If you live in South Florida, protecting your home from hurricanes is not optional — it is essential. Two of the most common storm protection options are hurricane shutters and impact windows. This guide breaks down both options so you can make the best decision for your home and family.
Hurricane shutters are protective coverings installed over windows and doors to shield them from wind, debris, and storm surge during a hurricane. They come in several types, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks.
Accordion shutters are permanently attached to the sides of the window and fold open when not in use. They are among the most convenient shutter types because they can be closed quickly without storing separate panels.
Roll-down shutters retract into a housing box above the window when not in use. Many models can be motorized for easy operation.
Panel shutters (also called storm panels) are individual metal or polycarbonate panels that bolt or clip into tracks around each window opening before a storm.
Impact windows (also called hurricane-impact windows or impact-resistant windows) use specially engineered laminated glass bonded with an interlayer — similar to automobile windshields — mounted in heavy-duty frames. They are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and flying debris without any additional storm preparation required.
| Feature | Hurricane Shutters | Impact Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Storm Protection | High (when deployed) | Always-on protection |
| Deployment Required | Yes — before each storm | No — permanent protection |
| Aesthetics | Can look industrial | Looks like a standard window |
| Natural Light | Blocked when closed | Always available |
| Energy Efficiency | Minimal improvement | Significant improvement (Low-E glass) |
| Noise Reduction | Some reduction when closed | Year-round noise reduction |
| Home Value | Moderate increase | Strong increase |
| Maintenance | Regular (tracks, motors, panels) | Minimal (standard window care) |
| Insurance Discount | Yes (varies by insurer) | Yes (often higher discount) |
| Upfront Cost | Lower to moderate | Higher upfront investment |
Hurricane shutters can make sense as a budget-first step or for certain openings. However, for most South Florida homeowners seeking convenience, aesthetics, energy savings, and always-on protection, impact windows are the superior long-term investment. You never have to worry about deploying them before a storm — and if a hurricane forms overnight or you are away from home, your property is still protected.
Bigfoot Windows & Roofing specializes in impact window installation across South Florida. Our team will assess your home, help you select the right impact windows for your budget and style, and handle the entire installation process.
Call us today: 786-886-2088
South Florida sits inside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) — the most demanding wind-load classification in the United States. Miami-Dade and Broward counties set their own product approval standards that exceed the Florida Building Code statewide baseline. Any shutter installed on a home or commercial building in this zone must carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or a Florida Product Approval (FPA) number. If a product lacks that documentation, it will not pass inspection — and more importantly, it may not perform when a storm arrives.
This matters for homeowners comparing options: not every shutter product sold at a big-box retailer is listed for HVHZ use. Before purchasing, verify the NOA number applies to your specific opening size and that the anchor spacing in the approval matches how the product will actually be installed at your home.
Salt air corrosion is the other South Florida reality most product brochures skip. Accordion shutters, roll-down shutters, and storm panels all have aluminum and steel components. Within a mile of the coast, galvanic corrosion can degrade tracks, guides, and fasteners within a few years if the product isn’t rated for marine environments and maintained properly. Ask your installer specifically about the alloy grade and finish used in the tracks — anodized or powder-coated aluminum holds up significantly better than bare extruded aluminum near saltwater.
Every shutter type makes a different trade-off between cost, convenience, appearance, and protection level. This table is a practical reference — not a sales pitch.
| Type | Deployment | Protection Level | Typical Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accordion | Fold from side tracks — no storage needed | High (HVHZ rated) | $$$ | Frequent storms, convenience priority |
| Roll-Down | Manual crank or motorized — drops vertically | High (HVHZ rated) | $$$$ | Large openings, clean look |
| Storm Panels (aluminum/steel) | Bolt or clip in before storm; store flat | High (HVHZ rated) | $ | Budget-conscious; able-bodied homeowners |
| Polycarbonate Panels | Same as storm panels but translucent | High (HVHZ rated) | $$ | Light while closed; condos with rules |
| Bahama / Colonial | Hinged — prop open as awning normally | Moderate (check NOA) | $$ | Curb appeal; mild-exposure locations |
Cost ranges are general guides only and vary by opening count, size, and product brand. Motorized roll-downs add significantly to cost. Always get a written, itemized quote.
They can. Florida insurers are required to offer discounts for verified opening protection under the Florida Building Code’s wind mitigation credit system. The amount varies by insurer, policy, and the type of protection installed. To capture the credit, you typically need a Wind Mitigation Inspection (form OIR-B1-1802) completed by a licensed inspector after installation — not just a receipt. Accordion and roll-down shutters that meet HVHZ standards generally qualify for the highest opening-protection credits.
It depends on your condominium’s declaration and rules, and on whether the exterior is a common element under your association’s documents. Many condos restrict visible shutter types or require board approval for exterior modifications. Polycarbonate panels are sometimes the only option allowed because they’re less visible. Always get written HOA or condo board approval before purchasing. Some condo communities have negotiated bulk contracts for shutters — worth asking your management office about.
A quality accordion shutter system installed with marine-grade components and maintained annually can last 20 years or more in South Florida conditions. The weak points are the bottom rail and track guides, which are subject to standing water and salt exposure. Flushing tracks with fresh water after storms and lubricating annually extends life significantly. Units within a half-mile of the ocean should be inspected every two to three years for corrosion at fastener points regardless of visible condition.
A Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) is issued by Miami-Dade County’s product control section and is recognized statewide because it meets or exceeds Florida Building Code requirements — particularly for HVHZ use. A Florida Product Approval (FPA) is issued through the state’s system and is valid statewide but may not cover HVHZ if it wasn’t specifically tested to those standards. For properties in Miami-Dade or Broward, confirm your shutter carries an NOA or an FPA that explicitly lists HVHZ approval.
Yes. Bigfoot Windows & Roofing holds a General Contractor license (CGC1531370), Roofing license (CCC1333168), and Glazing license (CRC1331693) — which means we can scope and permit window, roofing, and exterior work under a single contract without subcontracting out the core trades. For homeowners doing a broader storm-hardening project, that means one point of contact, one permit set, and one warranty relationship rather than coordinating separate contractors who may point fingers at each other if something goes wrong.
Bigfoot Windows & Roofing serves Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. We pull our own permits, carry our own licenses, and stand behind our work. If you want a straightforward evaluation of what your home needs — without a high-pressure sales visit — give us a call.
Call 786-886-2088Licensed: CGC1531370 • CCC1333168 • CRC1331693 • SCC131153098
