Which Is the Better Hurricane Protection?

If you are preparing your home for hurricane season in South Florida, you likely face one big question. Should you install impact windows or storm shutters?

With the 2025 hurricane season beginning on June first and storm systems forming earlier each year, the urgency to choose the right protection is greater than ever. For many homeowners, the answer depends on timing, budget, property style, and how quickly installation is needed. Our goal is to help you understand the advantages of each solution and make the right decision for your home.

We are a licensed and insured contractor with over twenty years of experience in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. We have completed more than fifteen thousand installations across the region. Whether you are still deciding or ready to move forward, this guide will help you understand your options and next steps.

Hurricane Season 2025 Demands Early Decisions

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1, but over the past several years, storms have arrived earlier and intensified faster than ever before. What used to be a predictable calendar window has now shifted into a more unpredictable and urgent timeline. It is no longer unusual for named storms to develop in late May or even earlier, catching unprepared homeowners off guard. Some systems have gone from tropical disturbance to Category 1 hurricane in less than 48 hours, leaving very little time for last-minute protection measures.

Because of this growing unpredictability, the time to act is no longer “sometime before hurricane season.” The time to act is now. If you are reading this in May or June, standard installation timelines may no longer be an option. The typical process of evaluating your home, ordering custom-fit products, waiting for permit approval, and scheduling installation can easily take weeks or even longer during peak demand.

To meet this challenge, we offer emergency installation services for qualified homes. Our team keeps select impact window models in inventory and has dedicated permit runners to accelerate the approval process. In many cases, we can assess your home and begin installation within three to five days, depending on availability and property conditions.

This accelerated approach allows us to provide hurricane-rated protection without sacrificing quality or code compliance. All our installations meet or exceed Florida Building Code standards and are fully inspected by local officials. Whether you live in a high-risk zone or simply want peace of mind before the next system forms, early decision-making is the key.

Do not wait until the first named storm is on the news. The window to protect your home is already closing. Take action today while time is still on your side.

What Are Impact Windows?

Impact windows are advanced, hurricane-rated window systems engineered to protect homes from the intense wind pressure, flying debris, and structural stress caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. Unlike traditional glass windows, which can shatter on impact and create dangerous openings during a storm, impact windows are made from multiple layers of laminated, shatter-resistant glass bonded together with a strong, clear interlayer. This is typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SGP. These layers are encased in a reinforced frame, often crafted from heavy-duty aluminum or vinyl, which anchors securely into your home’s structure.

Although they look similar to conventional windows from the outside, impact windows are designed to absorb and disperse energy. This prevents breakage and keeps your home sealed even during direct strikes. If the outer layer of glass is cracked, the interlayer holds the broken pieces together. This prevents dangerous shards from entering your home and maintains the structural integrity of your building envelope.

In addition to their storm-resistance, impact windows offer everyday benefits like energy efficiency, UV protection, noise reduction, and enhanced home security. For homeowners seeking long-term value, safety, and peace of mind, impact windows represent a smart and lasting investment, especially in hurricane-prone areas like South Florida.

Key benefits of impact windows include:

• Permanent protection with no setup required
• Improved insulation and energy savings
• Noise reduction and UV filtering
• Enhanced curb appeal and property value
• Lower long term insurance costs

Once installed, impact windows are always active. You do not need to close panels, deploy hardware, or worry about whether you are home when a storm warning is issued.

What to Consider When Choosing

The right option depends on your needs. Impact windows offer more convenience and long term value, while shutters provide a faster and more affordable way to meet code and secure your home. Below are the factors we advise homeowners to evaluate:

Timeframe

If you are approaching or inside of June, shutters may be the only system that can be installed before a storm arrives. Impact windows require more lead time and measurement.

Budget

Shutters cost less to install. For homeowners with limited funds but urgent needs, shutters are often the right call. However, impact windows may offer savings over time through energy efficiency and insurance credits.

Lifestyle

If you travel frequently or do not want to rely on manual preparation, impact windows are a better fit. Shutters require physical action before each storm.

Resale and aesthetics

Impact windows offer a cleaner appearance and may increase the resale value of your property. Shutters are more visible but still provide solid defense.

Permit status

If you already have permits in progress or architectural drawings, our team can review them and help accelerate your timeline for either system.

What We Recommend for June 2025

If hurricane season has already begun and your home is still unprotected, you may be wondering if it is too late to take action. Fortunately, the answer is no, but you need to move quickly. While traditional installation timelines for custom impact windows can take several weeks, we offer emergency installation services designed specifically for this type of urgent situation.

Our team maintains a ready inventory of select impact window models, which allows us to mobilize quickly. For homes with standard-size window openings or relatively straightforward layouts, we can often complete installation within three to five business days, depending on availability and local permitting timelines. This gives you a path to compliance with the Florida Building Code while securing your home before the next major storm.

We also offer phased installation plans for homeowners who are not yet ready to complete a full property upgrade. If your budget or schedule only allows for partial work, we can begin by installing impact windows on the most at-risk areas of your home. These may include large fixed windows, patio doors, or front-facing rooms. The remaining windows can then be completed after the peak of the season. This option provides both immediate protection and a clear path toward full coverage.

Whether you choose a full install or phased project, you will receive high-quality service from licensed professionals, backed by proper permitting and inspection. Every product we install is tested and approved for hurricane impact resistance, and every job is executed to meet or exceed Florida’s structural and wind-load standards.

Most importantly, our team is here to help you make informed decisions. We will evaluate your property, discuss available product options, and create a custom plan based on your goals, home design, and timeline. You will never be rushed into a decision or sold something you do not need.

If you are still unprotected and it is already June, now is the time to take action. With the right plan and the right team, it is still possible to protect your home before the season intensifies. Call today for a free consultation and fast-track protection you can trust.

Local Experts You Can Trust

We are proud to serve Broward and Palm Beach County with over twenty years of local experience. Our hurricane protection services are active in cities like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Weston, and Palm Beach.

Every installation is handled by licensed professionals and inspected according to Florida Building Code. We are familiar with each city’s permit process, wind zone requirements, and product standards. Our reputation is built on reliability and results.

To date, we have completed more than fifteen thousand impact window and shutter installations across South Florida. Many of those were completed in the final days before a major storm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you install impact windows before the next storm?

It depends on timing. Some homes qualify for emergency window installation if materials are in stock and the property allows fast measurement and mounting.

How fast can shutters be installed?

Accordion or panel shutters can often be installed within two to three days. We prioritize emergency requests based on urgency and location.

Do both options meet code?

Yes. All of our products are rated for hurricane protection and installed with full permitting and inspection.

Can I start with shutters and upgrade later?

Yes. Many homeowners begin with shutters and plan window upgrades for the offseason. We can help design your project to support both.

Get Expert Help Today

Choosing between impact windows and shutters does not have to be complicated. Our team is here to walk you through every step, from evaluation to installation. Whether you need immediate protection or are preparing early, we have solutions for every timeline.

Call us now at 954 922 0606 for a free consultation. We will help you decide what works best and install it fast, with full code compliance and the backing of more than twenty years of hurricane protection experience.