Do I need hurricane shutters if I have impact windows?

You may not need shutters if your impact windows and doors meet local requirements and your openings are fully protected. Some homeowners still add shutters for extra protection or comfort.

What is HVHZ, and how do I know if my home is in it?

HVHZ is a stricter building code zone in Florida. Miami-Dade and Broward are in HVHZ, and some nearby areas follow similar standards.

How much does it cost to hurricane-proof a house in South Florida?

Costs vary by opening size, product type, and installation needs. Many homeowners budget $10,000–$25,000 for impact windows on a mid-size home, plus doors and garage upgrades.

How to Hurricane-Proof Your Home in South Florida Before Storm Season

Hurricane proofing means you strengthen your home so wind and debris do not breach openings and water does not enter during wind-driven rain.

1) List your weakest points first

You should walk around your home and list every opening. You should also check the roof edge and soffits.

Your list should include:

Front door and back door
Sliding glass doors
Every window
Garage door
Skylights or other glass

2) Protect windows and glass doors

Older windows often fail when debris hits glass. You should use impact-rated windows or a proven shutter system.

You should avoid quick fixes like window tape. It does not prevent shattering.

If you want year-round protection, start with impact windows (internal link).

3) Reinforce exterior doors and sliding doors

A hurricane-rated door needs a strong slab, frame, hinges, lockset, and correct anchoring. The installation matters as much as the product.

If your entry or patio door includes glass, the glass needs hurricane-rated protection too.

If you want to compare door types, review our impact doors options (internal link).

4) Do not ignore the garage door

The garage door is often the largest opening in the home. A failure can change interior pressure and increase roof damage risk.

You should confirm your garage door has a wind rating that matches local requirements. You should use approved reinforcement if your door model supports it.

5) Reduce water entry and manage drainage

Wind-driven rain enters through small gaps around frames, thresholds, and wall penetrations. You should seal and maintain these points.

You should also prepare for drainage issues:

Clear gutters and downspouts
Clear yard drains and street drains near your home
Grade soil away from the foundation
Store sandbags before storm season

6) Prepare for power loss and cleanup

You should plan for at least 72 hours without power. You should keep your essentials in one place.

Your kit should include:

Water and shelf-stable food
Flashlights and batteries
First aid supplies
Phone chargers and power banks
Copies of insurance documents
Basic tools and heavy trash bags

South Florida homes face high wind pressures and debris risk, especially in coastal and open-exposure areas.

Hurricane Andrew caused about $27 billion in damage (1992 dollars), and the region tightened building standards after that.

Hurricane proofing is not one project. It is a set of upgrades that you can phase over time.

Impact windows cost range

Homeowners often use these ranges for early budgeting:

Single-hung impact window: $800–$1,400 installed
Typical 3-bedroom home (10–15 windows): $10,000–$25,000
HVHZ and large openings can push totals higher

Impact doors cost range

Homeowners often use these ranges for early budgeting:

Single entry impact door: $2,000–$3,500+ installed
Double entry impact doors: $3,500–$5,500+ installed
Sliding glass impact doors: $2,500–$6,000+ installed

Shutters and panels (common alternative)

Shutters can work well when they are installed early and fit your openings correctly. Pricing often varies by type and opening size.

Many homeowners see accordion and roll-down shutters priced around $30–$50 per sq. ft. for planning.

This matters in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and nearby coastal areas where wind pressure and debris risk are higher.

Miami-Dade and Broward fall under the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) sections of the Florida Building Code. HVHZ rules often require stricter product approvals and installation standards.

You should look for:

Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA documentation
Ratings that match your opening size and exposure
Proper permits and inspections for replacement work

Insurance can also play a role. Florida insurers must provide information about premium discounts for hurricane loss mitigation, and a wind mitigation inspection can help document eligible features.

Impact windows protect glass year-round.

You do not need a last-minute installation.

Shutters can be effective, but they depend on time, storage, and a consistent routine.

Impact windows are often a better fit if:

You travel often
You want protection that works even when you are not home
You want a clean look year-round
You want a long-term upgrade you can keep on the home

Shutters can be a good fit if:

You want a lower upfront cost
You have a clear routine for installing them
Your HOA supports the style you want

You can use this checklist to plan upgrades in the right order.

High impact, do-first items

Replace or protect any non-rated windows and glass doors
Upgrade exterior doors to impact-rated units
Verify garage door wind rating or add approved reinforcement
Ask a licensed pro to review roof-to-wall connections
Seal gaps at frames, thresholds, and wall penetrations

Storm-week preparation items

Bring in patio furniture and secure loose yard items
Clear gutters, drains, and downspouts
Charge power banks and test flashlights
Photograph your home and valuables for claims documentation
Confirm your evacuation zone and plan

Insurance and documentation

Schedule a wind mitigation inspection if you have upgrades
Save permits, invoices, and product approval documents
Ask your agent what mitigation credits apply

At Doors Galour, we help South Florida homeowners choose hurricane-rated doors and windows that fit local requirements. We verify the details that matter, and we keep the process clear.

We have 45+ years of local experience in this market, and we have seen what fails when storms hit. We use that experience to help you choose the right level of protection for your home and your budget.

When you work with us, we can help you verify:

Product approvals for your opening type
Proper installation method for your home

Do I need hurricane shutters if I have impact windows?
You may not need shutters if your impact windows and doors meet local requirements and your openings are fully protected. Some homeowners still add shutters for extra protection or comfort.
What is HVHZ, and how do I know if my home is in it?
HVHZ is a stricter building code zone in Florida. Miami-Dade and Broward are in HVHZ, and some nearby areas follow similar standards.
How much does it cost to hurricane-proof a house in South Florida?
Costs vary by opening size, product type, and installation needs. Many homeowners budget $10,000–$25,000 for impact windows on a mid-size home, plus doors and garage upgrades.