Hurricane shutters — also called storm shutters — are exterior-mounted protective systems that shield windows and doors from wind, debris, and pressure during hurricanes and tropical storms. Here is everything you need to know.
Hurricane shutters are permanently or temporarily installed panels, screens, or folding systems that cover windows and doors on homes and businesses in hurricane-prone coastal areas. When a storm approaches, shutters create a protective barrier that prevents wind-driven debris from breaching the building envelope — the primary cause of catastrophic storm damage to residential structures.
The building envelope is the system of walls, roof, windows, and doors that separates the interior of a home from the exterior environment. When any opening in that envelope is breached during a hurricane, wind enters the structure and simultaneously pushes up on the roof deck from inside while external wind suction pulls it from outside. This double-loading is the primary mechanism of roof failure during hurricanes — and it starts with a single window or door breach.
Hurricane shutters prevent that breach. A single unprotected window is enough to trigger catastrophic internal pressurization — which is why protecting every opening matters, not just the obvious ones.
Three Critical Functions
What Do Hurricane Shutters Do?
Rated hurricane shutters serve three distinct functions during a storm — not just one.
Impact Protection
Stop wind-driven debris — boards, branches, gravel, roof tiles — from penetrating glass. At 100+ mph winds, small objects become lethal projectiles. Rated shutters are tested to specific debris impact loads before certification.
Pressure Resistance
Withstand the positive and negative pressure loads created by hurricane wind. Every certified shutter is rated to a specific Design Pressure (DP) value — the combination of inward and outward wind load it must survive without failure.
Building Envelope Integrity
Keep the building envelope sealed so internal pressure cannot build. This prevents the cascading structural failure — blown-out windows, lifted roof, collapsed walls — that accounts for the majority of catastrophic residential hurricane damage.
What They Are Made Of
Hurricane Shutter Materials
Most hurricane shutters are made from one of three core materials — each with different weight, cost, and application characteristics.
6063-T6 Aluminum
Industry standard for permanent shutter systems — accordion, rolldown, colonial, and bahama shutters. Same alloy used in structural aerospace and marine applications. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and rated to withstand 130–160 mph wind loads.
Polycarbonate / Lexan
Clear hurricane panels and flat polycarbonate shutters. Impact-rated, allows natural light through, and provides visibility during the storm. Popular for second homes and properties where light transmission matters.
High-Tensile Fabric
Hurricane screens use woven high-strength fabric — including aramid and fiberglass blends. Lightweight, flexible, and rated for large openings that rigid panels cannot span. Roll up when not in use.
Key Distinctions
Storm Shutters vs Hurricane Shutters vs Impact Windows
Three terms that are often confused. Here is what each actually means.
Storm Shutters = Hurricane Shutters
No difference. Storm shutters and hurricane shutters are interchangeable terms for the same products. “Storm shutters” is more common among homeowners; “hurricane shutters” is more common in contractor and code language. AHS uses both.
Rated vs Decorative Shutters
Not all shutters are hurricane shutters. Decorative shutters — the kind painted on the siding of many homes — provide zero protection. Rated hurricane shutters must pass ASTM E1886/E1996 or Miami-Dade NOA testing to be considered protective.
Hurricane Shutters vs Impact Windows
Impact windows are an alternative to shutters that satisfies the same opening protection requirement. They typically cost 3–5x more for equivalent coverage. Many homeowners use both — impact windows in primary living areas, shutters on remaining openings — as a cost-effective hybrid approach.
Common Questions
What Are Hurricane Shutters — FAQ
Hurricane shutters for windows are systems sized and rated for individual window openings — typically accordion shutters, storm panels, or bahama/colonial shutters. They are custom-fabricated to your exact window dimensions and rated to the design pressure required for your specific location and elevation.
Yes — rated hurricane shutters tested and approved under ASTM E1886/E1996 or Miami-Dade NOA standards are proven to withstand the wind speeds and debris impacts they are rated for. The key word is “rated.” Non-impact shutters and untested systems are not the same as certified hurricane shutters. AHS only installs certified, rated systems.
The same thing. Storm shutters and hurricane shutters refer to the same products. The terms are completely interchangeable in the industry, in building codes, and in common usage. AHS installs both “storm shutters” and “hurricane shutters” — they are the same systems.
There are six main kinds of hurricane shutters: accordion shutters, roll down shutters, bahama shutters, colonial shutters, storm panels, and hurricane screens. Each has different price ranges, aesthetics, convenience levels, and best-use cases. See our complete guide to all types of hurricane shutters.
Ready to Protect Your Home? Start with a Free Estimate.
AHS Carolinas installs all types of hurricane shutters across coastal NC and SC. Free in-home estimates, same-week scheduling, OSHA-30 certified crew, and 7-year workmanship warranty.
