In Louisiana, we know hurricanes aren’t “if”—they’re a matter of when. At Jim Olivier’s Home Improvement, we’ve served the Lafayette area since 1998, so we’ve seen the aftermath of several storms—splintered doors, blown-out windows, and homeowners left with tens of thousands in damage. The truth is, when a hurricane hits, your home’s windows and doors are the most vulnerable. That’s why we’re so passionate about helping people protect what matters most—with hurricane-rated shutters that aren’t just tough—they’re smart, stylish, and when storms hit, they may save you A LOT of money too.
Now, we all know a home can never be 100% “stormproof,” but key components greatly strengthen your chances of survival. Let’s walk through why upgrading your home with shutters or from wood shutters to hurricane-rated ones is a game-changer for Louisiana homeowners like you.
First of all, not all shutters are created equal. We are not suggesting that just any shutter will protect your home or upgrade your style.
Wood vs. Hurricane-Rated Shutters
A lot of us love the look of classic wooden shutters. They’re charming, nostalgic, and give our homes that Southern flair. But when it comes to protection, they’re just not up to the challenge.
Wood shutters might block sunlight, but they’re not engineered to withstand a hurricane’s pressure or flying debris. Besides that, water damage, cracking, and warping are common, even in less extreme conditions than our beautiful but harsh home state.
Hurricane-rated shutters, on the other hand, are designed and tested to resist impact, pressure, and intense winds. Whether protecting from patio furniture sailing through the air or a gust strong enough to rattle your roof, these shutters stand firm. They may be the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.
And, as you’ll learn later, they don’t make you compromise your style.
Perfect for Protection
How Hurricane-rated Shutters protect is self-explanatory, but let me explain their importance by addressing two common misconceptions.
When a window or door gives way during a storm, it’s not just about broken glass. This part is critical—and often misunderstood. When a window or door is compromised, 100+ mph winds are given free reign to rush into your home. The sudden change in internal pressure can literally lift the roof off your house. The structural damages grow exponentially as water pours in.
Secure windows (or doors)—backed by hurricane-rated shutters—are your first line of defense. They keep your home sealed, your family safe, and your repair costs from skyrocketing.
The second misconception: taping your windows.
Though we’ve all seen the “X” of masking tape on a window, or maybe we’ve done it, this practice doesn’t help, and it never has. People expect masking tape to be a magical shield? Hate to break it to you—tape doesn’t stop glass from breaking or shattering. All it may do is create bigger shards that are somewhat attached.
Would you put a Band-Aid on a broken windshield? Tape is not solving anything, except maybe a false sense of security.
Real protection comes from real solutions—like our hurricane-rated shutters.
Hurricane-Rated Shutter Benefits
PROTECTION – but wait… there’s more…
Insurance Discount?
Did you know that some Louisiana insurance providers offer premium discounts for homes equipped with hurricane-rated protection? Why? Because these systems reduce the risk of total loss. Again, total losses are far more likely when your windows or doors are compromised in a storm.
By installing certified hurricane-rated shutters, you’re not just investing in safety—you’re potentially lowering your annual insurance bill. Over time, these shutters can pay for themselves in more ways than one.
Style and Charm
With the Jim Olivier team, you don’t have to sacrifice your style for safety. That’s why we offer three distinct styles of hurricane-rated shutters to meet your needs and match the style of your home:
Bahama Shutters – Perfect for a tropical, coastal look. These mount at the top of the window with a hinge, designed to cover the full window, and still provide great airflow and shade even when not in use.
Colonial Shutters – Classic, elegant charm. These side-mounted shutters are permanently installed to suit and are easy to close when a storm’s coming. Great storm protection and southern style.
Accordion Shutters – The best combination of affordability, protection, and ease-of-use. These slide horizontally or vertically and can be deployed in minutes. Great for larger windows and doors.
Each of these styles comes in a range of colors and finishes, so your curb appeal doesn’t suffer while your protection level soars.
Best Benefit of Hurricane-Rated Shutters: Peace of Mind
If you’re still relying on old wood shutters, crossing your fingers, or worse—taping your windows—you’re gambling with your safety and your home’s security. It’s time for a better solution.
Jim Olivier’s Home Improvement is proud to be Louisiana’s trusted expert in high-quality, hurricane-rated shutters. We’re local. We’re experienced. And we genuinely care about protecting your home like it’s our own.
Call us today or fill out a form for a free consultation, and let’s find shutters to fit your home and your budget.
