repel debris, ensuring your property is ready the moment a storm is named.
Contact Us
Click Here to call or email us for a FREE, mobile, on-site estimate for hurricane shutters.
Top-Rated Storm Protection for Wilmington & the Cape Fear Coast
For homeowners in New Hanover County, off-the-shelf solutions rarely fit. We offer a diverse range of hurricane shutters designed to meet local historic preservation guidelines and coastal building codes.
Accordion Shutters (Best Value & Ease)
The top choice for Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach condos where storage is limited. Our Accordion Shutters glide along a permanent track and lock securely from the inside or outside . Why they work in New Hanover County: Rapid deployment. Essential for rental properties in Kure Beach, allowing property managers to secure sliding glass doors in minutes between check-outs.
The gold standard for “lock and leave” convenience, preferred by homeowners on Figure Eight Island and Landfall. With the touch of a button, these shutters descend to create an impenetrable wall against wind and intruders.
Why they work in Wrightsville Beach: Unmatched security for oceanfront homes. They also provide excellent insulation and blackout capabilities for media rooms.
Cost: Approximately $48/sq ft (Manual) to $100+ (Motorized).
Capture the classic tropical look popular in Carolina Place and Seabreeze. These shutters hinge at the top and prop open to provide daily shade.
Why they work in Kure Beach: They allow you to keep windows open for the ocean breeze while blocking the harsh afternoon sun, reducing cooling costs during the summer.
Cost: Approximately $48-64/sq ft (Articulating Blade).
For the historic homes in Downtown Wilmington, Forest Hills, and Ardmore, Colonial Shutters offer the perfect blend of preservation and protection. Constructed from heavy-gauge aluminum, they look like traditional wood shutters but lock to form a structural barrier.
Why they work in Historic Wilmington: We design them to meet Historic Wilmington Foundation aesthetic standards while exceeding modern wind-load requirements.
Cost: Approximately $54/sq ft (varies by panel style).
Hurricane Screens (StormTex) are the ultimate solution for “impossible to shutter” areas like the expansive lanais in Porters Neck or riverfront porches along the Cape Fear River.
Why they work in Castle Hayne & Monkey Junction: They allow you to enclose outdoor living spaces without losing your view of the marsh or river.
The most cost-effective way to achieve full hurricane protection. We offer both standard aluminum and translucent “Clear” panels (Lexan).
Why they work in Myrtle Grove & Ogden: Ideal for starter homes or renovations. If you have a garage to stack them, panels offer the same wind rating as expensive systems at a fraction of the price.
Service Areas: Where We Install in New Hanover County
Wilmington: Serving all zip codes (28401, 28403, 28405, 28409, 28411, 28412) from Historic Downtown to Masonboro.
Wrightsville Beach: Marine-grade protection for Harbor Island and the oceanfront.
Figure Eight Island: Custom, high-security solutions for exclusive private residences.
Carolina Beach & Kure Beach: Securing Pleasure Island condos, rentals, and homes.
Porters Neck & Ogden: HOA-compliant shutters for northern New Hanover County.
Castle Hayne: protecting riverfront properties and new developments.
Monkey Junction & Myrtle Grove: Reliable storm protection for the southern peninsula.
Landfall: Aesthetic solutions that meet strict architectural review standards.
Why Wilmington Homeowners Choose American Hurricane Shutters
Engineered for the Cape Fear “Salt Life”
The combination of humidity from the river and salt from the ocean creates a unique corrosion challenge. We use exclusively 6063-T6 Marine-Grade Aluminum and 18-8 Stainless Steel fasteners to prevent seizing and rust.
Local HOA & Code Expertise
Navigating the Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission or the architectural guidelines of Landfall can be difficult. We handle the approvals for you, ensuring your shutters respect the character of your home while keeping it safe.
Fully Insured and Licensed
We are fully licensed NC General Contractors. This is crucial for high-value properties on Figure Eight Island and Wrightsville Beach, where improper installation can void insurance coverage.
