American Hurricane Shutters installs rated storm shutters across coastal North Carolina and South Carolina — from the Crystal Coast to the Grand Strand. Every installation is licensed, permitted, and backed by a 7-year workmanship warranty.
Storm Shutters vs Hurricane Shutters — What Is the Difference?
There is no functional difference. Storm shutters and hurricane shutters refer to the same products — protective panels, screens, or folding systems installed over windows and doors to resist hurricane-force wind and debris. “Storm shutters” and “storm shutters for home” are the terms many homeowners use; installers and building codes typically say “hurricane shutters.” AHS uses both interchangeably.
When a window or door fails during a hurricane, wind pressure equalizes inside the home. The resulting internal pressurization lifts the roof from the inside while external wind suction pulls it simultaneously. Storm shutters prevent that breach — which is why protecting every opening matters, not just the obvious ones.
All Six Types
Types of Storm Shutters We Install
Every home and homeowner is different. AHS installs all six major types of storm shutters for windows and doors across coastal NC and SC.
Accordion Storm Shutters
Permanently mounted on both sides of every opening. Pull closed and latch in under 60 seconds. Most popular storm shutter type on the Carolina coast — no storage, no tools, no ladder required.
Coil into a housing box above the opening. Deploy via strap, crank, or electric motor. Top-of-the-line protection with optional remote control — ideal for large openings and absentee owners.
Top-hinged, propped open year-round for shade and airflow. Release the props before a storm — they drop closed and latch. Rated hurricane protection with a coastal aesthetic.
Bi-fold panels permanently mounted on both sides of windows. Swing closed from each side and latch at center. Classic look for historic neighborhoods and HOA communities.
Slide into permanent tracks before a storm, stored between seasons. Aluminum hurricane shutters and clear polycarbonate panels are the most affordable rated storm protection available.
High-strength woven fabric that rolls up when not in use. Ideal for large openings, covered porches, and commercial storefronts. Optional motorization for remote deployment.
Why Storm Shutters Are Essential on the Carolina Coast
The NC and SC coast sits squarely in hurricane alley. Wilmington averages a direct or near-direct impact every 7 to 10 years. Storm shutters are the first line of defense for every opening on your home.
Wind-Borne Debris Regions
All of coastal NC and SC is designated a Wind-Borne Debris Region. New construction must have rated opening protection. Existing homes without shutters are exposed to the same wind load — just without code enforcement.
Insurance Savings — $300–$800/yr
Certified storm shutters on all openings qualify your home for a wind mitigation credit. Typical annual savings of $300–$800 for coastal NC properties. SC Safe Home grants offset up to 25% of installation cost.
No Last-Minute Scramble
Permanent storm shutters are always ready. No plywood runs, no panel logistics, no calling in favors from neighbors. Pull, latch, evacuate — or stay and shelter in place with confidence.
Service Area
Storm Shutters Across Coastal NC and SC
AHS Carolinas has installed storm shutters on thousands of homes since 2007. We serve the entire Carolina coast — from the Crystal Coast to the Grand Strand.
No functional difference. Both terms describe the same products — rated systems installed over windows and doors to withstand hurricane-force wind and debris impact. “Storm shutters” is commonly used by homeowners; “hurricane shutters” is more common in contractor and code language.
Accordion storm shutters are the most popular choice for most coastal homes — permanently mounted, no storage, deploy in under 60 seconds. Roll down shutters are the premium choice for large openings and absentee owners. Storm panels are the most affordable. The right answer depends on your home, your lifestyle, and your budget. AHS will recommend the right system at your free in-home estimate.
Storm panel costs start at $8–$14/sq ft installed. Accordion storm shutters run $18–$35/sq ft. Roll down shutters are $35–$65/sq ft. A full home typically runs $5,000–$22,000 depending on shutter type and number of openings. Use our free cost calculator for an instant estimate based on your home.
For new construction in Wind-Borne Debris Regions — which covers essentially all of coastal NC and SC — rated opening protection is required by building code. For existing homes, storm shutters are not legally mandated but are the most cost-effective way to meet the same protection standard. Learn more about code requirements.
Yes. Certified storm shutters covering all openings qualify for a wind mitigation credit on your homeowner insurance policy. Typical savings run $300–$800 per year for coastal NC homes. SC homeowners may also qualify for SC Safe Home grant funding.
Get a Free Storm Shutter Estimate — No Obligation
AHS Carolinas measures every opening, performs a site-specific design pressure analysis, and provides a written quote — at no charge, with same-week scheduling throughout coastal NC and SC.
