Impact Windows vs. Shutters for Fairway Lakes Homes

You want your Fairway Lakes home to look its best and stand strong when storm season arrives. Choosing between impact windows and shutters is a big decision, especially when you care about curb appeal, convenience, and resale. In this guide, you’ll see how both options perform, what they cost, how permits and HOA approvals work, and which choice fits your goals. Let’s dive in.

What matters in Fairway Lakes

In Brevard County, projects that change exterior openings must meet the Florida Building Code and local permits. Review the latest Florida Building Code requirements and confirm the permit path with Brevard County Building and Permitting.

Most Viera neighborhoods, including Fairway Lakes, use an HOA with an Architectural Review Committee. Expect to submit product sheets, color samples, mounting details, and permit copies for approval. Start early so your vendor specs align with ARC expectations and the final design fits the community’s standards.

Buyers on Florida’s Space Coast often value low-maintenance, premium upgrades. Impact glazing can read as a luxury feature because it protects continuously and preserves views. Well-integrated permanent shutters can also appeal to buyers who want fast storm readiness.

Impact windows at a glance

• Protection: Laminated impact glazing is engineered and tested to resist wind pressure and wind-borne debris when it carries the right approvals. Products that meet ASTM E1886/E1996 and hold Florida or Miami-Dade approvals are designed for severe weather performance.
• Water and wind-driven rain: Impact windows reduce the chance of glass breach and can help limit water intrusion during storms.
• Daily living: You get full daylight, views, and normal ventilation without extra steps. There is no deployment before a storm.
• Energy, UV, and noise: Options with Low-E coatings and insulated frames can improve efficiency, block UV, and reduce exterior noise. See guidance from ENERGY STAR on window performance.
• Maintenance: Routine cleaning and seal checks are typical. Quality systems can last decades when maintained.

For technical context on mitigation and testing, see IBHS guidance on opening protection and Miami-Dade product approvals.

Shutters at a glance

• Protection: Code-rated shutters, whether permanent or removable, can meet the same wind and debris standards when they have proper Florida or Miami-Dade approvals. Permanently mounted options (accordion or roll-down) close quickly. Removable panels must be stored and installed before a storm.
• Water and wind-driven rain: Closed shutters protect against debris and can limit wind-driven rain. Purpose-built roll-down or accordion systems often provide better weather sealing than basic removable panels.
• Daily living: When open, your windows function as normal. When closed, some shutters block light and views. Certain styles allow limited airflow.
• Energy, UV, and noise: Shutters reduce solar gain when closed, but they do not provide the year-round thermal performance of insulated impact glazing.
• Maintenance: Aluminum accordion and roll-down systems can last decades with periodic service, especially if motorized. Removable panels require storage space and handling.

Side-by-side comparison

• Safety and strength: Both impact windows and code-rated shutters can meet Florida standards when properly approved and installed.
• Convenience: Impact windows provide passive, always-on protection. Permanent shutters deploy quickly, while removable panels take more effort.
• Aesthetics: Impact windows keep clean sightlines. Shutters add visible hardware or housing, which your ARC will review for color and placement.
• Light and views: Impact glazing preserves both at all times. Shutters reduce light and views when closed.
• Energy and noise: Impact glazing with efficient options improves comfort year-round. Shutters help only when closed.
• Maintenance: Impact glazing is low maintenance. Shutters may need periodic mechanical or motor service.

Costs, insurance, and ROI in Brevard County

Installed prices vary by opening size, frame material, glass options, and whether you include doors. Market references show that impact windows are a higher upfront investment per opening, while shutters range from lower-cost removable panels to higher-cost permanent systems. See typical ranges from market sources like HomeAdvisor cost estimates and consider getting multiple written quotes for your specific home.

Many insurers offer credits for approved opening protection. Credits vary by insurer and product. Confirm with your carrier and ask what documentation is required. For broader context on insurance regulation and consumer guidance, visit the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

Window upgrades can support resale, yet ROI depends on buyer priorities and the scope of work. For perspective on replacement projects and value, review the Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report.

Approvals and permitting in Viera and Brevard County

• Code and permits: Projects that replace windows or add permanent shutters usually need a building permit. Motorized roll-down systems may also need electrical permits. Confirm the process with Brevard County Building and Permitting.
• HOA and ARC: Obtain submission requirements from your HOA or ARC. Provide product approvals, finish colors, and mounting details. Align hardware finishes with community standards.
• Product approvals: Look for Florida Product Approval or a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance. Vendors should show compliance with ASTM E1886 and E1996. Reference the Florida Building Code resources and Miami-Dade approvals during selection.
• Inspections and records: After installation, schedule final inspections and keep product approval numbers and permits. You may need these for insurance credits.

Which makes sense for your goals

If you plan to sell soon

• Impact windows can signal a premium, low-maintenance upgrade and maintain clean curb appeal.
• Permanent accordion or roll-down shutters can also market well, especially if housings are discreet and finishes are ARC-friendly.
• If your timeline is tight, shutters may install faster. If you have more time, impact windows may draw a wider buyer pool that values convenience and light.

If you live in the home year-round

• For continuous, set-and-forget protection, impact glazing is hard to beat.
• For budget balance, consider a hybrid: impact glazing on large picture windows and doors, shutters on secondary openings.
• If you choose shutters, permanent systems increase convenience. Motorized options add ease but bring electrical permitting and maintenance.

Smart steps to move forward

1. Confirm requirements: Review Florida Building Code guidance and the Brevard County permitting process.
2. Check HOA/ARC early: Request submittal guidelines and preferred finishes.
3. Vet products: Ask vendors for Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA numbers, plus compliance with ASTM E1886/E1996. See IBHS guidance for context.
4. Get multiple quotes: Compare timelines, warranties, and installation details. Consider how designs will appear from the street and across the golf course views.
5. Talk to your insurer: Confirm potential credits in writing and ask about documentation required by your carrier and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
6. Keep records: Save approvals, permits, and final inspection sign-offs for future buyers and insurance needs.

Final take

Both impact windows and shutters can protect your Fairway Lakes home when they carry the right approvals and are installed to code. Your best choice comes down to how you live, your selling timeline, and your appetite for maintenance. If you want always-on protection and everyday comfort, impact glazing fits well. If you want a lower upfront cost or faster install, shutters can be a smart, ARC-friendly path.

Considering a move or a strategic upgrade before listing? Our team advises on what resonates with Space Coast buyers and how to time improvements with your sale. Connect with the LUXE Team at Dale Sorensen Real Estate to talk through your options and local buyer demand. Unknown Company. Let’s Connect.

FAQs

Will impact windows or shutters meet Brevard County code?

• Both can comply when they carry Florida or Miami-Dade approvals and are installed under a permitted scope with final inspection.

What testing labels should I look for on products?

• Look for Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA and references to ASTM E1886 and E1996 for impact and cyclic pressure testing.

Do impact windows make shutters unnecessary?

• Impact glazing protects openings, but full resilience also includes roof, garage door protection, and proper sealing. Assess whole-home mitigation.

Can I expect an insurance discount for either option?

• Many insurers offer credits for approved opening protection, but amounts vary. Confirm eligibility and required documents with your carrier.

Which option improves resale more in Fairway Lakes?

• Preferences vary. Impact windows often read as a premium, low-maintenance upgrade. Permanent, visually discreet shutters can also support marketability.