Explore Our Creations
Dive into a visual journey showcasing our best works of New Hanover hurricane shutters.
A two-story blue beach house with white trim, featuring large windows with shutters. There is a wooden garage door on the lower level. Palm trees surround the property, and the sky is clear with a few clouds visible. The house number “123” is displayed near the entrance. in either North or South Carolina
A multi-story building with large window shutters hanging loosely, appearing damaged. The building has beige walls with white accents along the edges. The sky is clear and blue in the background. in either North or South Carolina
A single-story, modern building with light gray siding and white trim, featuring a front porch with steps and black railing. Palm trees and blue potted plants decorate the exterior. A parking lot with marked spaces is in the foreground, and the sky is clear and sunny. in either North or South Carolina
A white building with a sign reading “Lowe’s” on the front. The facade includes large windows and a wooden overhang covering an outdoor seating area. The sky is clear and blue with a few clouds. A single person sits at a table in the shaded seating area. in either North or South Carolina
A multi-story building with light brown and white exterior walls featuring rows of panels and large windows. Palm trees line the front, and a street lamp stands in front of the building. A tall section of the building extends to the left. The sky is clear and blue. in either North or South Carolina
A closed turquoise shutter attached to a light gray, horizontally paneled exterior wall. A small potted plant with dark leaves sits below, and a palm tree is partially visible on the left side, casting shadows on the wall. in either North or South Carolina
Close-up view through a set of turquoise window blinds, showing an outdoor scene. The background reveals a blurry image of a street, a few trees, and other structures bathed in sunlight. The focus is on the blinds, with the outdoor elements providing a soft backdrop. in either North or South Carolina
New Hanover County Hurricane Shutter FAQ
(Serving Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach & Kure Beach)
Local Service & Area Coverage
Where can I buy hurricane shutters near Wilmington or Wrightsville Beach?
American Hurricane Shutters is headquartered right here in the Cape Fear region (Castle Hayne Road). We are the premier local provider for New Hanover County, offering professional installation and free on-site consultations for homeowners in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island, and Pleasure Island.
Are there local contractors specializing in storm protection for beachfront homes?
Yes. Our team specializes in the specific challenges of the Cape Fear coast, from the high-velocity wind zones of Wrightsville Beach to the salt-heavy air of Kure Beach. We are intimately familiar with New Hanover County building codes, ensuring every installation is fully compliant and permit-ready.
Cost, Estimates & Financing for Topsail Hurircane Shutters
What is the average cost for hurricane shutter insWhat is the average cost for hurricane shutter installation in the Wilmington area?tallation in the New Bern area?
Pricing typically ranges from $18 to $60 per square foot depending on the shutter type. Carolina Beach/Kure Beach Estimates: We offer free, no-obligation quotes.
Financing: We provide flexible payment plans to make whole-home protection affordable for Landfall estates and downtown bungalows alike.
How do shutters help with insurance in New Hanover County?
Most insurance carriers in our coastal zip codes (like 28409 or 28480) offer “Wind Mitigation Credits” for certified impact protection. A professional installation by AHS can often pay for itself over time through reduced premiums.
Are hurricane shutters something I can DIY?
While possible, it is risky in our wind zones. Hurricane protection must be engineered to specific wind-load standards (ASCE 7) to effectively protect your home. For properties in Wilmington, professional installation ensures that fasteners are anchored correctly into your specific siding (brick, stucco, or hardy plank). DIY installations often void insurance mitigation credits and may not meet the strict requirements of the Wilmington Building Inspections department.
Product Selection & Performance
What are the best shutters for a historic home in Wilmington?
For homes in the Historic District or older neighborhoods like Carolina Place, we recommend Colonial or Bahama shutters. These mimic the 19th-century wooden styles originally found in Wilmington but are built with impact-rated aluminum to meet modern codes.
How do I choose between motorized and manual shutters?
