Myth 1: "Taping windows protects them"
False — and it can make things worse. Masking tape does nothing against flying debris or 100-mph wind. Worse, it creates a false sense of security and leaves baked-on residue that takes hours to scrape off. The only things that protect glass are code-approved shutters or impact-rated windows. Tape belongs on moving boxes, not windows.
Myth 2: "Opening a window equalizes pressure and saves the roof"
False — dangerously false. This old tale says cracking a window lets pressure escape. In reality, an open or broken window lets wind into the house, pressurizing it like a balloon — and that internal pressure is exactly what lifts roofs off. Keep every window and door closed and shuttered. Sealed openings are what save the roof.
Myth 3: "Hurricanes never really hit Orlando"
Orlando is not as safe as people think. Being inland weakens storms, but it does not stop them. Central Florida has taken direct hits and near-misses that knocked out power for days, dropped trees on houses, and peeled off roofs — and it only takes one storm to make shutters the best money you ever spent. "Inland" means less risk, not no risk.
Myth 4: "Shutters are only for the coast"
Wind does not stop at the beach. Hurricane winds reach far inland, and tornadoes spun off by hurricanes can strike anywhere — including Orlando suburbs. Flying debris (branches, roof tiles, patio furniture) breaks windows dozens of miles from landfall. If you live in Florida, your windows need protection regardless of your distance from the ocean.
Myth 5: "My windows are new, so I don't need shutters"
New does not mean impact-rated. Standard new windows — even expensive ones — shatter under debris impact unless they are specifically impact-rated (laminated glass built to code). Check your window paperwork: if it does not say impact-rated with a product approval, your new windows need shutters just like old ones. Our shutters vs impact windows guide explains the difference.
Myth 6: "Shutters make my house look ugly"
Not anymore. That image comes from raw plywood and rusty panels. Modern Bahama and colonial shutters are design features that raise curb appeal. Roll-down housings color-match to your trim and nearly disappear. Accordions fold neatly to the sides. Plenty of Orlando's nicest homes wear shutters proudly.
Myth 7: "Shutters cost too much — I'll just use plywood"
Plywood is a last resort, not a plan. It is heavy, hard to install well, offers no engineered protection rating, earns zero insurance discount, and you still have to buy, cut, store, and mount it before every storm. Meanwhile storm panels — real code-approved protection — start at ballpark $8–$15 per square foot installed. If you can afford plywood and the ladder work, you can afford panels that actually work. See our cost guide.
Myth 8: "I can wait until a storm is coming to buy shutters"
The worst time to buy. When a storm threatens, installers switch to emergency work, stores sell out of panels and plywood in hours, and prices spike. A proper install takes weeks (permits, manufacturing, scheduling) — see our timeline guide. Protection bought in a panic is protection done badly. Buy in the off-season; see our timing guide.
Myth 9: "One broken window isn't a big deal"
One broken window can destroy a house. Once wind enters through a broken window or door, internal pressure pushes up on the roof while external wind pulls at it — that combination is what causes catastrophic roof failure and guts interiors with rain. Protecting every opening is not overkill; it is the whole strategy. That is also why insurers require all openings protected for the discount — see our insurance guide.
Myth 10: "Shutters need no maintenance"
They need a little — and it matters. Tracks fill with dirt, locks seize, remote batteries die, and panels stored damp corrode. A stuck shutter discovered the night before a storm is a crisis; the same problem found in May is a 10-minute fix. Our maintenance guide gives you the twice-a-year routine.
Get the facts for your home
Myths thrive where facts are missing. Send the free quote form below and we will give you straight answers about what your specific home needs — no scare tactics, just the real numbers and options.