When it comes to safeguarding your North Carolina coastal home, not every shutter is built alike. Understanding the differences—and knowing why QMI Rollshutters, available exclusively through Atlantic Breeze Storm Shutters, stand above the rest—can make all the difference in safety, functionality, and style.
1. Storm Panels
Affordable and straightforward, metal or polycarbonate storm panels require manual attachment before a storm—think screwing or slotting into tracks. While effective, they often lack convenience, aesthetic appeal, and wind-load certifications.
2. Accordion Shutters
Hinged side-to-side and permanently mounted, these provide quick protection but can mar your home’s facade and require manual folding each time. They also come with different wind ratings—and not all meet coastal surge requirements .
3. Bahama & Colonial Shutters
Bahama shutters are decorative and functional, hinged at the top to tilt for shade and protection, while Colonial shutters swing shut like doors. Both offer style, yet typically aren’t motorized and may not achieve the structural integrity of roll-down systems.
4. Motorized Roll (Rolling) Shutters
This is where QMI Rollshutters shine. These top-tier systems use precision-engineered aluminum slats that roll into the smallest housing in the industry—minimizing visual impact while maximizing protection. They meet stringent standards—Miami‑Dade NOA, FBC, IBC—and their sleek housing preserves your curb appeal.
5. Security Shutters
QMI excels in combining storm resilience with burglary deterrence. Durable locking mechanisms and motorization options transform these from storm shields into daily security features.
What Sets QMI & Atlantic Breeze Apart
- Unmatched strength & testing: QMI Rollshutters are built to withstand severe storms and debris—FBC- and Miami‑Dade–certified—plus backed by a robust 5-year warranty on parts, motors, and finish.
- Low-profile, sleek integration: Their compact housing is the smallest in the market—no bulky boxes cluttering your eaves.
- Effortless convenience: Whether manual, spring-assisted, or powered by Somfy/EZ motors with smart app control, deployment is fast, easy, and power-outage safe with manual overrides.
- Expert installation & local service: Atlantic Breeze has led NC as the QMI Dealer of the Year for eight consecutive years. With localized expertise in coastal installation, precision fitting, and post‑storm support, they ensure your system works when you need it most.
Final Takeaway
Choosing the right shutter is more than ticking boxes—it’s about peace of mind. QMI Rollshutters, installed by Atlantic Breeze, go beyond typical storm protection. They offer coastal-grade strength, seamless integration, and everyday convenience—all backed by proven experience in our region.
Curious to see how they compare in real homes? Atlantic Breeze offers custom demos and site visits—reach out today to experience QMI quality for yourself.