Frequently Asked Questions

In Melbourne and Brevard County, hurricane shutters typically cost between $10 and $60 per square foot installed. Total project costs vary based on the type of shutter-hurricane panels are the most affordable, while motorized roll-up shutters sit at the higher end of the price spectrum. Big Wave Storm Shutters provides free local estimates to ensure accurate, competitive pricing.

Yes, installing Florida-approved hurricane shutters can significantly lower your homeowners insurance premiums through "Wind Mitigation" credits. By protecting "opening envelopes" like windows and doors, you reduce the risk of catastrophic loss. Most Florida insurers require proof of professional installation to apply these recurring annual discounts.

Bahama shutters are single-piece louvers that hinge at the top, providing permanent shade and a tropical aesthetic. Colonial shutters consist of two pieces that hinge on the sides and fold inward to protect the window. Both offer high-velocity hurricane protection, but Bahama shutters are often preferred in Melbourne for their superior sun-shading capabilities.

To maintain accordion shutters, you should clean the tracks twice a year with mild soap and water to remove salt and grit. Once dry, apply a clear silicone spray lubricant to the tracks and wheel assemblies. In coastal areas like Melbourne Beach, regular maintenance is vital to prevent salt spray from seizing the locking mechanisms.

Absolutely. Hurricane panels are significantly safer and more effective than plywood because they are engineered to meet the Florida Building Code's impact standards. Plywood can catch the wind and rip away from the structure, whereas aluminum or clear polycarbonate panels are secured into permanent tracks designed to withstand 150+ MPH winds.

Yes, most municipalities within Brevard County, including the City of Melbourne and Palm Bay, require a building permit for the installation of permanent storm shutters. This ensures the products and installation methods meet current Florida Building Code standards for wind load and impact resistance. We handle the permitting process for our customers to ensure full compliance.

Yes, accordion and roll-up shutters serve as an excellent secondary security measure. When locked, they create a physical barrier that is extremely difficult for intruders to penetrate. Many Melbourne homeowners close their shutters when traveling or for seasonal residences to protect against both severe weather and unauthorized entry.

A typical residential installation in the Melbourne area takes one to three days, depending on the number of windows and the type of shutter system selected. However, the "lead time" from ordering to installation can range from 3 to 8 weeks due to custom manufacturing. It is highly recommended to start the process well before the start of hurricane season in June.

The best options for large sliding glass doors are accordion shutters or motorized roll-ups. These systems allow for quick deployment without heavy lifting. Accordion shutters are a cost-effective way to secure wide spans, while roll-ups offer the convenience of push-button operation and a discreet "hidden" look when not in use.

Yes, clear polycarbonate hurricane panels are engineered to be just as strong as aluminum or steel panels. They meet the same rigorous impact-test requirements but offer the added benefit of allowing natural light into your home during a power outage. This eliminates the "cave-like" feeling of traditional metal panels during a storm.