The Complete Guide to Hurricane Shutters in Myrtle Beach & North Myrtle Beach

Living on the Grand Strand is a dream. From the family attractions of Myrtle Beach to the wide-open shores of North Myrtle Beach, our lifestyle is built on sun, sand, and coastal living. But as lifelong residents of the Carolinas, we know that this paradise comes with a serious responsibility: hurricanes. Every year, we watch the tropics, and we know that a single storm can threaten our homes and our peace of mind.

For decades, the “solution” was a frantic trip to a home improvement store for plywood, followed by a stressful, dangerous weekend on a ladder. This is not a sustainable, safe, or modern plan for your home or condo.

This is your complete pillar page—your ultimate local guide to making a one-time, permanent investment in your property’s safety. At American Hurricane Shutters, we are not a faceless national chain. We are a family-owned business, based just up the road in Wilmington, NC, and we have been the premier installer for the South Carolina coast since 2007. We have thousands of satisfied customers from Little River and North Myrtle Beach, all the way down to Pawleys Island. This is our home, and we are here to protect it.

This guide will cover every shutter type, transparent pricing, and why we are the trusted, insured partner for your Myrtle Beach-area home.

Why “Plywood Prep” Isn’t a Real Plan for the Grand Strand

The Grand Strand has unique challenges that make the “plywood plan” obsolete and, frankly, impossible for many. Relying on plywood is a high-stress gamble that you will lose, sooner or later.

• The Second-Home & Condo Problem: A huge number of properties in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach are second homes or high-rise condos. You can’t store 15 sheets of plywood in a condo. You can’t fly in from Ohio to install them. And you certainly can’t haul them up 10 floors.
• The Storage Nightmare: Where do you keep these massive boards? In the salty, humid air, they warp, rot, and delaminate in your shed or garage, becoming unusable after just a few seasons.
• The Safety Risk: Deploying plywood is slow, heavy, and dangerous work, especially in pre-storm winds. It’s a recipe for a serious injury.
• The “Rating” Myth: Your plywood is not “hurricane-rated.” It hasn’t been impact-tested. The fasteners can rip out, and the board itself can fail, leading to a catastrophic breach of your home’s “envelope.”

A permanent, rated shutter system solves every one of these problems. It’s an investment that adds value, lowers stress, and may even reduce your insurance premiums.

The AHS Difference: Your Local, Insured SC Partner

When you’re choosing a contractor for a major home investment, trust is everything. This is where we stand apart. We are not a “fly-by-night” crew that appears after a storm. We are your neighbors.

We Are Your Carolina-Based Partner

Founded by Matthew Burns in 2007, American Hurricane Shutters is a family-owned, disabled-owned company. We have proudly served the Grand Strand for over 15 years. We have thousands of customers in Horry and Georgetown counties, and our reputation is our most valuable asset. Our service area runs from New Bern, NC, all the way down to Pawleys Island, and as far west as Longs, SC. We are your local, established experts.

Fully Insured for Your Peace of Mind (Especially for Condos!)

This is a non-negotiable for working on the Grand Strand. Many HOAs and condo associations in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach *require* a contractor to be fully insured to work on the property. We are 100% compliant and ready.

We carry a complete, professional insurance package:

• General Liability Insurance
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance (This protects you if a worker gets hurt)
• Commercial Auto Insurance
• A $2,000,000 Umbrella Policy

We provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to all our clients and their HOAs. When you hire us, you are completely protected.

24/7 Service for the Entire SC Coast

Our commitment doesn’t end after the sale. We are a 24/7-available company. When you call (910) 256-1288, you are calling our local team, who can dispatch a service truck to your South Carolina home, whether you need emergency repair or routine maintenance.

A Complete Overview: The Best Hurricane Shutters for Your Myrtle Beach Home

This is your “pillar page,” so let’s cover every high-quality option we offer. The “best” shutter is the one that fits your home’s style, your budget, and your lifestyle.

H3: Option 1: Rated Storm Panels (Aluminum & Clear)

• The Smart Upgrade: This is the modern, professional replacement for plywood. These are lightweight, corrugated panels that are custom-fit and slide into pre-installed tracks.
• Our Products: We install industry-leading Bertha HV Aluminum Panels and Bertha HV Clear (polycarbonate) Panels.
• The Cost: This is your most affordable rated option. Rated Aluminum Panels start at $18/sq ft, and Rated Clear Panels start at $22/sq ft. The “clear” option is fantastic, as it lets light in and prevents the “cave” feeling.
• Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners, rental properties, and anyone who wants a massive safety upgrade from plywood.
• Learn More: Explore our Storm Panels.

