Here’s What to Expect
From your first call to the day your shutters are installed, American Hurricane Shutters makes the process straightforward. No surprises, no hidden fees — just professional hurricane protection for your coastal NC or SC home.
Four Steps from Estimate to Installation
Every project follows the same proven process. Most homes move from signed contract to completed installation in 8-16 weeks. Order before May to ensure full coverage before peak hurricane season.
Everything Included in Every Installation
Ask us today about your goals regarding hurricane shutters and any other storm protection needs. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we have solutions to a multitude of problems that homeowners and businesses face.
Every installation includes a site-specific design pressure analysis — not a generic spec sheet. We calculate the actual wind loads expected at your specific address and specify the correct fastener diameter, spacing pattern, and track system to meet those loads. This is a critical step that distinguishes a code-compliant installation from one that merely looks compliant.
We handle all permit applications in jurisdictions that require them, all HOA Architectural Modification Request documentation, and the wind mitigation inspection form your insurer needs to apply wind mitigation credits. After installation we return for paid service calls at any point during the lifetime of the shutters.
Contact Us TodayWhat Sets Us Apart From Every Other Installer
We don’t subcontract. We don’t use generic fastener patterns. And we’ve been doing this since 2007 on the same coast we live on.
What to Expect on Timing and Payment
No financing offered. No open-ended billing. A fixed price, a predictable timeline, and two straightforward payment milestones.
50% at Signing, 50% at Completion
We require a 50% deposit to initiate your manufacturing order. The remaining balance is due upon completion of the installation. We prefer checks. Credit cards are accepted with a 3.0% processing fee. We do not offer financing.
2–4 Months from Deposit to Install
Because every shutter is custom-fabricated to your exact dimensions, lead time typically runs 2–4 months depending on the season — faster between October and March. Order before May to ensure installation before peak hurricane season. Installation itself is generally one day for a standard home.
One Day for Most Homes
A useful rule of thumb: one day of installation per $10,000 of project value. Rolling shutters take more time — we typically install five per day. We schedule a specific start time and work until the job is complete. Your home will be left clean and all openings operational before we leave.
Warranty, Documentation & Ongoing Support
At completion we deliver your signed 7-year workmanship warranty, all product approval documentation, and your completed wind mitigation form for your insurer. We return for paid service calls at any point during the life of the shutters. Review our Maintenance Guide to keep your shutters in peak condition.
What Makes a Hurricane Shutter Installation Code-Compliant in NC and SC?
Coastal NC and SC are designated Wind-Borne Debris Regions (WBDR) under the North Carolina Building Code and the South Carolina Residential Code. Properties within 1 mile of the coast in areas with basic wind speeds of 130 mph or greater are required to have openings protected by impact-rated shutters or impact glass. The specific requirements vary by jurisdiction, construction type, and distance from the coast — this is why an on-site assessment matters.
The most commonly skipped step in the industry is the design pressure analysis. Every opening in a coastal home has a design pressure rating — the maximum positive and negative wind load the opening must withstand. Simply installing a certified product is not sufficient; the fastener pattern, diameter, and embedment depth must be calculated for the specific wind zone, building height, exposure category, and opening dimensions. We use the ASCE 7 wind load model for every installation. Our competitors typically use the same generic fastener schedule regardless of address.
The Difference Between a Decorative and a Rated Shutter
Not every shutter product provides hurricane protection, even if it looks like it should. Decorative Bahama and colonial shutters provide curb appeal and some shade but are not certified to ASTM E1886/E1996 or TAS 201/202/203 standards. They will not qualify for wind mitigation insurance credits and may not satisfy permit requirements in WBDR jurisdictions. Rated shutters — including our fixed-blade Bahamas, rated colonials, accordion shutters, rolldown shutters, storm panels, and hurricane screens — are tested and certified to those standards. We install both and are transparent about the difference at every estimate visit.
Why the Order of Operations Matters
Many homeowners call us in August after a storm watch is issued. At that point, there is nothing we can do in time. Every shutter we install is custom-fabricated to your exact opening dimensions — there is no inventory of ready-to-install shutters sitting in a warehouse. The moment you decide to protect your home is the best time to call, because the manufacturing queue only grows as hurricane season approaches. Our customers who ordered in January or February consistently have their shutters installed and tested before June 1. Those who call in July are typically waiting until the following season.
What Happens During Installation
On installation day our team arrives at the scheduled time with your shutters, all required fasteners, and any equipment needed for your specific home. We begin with any openings that require aerial access, then work systematically through the remaining windows and doors. Every shutter is test-operated before we move on. If an opening requires a departure from the spec — an unexpected substrate condition, trim interference, or clearance issue — we resolve it on site and document the solution. Before we leave, we walk you through operating every shutter and answer any questions. If anything is not right, we fix it before payment is collected.
Installation Process FAQ
Questions we answer at almost every estimate visit. For more, see our full FAQ page.
Request a Free Estimate
We offer free in-home estimates throughout coastal NC and SC with same-week scheduling. No pressure, no obligation — just a straightforward assessment and a written quote.
Ready to Get Started?
Free in-home estimate. No obligation. Same-week scheduling throughout coastal NC and SC. Serving the Carolina coast since 2007.