Motorized (Roll-Down): The preferred choice for Figure Eight Island and Landfall residents. They offer rapid deployment via remote or smart phone app—perfect for large estates or second homes.
Manual (Accordion/Panel): Ideal for Carolina Beach rental properties. They are budget-friendly and reliable during power outages, though they require physical operation.
Can you match the color of my HOA requirements in Landfall or Porters Neck?
Absolutely. We offer custom powder-coating to match any specific RAL color required by your Homeowners Association for our Accordions and Colonials, ensuring your protection blends seamlessly with your home’s palette.
How quickly can you secure a rental property in Carolina Beach?
If you choose Accordion or Roll-Down shutters, a property can be secured in 15–30 minutes. This is ideal for “Saturday turn-days” when a storm is approaching and you have limited time between guests.
Installation & Technical Specs
How long does the installation process take?
Once custom measurements are taken at your New Hanover County home and the shutters are manufactured (typically about 2 months post-deposit), the on-site installation usually takes 1 to 2 days. We prioritize efficient turnarounds to minimize disruption to your schedule.
Do I need a permit to install shutters in Wrightsville Beach?
sometimes. Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach have strict wind-load requirements (often higher than inland areas). AHS Carolinas handles the entire permitting process for you, ensuring your installation is fully legal and code-compliant.
Can shutters be installed on irregular windows or historic homes?
Yes. We have extensive experience working with the Historic Wilmington Foundation guidelines. We provide custom-fit solutions for arched windows in Forest Hills and historic storefronts on Front Street, ensuring modern impact resistance without sacrificing architectural character.
Maintenance, Repairs & Safety
What is the recommended maintenance for coastal shutters?
To withstand the humidity of the Cape Fear River and the salt of the Atlantic, we recommend:
Rinsing: Wash slats with fresh water once a month to prevent salt buildup. Lubrication: Use a dry silicone spray on tracks annually (essential for oceanfront homes in Wrightsville Beach). Inspections: Schedule a professional check-up every 2–3 years.
Do you offer emergency repair or post-storm services?
Yes. We provide emergency hurricane shutter repairs and replacement parts for systems damaged during storms. We also offer maintenance contracts for property management companies in Wrightsville and Carolina Beach to ensure rentals are storm-ready before June 1st.
What safety features should I look for?
Safety is paramount. Always ensure your shutters have a manual override or quick-release mechanism, especially on windows designated as emergency fire exits. All our motorized systems installed in New Hanover County are compatible with manual cranks for operation during power failures.
Comparison & Reviews
How do shutters compare to impact-resistant windows?
While impact windows protect the interior, Wilmington hurricane shutters offer superior exterior defense. They prevent the glass from breaking (saving you the cost of replacement), provide a physical barrier against water intrusion (common during Nor’easters), and act as a visual theft deterrent for downtown businesses and vacation homes.
Where can I find reviews for Wilmington hurricane shutter installers?
American Hurricane Shutters maintains top-rated reviews across the Carolinas. We are known for our certified professional installers, lifetime service agreements, and specialized expertise in protecting the Cape Fear region.
When did North Carolina last have a hurricane?
The Cape Fear region is frequently impacted. Hurricane Florence (2018) caused massive flooding and wind damage throughout Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. More recently, Hurricane Isaias (2020) caused significant storm surge in Southport and Oak Island (just south of us). Because our area is a magnet for tropical systems, we advise New Hanover residents to secure their protection well before the season peaks in September.
Get Your Free Hurricane Shutter Estimate Today!
American Hurricane Shutters is the premier provider of hurricane protection for the Crystal Coast and the Inner Banks. We proudly serve zip codes 28594 (Emerald Isle), 28512 (Atlantic Beach/Pine Knoll Shores), 28557 (Morehead City), 28516 (Beaufort), 28560/28562 (New Bern), and all surrounding coastal communities.
Matthew BurnsPresident
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.
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