H3: Option 2: Accordion Shutters (The Condo & Sliding Door King)

• The Best Value: This is, in our opinion, the best all-around value for the Grand Strand. It’s a permanent, one-piece system that glides on a track and locks in the center.
• Our Product: We use the heavy-duty Bertha HV Accordion Shutter system.
• The Cost: An unbeatable value starting at **$34 per square foot**.
• Best For: This is the **#1 solution for condos in North Myrtle Beach**. It’s also perfect for securing large sliding glass doors, second-story windows, and for any homeowner who wants “lock and leave” convenience without the premium cost of a rolldown.
• Learn More: Explore Accordion Shutters.

H3: Option 3: Bahama Shutters (The “Grand Strand” Look)

• The Style Choice: Incredibly popular in Myrtle Beach, Bahama (or Bermuda) shutters add curb appeal, shade, and protection. They are top-hinged and prop open to act as a stylish awning.
• Our Products: We have a full range: Decorative non-rated ($50/sq ft), **Fixed Blade Rated ($56/sq ft)** (our most popular), and the premium **Town & Country Articulating Blade ($64/sq ft)**.
• The Cost: Starts at $50/sq ft for decorative and **$56/sq ft** for hurricane-rated.
• Best For: Homeowners who want to add style, curb appeal, and daily shade to their home. They are a beautiful architectural upgrade that also happens to be storm protection.
• Learn More: Explore Bahama Shutters.

H3: Option 4: Roll Down Shutters (The “Second Home” Solution)

• The Ultimate Convenience: This is the premium “push-button” solution. The shutter rolls up into a small, discreet box above the window, completely out of sight.
• Our Products: We install elite systems from Alutech United and ASSA (Bertha HV).
• The Cost: Starts at **$48/sq ft for manual crank** operation. The upgrade to **electric motor is $700 per opening**.
• Best For: Second-home owners, snowbirds, and high-end properties. It provides unmatched, “push-button” convenience and is a powerful security deterrent against intruders.
• Learn More: Explore Rolldown Shutters.

H3: Option 5: Colonial Shutters (The “Pawleys Island” Classic)

• The Traditional Look: For a classic, timeless aesthetic, side-hinged Colonial shutters are the perfect fit. They swing shut and are latched with a storm bar.
• Our Products: We offer Rated Colonial Shutters in both Louvered and Board and Batten styles.
• The Cost: Starts at **$56 per square foot**.
• Best For: Homes in Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, or any community with a classic, low-country, or historic architectural style.
• Learn More: Explore Colonial Shutters.

H3: Option 6: Hurricane Screens (The “Invisible” Solution)

• The Modern Choice: This high-tech, see-through screen (made of **OmegaTex** fabric) retracts into a box like a rolldown. It’s impact-rated but “invisible.”
• Our Product: We install **StormTex Rated Hurricane Screens**.
• The Cost: Starts at **$44 per square foot**.
• Best For: Modern homes, especially in communities like Carolina Forest. It’s the *perfect* solution for protecting large lanais, patios, and outdoor kitchens without losing your view.
• Learn More: Explore Hurricane Screens.

Quick Comparison: Which Shutter is Right for Your Grand Strand Home?

A Note for SC Homeowners: The SC Safe Home Grant

South Carolina homeowners have a unique advantage. The SC Safe Home program, run by the SC Department of Insurance, provides grants to homeowners to help fortify their homes against hurricane damage. Installing rated hurricane shutters is a key, grant-eligible upgrade.

We are a registered contractor with the program and can help you navigate the process, making your investment even more affordable. This is a fantastic opportunity for all SC residents, and as your local partner, we are here to help you use it.

Myrtle Beach & North Myrtle Beach Hurricane Shutter FAQs

Q: Do you service all of the Grand Strand?

A: Yes, absolutely. Our service area covers the entire coast, from Little River, North Myrtle Beach, and Myrtle Beach proper, down through Surfside, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, and Pawleys Island. We also service inland communities like Conway and Longs.

Q: I’m in an HOA in Myrtle Beach. Can you help with approval?

A: Yes. This is a core part of our service. We have worked with hundreds of HOAs on the Grand Strand. We will provide a full, professional packet with our insurance (the $2M umbrella policy), our business license, and the engineering specs for the products to make your HOA approval fast and seamless.

Q: How much do hurricane shutters cost in Myrtle Beach?

A: As you can see in our guide, the price varies by system. It can be as low as **$18/sq ft for aluminum panels** or **$34/sq ft for accordions**, up to **$64/sq ft** for premium articulating Bahamas. The best way to know is with our 100% free, no-obligation quote. You can also get a free, fast estimate from our online cost calculator.

Q: How long does the installation take?

A: Our in-house, professional teams (never subcontractors) are fast and efficient. A typical installation for an entire home or condo is often completed in just 1-2 days.

Your Next Step: Get a Free Quote from Your Grand Strand Expert

The worst time to think about shutters is when a storm is 100 miles offshore. The best time is right now, on a calm, sunny day. Make the call to a company that has been protecting your neighbors for over 15 years.

We are your local, trusted, and fully insured partners. Call us today for a free, no-pressure estimate at your Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach-area home or condo. We’ll show you samples, take precise measurements, and give you a transparent, fair quote.