Summary
Hurricane shutters have been around for decades, protecting Florida homes from flying debris and fierce winds. But building codes, materials science, and construction practices have evolved. Today, more and more homeowners are choosing impact-rated windows that double as shutters, providing year-round protection. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the history, the pros and cons of shutters vs. impact windows, and share a story from my own experience that taught me an important lesson about hurricane prep.
The Origins of Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters came into wide use after hard lessons from storms like Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which devastated South Florida. Andrew revealed what engineers had feared: many homes weren’t designed or built to handle sustained 150+ mph winds or the projectiles that storms send hurtling through the air. Windows failed, roofs blew off, and entire neighborhoods in Homestead were flattened (Source: National Hurricane Center).
The solution? Metal hurricane shutters. For years, builders and developers handed new homeowners stacks of corrugated metal panels to store in their garage. They worked reasonably well—if you had the time, strength, and patience to install them before the storm hit.
Fast forward to today, and we now have a whole industry around shutters: accordion shutters, roll-down shutters, colonial-style shutters. But as codes got stricter and engineering advanced, another option came into play: impact-rated windows.
Shutters vs. Impact Windows: Pros and Cons
Let’s break it down.
Hurricane Shutters
Pros:
- Affordable upfront cost.
- Easy to replace individual panels.
- Some decorative options available.
Cons:
- Labor-intensive to install (especially with 30+ windows).
- Require storage space.
- Easy to procrastinate (and procrastination in hurricane prep is dangerous).
- Can corrode or warp if not maintained.
Impact Windows
Pros:
- Always “on guard”—no setup required.
- Improve energy efficiency and soundproofing.
- Increase home value and insurance discounts.
- Cleaner look compared to panels.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost (can be tens of thousands for large homes).
- Replacement can be pricey if glass cracks.
And here’s the important part: many modern windows now meet the Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) standard, which is essentially a certification that they’ve passed the rigorous impact and pressure tests.
What’s an NOA and Why It Matters
An NOA is a document issued by Miami-Dade County showing that a product—like a window, door, or roofing system—has been tested and approved for use in South Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ).
How do you know if your window acts as a shutter? Three ways:
- Look up the NOA. Your product should have a number like NOA#: 21-0412.12. This certifies it’s been tested against flying 2x4s and extreme pressures.
- Find the sticker. Most windows installed in the last 20 years have a small label near the frame listing the NOA and design pressures (+/- psf ratings).
- Hire a professional. The surest way is to call a licensed engineer or window professional. We know what to look for and can provide a definitive answer.
The Myth of the Masking Tape “X”
Let’s put this to rest: taping your windows in an “X” pattern does absolutely nothing to protect against hurricane damage. In fact, it can make things worse by creating larger shards of glass when the window fails. Yet, every hurricane season I still see people doing it. Please—don’t fall for the myth.
True Story to Learn From
About 30 years ago, I bought a large home in Pembroke Pines with around 30 windows. The builder (Lennar, in this case) handed me a big stack of corrugated metal panels for shutters. They were heavy, sharp, and not the easiest thing to wrangle.
One summer, a hurricane was approaching. I told my family not to worry—we’d be fine. But as the storm crept closer, I realized I had waited too long. Installing those 30 shutters would have taken hours I didn’t have.
So, instead of bolting down, we packed up and stayed at my brother’s place. Thankfully, the storm shifted and Broward County didn’t get hit hard. But I learned my lesson: shutters are only as good as your discipline to install them on time.
Had that storm struck us head-on, the story might have ended differently. And that’s why many homeowners today prefer impact-rated windows—they don’t depend on your last-minute motivation.
Different Perspectives
Some folks argue that shutters are “just as good” as impact windows. They’re not wrong—shutters do work if properly installed. The key difference is human behavior. Too many times, homeowners wait until the last day (or last hour) to bolt panels up, and by then it’s either too dangerous or too late.
Impact windows take the human factor out of the equation. They’re always in place, ready 24/7. In South Florida, where storms can develop quickly, that peace of mind is worth the cost.
| Feature | Hurricane Shutters | Impact Windows |
| Upfront Cost | Lower initial cost; often included by builders | Higher upfront investment (thousands per home) |
| Installation | Manual, labor-intensive; requires storage and time before a storm | Always in place; no prep needed |
| Maintenance | Can rust, warp, or be misplaced | Minimal; clean like regular windows |
| Effectiveness | Strong if installed correctly and on time | Always provides protection; removes human error |
| Convenience | Inconvenient, especially with many windows | Highly convenient—protection is automatic |
| Insurance Discounts | Some discounts possible | Typically larger insurance premium reductions |
| Energy Efficiency | None | Improves insulation and reduces noise |
| Appearance | Can look bulky or unattractive | Sleek, modern design that adds curb appeal |
| Resale Value | Neutral | Increases home value significantly |
| Risk Factor | Only as good as the homeowner’s discipline to install | Ready 24/7 regardless of preparation |
| Storm Prep Time | Can take hours to cover all windows; dangerous if delayed | Zero prep time—already storm-ready |
| Durability Over Decades | Panels may corrode, dent, or be lost over time | Long lifespan if maintained; laminated glass lasts decades |
| Emergency Exit Access | Shutters can block egress in an emergency | Windows can still be used as exits |
| Noise Reduction | No benefit | Provides year-round sound insulation |
| Everyday Use | Must be stored until needed | Works as a normal window every day |
Bibliography
Source: National Hurricane Center, “Hurricane Andrew 1992: 25 Years Later,” www.nhc.noaa.gov
Source: Miami-Dade County Product Control Division, “Notice of Acceptance (NOA),” www.miamidade.gov
Source: Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), “Window Protection Myths and Facts,” www.flash.org
For additional information you can access the following:
- FEMA Hurricane Safety, www.fema.gov
- Florida Building Code (FBC), www.floridabuilding.org
