What Makes an Exterior Shutter Truly “Functional”? A Coastal Guide

The term “functional shutters” can be misleading, especially for homeowners living in a hurricane zone like coastal Carolina. Traditionally, “functional” simply meant that a shutter could open and close on its hinges, as opposed to a decorative shutter that is permanently fixed to the wall. However, in our region, the definition of “functional” must go much, much deeper.

For a shutter to be truly functional on a coastal home, it must perform its most critical function: **protecting your home from a hurricane**. At American Hurricane Shutters, we believe in providing our clients with shutters that are not just operable, but are genuinely protective. This guide will clarify the crucial difference between a simple “operable” shutter and a truly functional, hurricane-rated system.

The Old Definition vs. The Coastal Reality

The Traditional Definition of “Functional”

Historically, functional shutters were used for everyday purposes like blocking out the sun, providing privacy, or improving insulation. They could be swung shut and latched. Most of these shutters were made of wood and were not designed to withstand extreme weather.

The Anatomy of a Truly Functional Hurricane Shutter

So, what elevates a simple operable shutter to a truly functional piece of storm protection? It comes down to a system of engineered components designed to work together to resist incredible forces.

1. Hurricane-Rated Materials

A functional hurricane shutter is not made from thin vinyl, PVC, or standard wood. It is crafted from robust, impact-resistant materials like heavy-duty, extruded aluminum. This is the foundation of its strength.

2. Heavy-Duty, Reinforced Hardware

This is where many “operable” shutters fail. A truly functional shutter doesn’t use standard decorative hinges. It uses over-engineered, corrosion-resistant hinges and robust locking mechanisms (like storm bars or heavy-duty pins) that are specifically designed to keep the shutter locked in place against thousands of pounds of wind pressure.

3. Certified Lab Testing

This is the ultimate proof of function. Our rated shutters have been physically tested in a certified laboratory. They have been shot with a 9-lb 2×4 at high speed and then subjected to thousands of cycles of wind pressure to prove they will not fail. This certification is what separates a real piece of safety equipment from a simple home accessory.

Examples of Truly Functional Shutters for Your Home

We specialize in providing shutters that are both beautiful and genuinely functional in the truest sense of the word.

Rated Colonial Shutters: Timeless and Tough

Our **Bertha HV Rated Colonial Shutters** are the perfect example. They look like traditional, elegant colonial shutters and are fully operable for daily use. However, they are also built from reinforced aluminum and come with a heavy-duty hardware package that allows them to be securely barred and locked, transforming them into a certified storm barrier. At approximately **$56 per square foot**, they are an investment in both classic style and real-world function.

Rated Bahama Shutters: Stylish and Secure

Our **Rated Bahama Shutters** from ASSA and Town & Country are another excellent example. They function daily as shade awnings, cutting down on heat and glare. But when a storm approaches, their heavy-duty support arms are disconnected and they are secured tight against the window frame, engaging their locking mechanisms to become a lab-tested shield. With options starting at **$56 per square foot**, they are a functional, beautiful, and protective addition to any coastal home.