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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SHUTTERS IN Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Brevard

Affordable Glass Protection has served Space Coast homeowners for more than 30 years with locally manufactured hurricane protection, replacement windows, and custom storm protection systems.

Below are answers to common questions about hurricane shutters, impact and non-impact windows, and motorized hurricane roll screens throughout Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Melbourne Beach, Satellite Beach, Merritt Island, and the surrounding Space Coast.

Service areas: Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach, Rockledge, Cocoa, Merritt Island, Titusville, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Port St. John, Mims, and Grant.

Products: Accordion Shutters, Bahama Shutters, Roll-Down Metal Shutters, Impact Windows, Non-Impact Replacement Windows, and Motorized Hurricane Roll Screens.

Licensing & permits: Affordable Glass Protection is a licensed Florida contractor and handles permitting associated with qualifying installations.

Hurricane shutters

The best hurricane shutters depend on your home, budget, preferred appearance, and how quickly you want to secure the property before a storm.

Popular hurricane protection options throughout Brevard County include accordion shutters, roll-down metal shutters, and Bahama shutters.

Accordion hurricane shutters are one of the most popular choices for homeowners looking for permanent, easy-to-use protection. They remain attached to tracks alongside the opening and slide closed when storm protection is needed. They are commonly used for:

  • Windows
  • Sliding glass doors
  • Large openings
  • Side and rear elevations
  • Whole-home hurricane protection

Because they stay permanently installed, homeowners do not need to store or manually install separate storm panels before a hurricane.

Roll-down metal shutters provide a premium combination of storm protection, convenience, privacy, and security. They can be operated manually or with a motorized system, and are especially useful for large windows, doors, sliders, and openings you want to secure quickly. Benefits include:

  • Fast storm preparation
  • Motorized operation
  • Added security
  • Protection for large openings
  • Permanent installation

Bahama shutters combine hurricane protection with a traditional coastal appearance. Mounted above the window, they can provide shade and privacy throughout the year while also serving as hurricane protection when properly secured. Benefits include:

  • Hurricane-rated protection
  • Shade
  • Privacy
  • Coastal styling
  • Multiple color and finish options
  • Added curb appeal

Bahama shutters are especially popular throughout Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Satellite Beach, and other coastal communities.

Pricing depends on the type of shutter, opening size, number of openings, finish, installation requirements, and whether motorized operation is included.

In general:

Smaller projects may fall in the $2,000 to $5,000 range, while larger whole-home projects may reach $10,000 to $20,000 or more depending on the system.

Most hurricane shutter installations require permitting.

Permitting helps verify that the system is installed according to applicable Florida Building Code and local requirements.

Affordable Glass Protection handles permitting associated with qualifying installations.

Hurricane shutters may help homeowners qualify for wind mitigation credits when the home has qualifying opening protection.

Insurance companies may consider protection for:

  • Windows
  • Exterior doors
  • Sliding glass doors
  • Garage doors
  • Other exterior openings

A wind mitigation inspection can document the home’s improvements for the insurance provider.

Yes. Many homeowners use different systems throughout the same home based on appearance, function, and budget.

For example:

Matching colors and finishes can help create a consistent appearance.

Yes.

Accordion shutters and roll-down shutters are commonly used to protect sliding glass doors and other large openings.

The best solution depends on the width of the opening, mounting conditions, budget, and desired appearance.

While hurricane shutters are highly effective, they do come with some disadvantages:

Aesthetics: Some shutter types, like storm panels, can be less visually appealing and may affect the curb appeal of your home when not in use.
Maintenance: Depending on the type, shutters may require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly.
Installation Time: Certain shutters, such as storm panels, require more time and effort to install compared to permanent options like accordion or roll-down shutters.

This is why our experienced installers will guide you through the entire process and selections, so none of the disadvantages will apply.
For emergency exits, we can actually build custom shutters to function from inside the home.

For openings that may not require shutters, one would be glass block openings. We’ve had insurance companies recognize them as Hurricane rated and not required. Also not necessary on impact rated windows or doors.

Accordion shutters are one of the most popular choices in Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Brevard. They strike a balance between affordability, ease of use, and effective hurricane protection. Many homeowners in our area find them to be a reliable option for their hurricane protection needs.

When purchasing hurricane shutters for your Florida home, it’s important to choose products that balance protection, appearance, and ease of use. Here’s what to consider:

  • Material: Aluminum is the preferred choice because it’s strong, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective — ideal for Florida’s coastal climate.

  • Wind Load Rating: Make sure your shutters meet Florida Building Code requirements for hurricane wind resistance in Brevard County.

  • Ease of Use: Look for systems that are simple to deploy and maintain, especially if you’ll need to secure your home quickly.

  • Aesthetics: Choose a style and color that complements your home’s exterior, such as Bahama shutters for coastal charm or roll-down shutters for a sleek, modern look.

  • Cost: Set a realistic budget and balance upfront cost with long-term durability and convenience.

At Affordable Glass Protection, our licensed installers will help you select the best shutter type for your home’s design, budget, and wind zone — ensuring you get both lasting protection and great curb appeal.

Among the common shutter types, Bahama shutters tend to let in the most light when they are in the open position. They provide shade and moderate hurricane protection while allowing some natural light to enter. However, if preserving the most light is your priority, you might also consider other options like impact-resistant windows or clear Lexan storm panels, though these may not offer as much protection as some shutter types.

