Hurricane season has a way of putting your windows top of mind. If you own in Windermere, you know strong winds and storm prep are part of life on the Grand Strand. Choosing between impact windows and storm shutters can feel confusing, especially with permits, HOA rules, and insurance credits in the mix. This guide breaks down how each option performs, what it costs, and what to check in Horry County so you can upgrade with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Windermere risk and code basics
Horry County sees tropical systems that bring high winds, water, and short-notice advisories. Start by confirming your property’s evacuation zone using South Carolina’s Know Your Zone maps. Then check address-level FEMA flood information through the county’s FEMA flood map portal.
South Carolina enforces statewide building codes adopted through the Building Codes Council. These codes and wind maps guide opening protection requirements and permits in Horry County. You can review the state’s adoption page for context on the current standards in effect (SC Building Codes Council).
Impact windows vs. shutters at a glance
Impact windows
- Always-on protection with no setup before a storm.
- Laminated glass helps prevent a breach if struck by debris and can reduce noise.
- Typical installed costs vary by size and options; national averages often fall in the low five figures for a whole home, with many windows priced in the $280–$850+ per-unit range (impact window cost overview).
Storm shutters
- Strong protection when closed, with many types available (panels, accordion, roll-down, Bahama/colonial styles).
- Lower entry cost for panels; permanent systems cost more but are faster to deploy.
- Panels commonly run about $200–$400 per opening; permanent systems are higher but often less than full window replacement (shutter cost overview).
How each option performs
Hurricane-rated windows and shutters are evaluated using impact and pressure tests such as ASTM E1886 and E1996. These standards simulate windborne debris striking the opening and the pressure cycles a home experiences in a storm. Verified products that meet these standards are designed to reduce the risk of a window failure that can lead to larger structural damage (ASTM E1886/E1996 explained).
- Impact windows: Provide passive, continuous protection. When the glass cracks under impact, the laminate holds together to resist breach.
- Shutters: Certified roll-down or accordion systems can match or exceed design pressures. Removable panels work too, but manual setup can be impractical with short warning times, as FEMA cautions in its guidance on protective measures (FEMA guidance excerpt).
Costs and payback signals
- Upfront costs: Impact windows typically require a larger investment than shutters. Shutters range from budget-friendly panels to premium motorized roll-downs (shutter costs, impact window costs).
- Ongoing value: Impact windows can add energy, noise, and security benefits you feel every day. Shutters focus value on storm days and security when closed.
- Insurance savings: Many insurers offer credits for verified opening protection. Maximum discounts often require protecting all exterior openings. Ask your carrier what documentation they need and how credits apply to your policy (insurer mitigation guidance).
Permits, HOA rules, and tax credits
- Permits: In unincorporated Horry County and many municipalities, window replacements and shutter installs require permits and inspections. Start with the county’s permits page and confirm requirements for your address (Horry County permits).
- HOA/condo approvals: Many Windermere-area communities have design standards for exterior changes. Secure HOA or ARB approval before ordering products, especially for visible elevations.
- State tax credits: South Carolina offers a state income tax credit for eligible fortification measures, plus a credit for sales/use tax on qualifying retrofit materials. Review the statute and keep detailed receipts and installer certifications to claim benefits (SC Code §12-6-3660).
How to choose for your Windermere home
Use these decision points to match your goals and budget:
- Protection approach
- Want set-it-and-forget-it protection? Consider impact windows.
- Comfortable deploying protection before storms? Quality shutters may be the better value.
- Daily benefits
- Prioritize energy savings, noise reduction, and UV control? Impact windows can help year-round.
- Prefer flexible privacy and shading when needed? Shutters provide that when closed.
- Property context
- Check your evacuation zone and flood exposure using the county’s FEMA map portal.
- Confirm HOA rules, especially in condo or ocean-facing buildings.
- Documentation
- Verify product approvals match the exact installed models and methods.
- Plan for permits, final inspections, and insurer-required verification.
Timeline and next steps
- Planning: 1 to 2 weeks to confirm HOA approvals, gather quotes, and submit permits.
- Lead times: Shutters are often quicker; custom impact windows can take several weeks to fabricate.
- Installation: Small jobs can wrap in days. Whole-home window replacements commonly take 1 to 3 weeks on site once materials arrive. Confirm timing with your contractor and the county permitting office (permits and inspections).
Whether you are prepping to sell or planning long-term ownership, documented opening protection can boost peace of mind and add value at resale. If you want help prioritizing upgrades that support your move or your listing strategy, reach out to Mackenzie Robertson for a friendly, no-pressure conversation.
FAQs
What are the building code requirements for window or shutter retrofits in Horry County?
- South Carolina enforces statewide codes and local officials apply wind design requirements; check the county’s permit office for your address and project scope before you begin (Horry County permits).
How do I know if impact windows or shutters are storm-rated?
- Ask for documentation showing compliance with ASTM E1886/E1996 or other approvals, and ensure the installed model and method match the paperwork (ASTM overview).
Do manual storm panels qualify for insurance discounts in South Carolina?
- Many insurers recognize approved panels if all openings are protected and documentation is verified; confirm your carrier’s requirements and inspection process (insurer mitigation guidance).
What tax incentives are available for hurricane retrofits in South Carolina?
- The state provides an income tax credit for eligible fortification measures and a credit for sales/use tax on qualifying materials; keep receipts and certifications to claim them (SC Code §12-6-3660).
Which should I choose for a Windermere condo with HOA rules?
- Start by reviewing your HOA or ARB guidelines, then compare approved product types and aesthetics; many condo associations specify shutter styles and colors for visible facades and require permits before installation.
