For property owners in New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties, hurricane protection is not optional—it is a requisite for insuring and preserving your asset. However, when preparing a home for sale or upgrading an investment property in Wrightsville Beach or Topsail, the debate between traditional shutters and modern impact glass often comes down to one question: Which offers the better return on investment?

The answer isn't just about the upfront cost; it’s about lifestyle, insurance logistics, and resale velocity in our specific coastal market.

The Insurance "Tie-Breaker"

Many buyers assume impact windows yield a massive insurance advantage over shutters. The reality is more nuanced.

Myth: "Impact windows will save me way more on insurance than shutters."
Reality: According to the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA)—often referred to as the "Beach Plan"—the Windstorm Mitigation Credit for "Opening Protection" is generally the same whether you have qualified shutters or impact glass. As long as every single glazed opening (including skylights and door lites) is protected by an approved system, you typically qualify for the same ~5–8% discount on the wind portion of your policy.

From a purely actuarial standpoint, the insurance savings are often a wash. The real ROI comes from usability.

The "Evacuation Reality" & Rental ROI

In our market, the "hassle factor" is a tangible value driver.

For Vacation Rentals: If you own a short-term rental in Surf City or Oak Island, impact windows are a superior investment. You cannot rely on a property manager to manually deploy corrugated panels for 20 different properties when a storm is 48 hours out. Impact glass provides "always-on" protection, ensuring your asset is safe even if you are stuck in traffic on I-40 or if the bridge to the island closes early.

For Resale: Shutter tracks—especially on older homes in Wilmington—are prone to corrosion from salt spray. Rusty, stuck tracks can be a major inspection red flag. Impact windows eliminate this maintenance headache, offering a sleek, "turn-key" look that buyers in the luxury coastal market effectively demand.

The Verdict on Value

Shutters: The cost-effective choice for primary residents who are physically able to deploy them. They meet the code and get the discount, but they add zero curb appeal.

Impact Glass: The high-ROI choice for investors and luxury sellers. While the upfront cost is roughly 3x that of shutters, the recovery at resale is significantly higher because you are selling peace of mind and noise reduction—a huge bonus for homes near busy coastal roads.

Your Next Step

Deciding between shutters and impact glass is just one of the many capital improvement decisions that can make or break your equity position in South Eastern NC. You need a partner who can run the numbers on which upgrades will actually pay you back at the closing table.

We are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them—and that includes advising you on smart renovations that protect your wealth. Whether you are buying a fixer-upper in Leland or selling a beachfront estate, let Aspyre Realty Group guide you toward the decisions that add the most value to your bottom line.