Impact & non-impact windows

Impact windows are designed with laminated glass and reinforced window systems that help resist windborne debris during severe storms. If the glass breaks, the laminated layer helps keep the opening intact.

Non-impact windows use standard glass and do not provide the same level of hurricane protection by themselves.

In Florida, non-impact windows are often paired with approved hurricane shutters or another code-compliant opening protection system.

Properly rated impact windows are designed to provide hurricane protection without requiring separate shutters over the same opening.

Some homeowners still add shutters for additional security, shade, or another layer of protection.

Yes. This can be a practical approach for homeowners who want new replacement windows without paying for impact glass at every opening.

Non-impact windows can be paired with approved hurricane shutters to provide separate storm protection.

That depends on the homeowner’s priorities.

Impact windows provide permanent protection directly through the window system and require very little storm preparation.

Hurricane shutters can often protect existing windows without requiring a complete window replacement.

Factors to consider include:

  • Budget
  • Existing window condition
  • Energy efficiency
  • Appearance
  • Storm preparation preferences
  • Insurance considerations

Many modern impact windows include energy-efficient features such as:

  • Low-E glass
  • Insulated glass
  • Improved seals
  • Modern frame systems

The exact energy performance depends on the specific window and glass package.

Yes. Modern non-impact windows can still improve energy efficiency compared with older windows.

They may include Low-E coatings, insulated glass, improved weather sealing, and more efficient frames.

They simply require separate hurricane protection where applicable.

Impact windows may help reduce outside noise due to their laminated glass construction and tighter modern window systems.

This can be useful for homes near busy roads, schools, airports, or other high-traffic areas.

Impact-resistant laminated glass is more difficult to penetrate than standard window glass.

While no window can guarantee complete security, impact windows may provide an added barrier against forced entry.

Window replacement projects generally require permitting.

Requirements may vary depending on the municipality, project scope, and product being installed.

Affordable Glass Protection can assist with permitting for qualifying installations.

Impact-rated windows may help a home qualify for wind mitigation credits when they meet applicable requirements and provide qualifying protection for the home’s openings.

Insurance eligibility and discounts vary by carrier.

Non-impact windows can be a good option for homeowners who already have hurricane shutters or plan to install them separately.

Potential benefits include:

  • Lower initial cost
  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Better appearance
  • Easier operation
  • Reduced air leakage
  • Compatibility with existing hurricane protection

Impact windows may be the better fit for homeowners who want hurricane protection built directly into the window system.

Non-impact windows may make more sense if the home already has shutters or if the homeowner wants to control replacement costs.

Affordable Glass Protection can evaluate the existing windows, hurricane protection, and budget to determine the best fit.

Hurricane roll screens

Hurricane roll screens are motorized protection systems designed for large openings such as patios, lanais, porches, outdoor kitchens, and other outdoor living spaces.

They can be lowered when storm protection is needed and raised when homeowners want the space completely open.

Yes. Roll screens are especially useful for large outdoor spaces that may be difficult to protect with traditional window shutters.

Common applications include:

  • Lanais
  • Covered patios
  • Porches
  • Pool areas
  • Outdoor kitchens
  • Large outdoor living spaces

Many hurricane roll screen systems are motorized and can be operated with the push of a button.

This makes them especially convenient for wide openings and frequently used outdoor spaces.

Yes. One of the main advantages of roll screens is that they can provide value throughout the year.

Depending on the system, homeowners may use them for:

  • Shade
  • Privacy
  • Insect control
  • Outdoor comfort
  • Storm protection

Yes. Hurricane roll screens are particularly well suited for wide openings where traditional shutters may be less practical.

They can be custom measured to protect patios, lanais, porches, and other large spaces.

The two systems serve slightly different purposes.

Roll-down metal shutters provide solid protection and additional security over windows, doors, and openings.

Hurricane roll screens are especially useful when homeowners want to protect larger outdoor living spaces while maintaining visibility and airflow when the screens are being used for everyday comfort.

Pricing depends on:

  • Opening width and height
  • Number of openings
  • Motorization
  • Structural mounting requirements
  • Product specifications
  • Installation complexity

Because many roll screen projects are highly customized, the most accurate pricing comes from an in-home measurement and estimate.

Hurricane-rated roll screen installations may require permitting depending on the product and installation.

Affordable Glass Protection can manage permitting and inspection requirements associated with qualifying projects.

Why choose Affordable Glass Protection?

Affordable Glass Protection has served Brevard County and Florida’s Space Coast for more than 30 years. Homeowners choose AGP for:

  • Local manufacturing and installation
  • More than 30 years serving the Space Coast
  • Licensed Florida contracting
  • Hurricane-rated systems
  • Impact and non-impact replacement windows
  • Custom shutter installations
  • Motorized hurricane roll screens
  • Permitting and inspection assistance
  • Experienced local installation crews

Schedule a free estimate

Whether you’re considering hurricane shutters, impact windows, non-impact replacement windows, or hurricane roll screens, Affordable Glass Protection can help determine the right combination for your home.

We serve homeowners throughout Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Melbourne Beach, Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Merritt Island, Cocoa, Rockledge, Titusville, and surrounding Space Coast communities.

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