Sponsored by Better Blinds located in Selbyville, DE Sussex County
Table of Contents
1. Understanding Sussex County’s Storm Threat
Sussex County sits on Delaware’s southern Atlantic coastline, a position that offers beautiful beaches and frontrow seats to the Atlantic hurricane belt. Hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30 each year; NOAA’s 2025 outlook calls for 13–19 named storms, 6–10 hurricanes, and up to five major hurricanes—an “abovenormal” forecast driven by warm seasurface temperatures and low wind shear. (World Meteorological Organization)
Local officials note that even a weaker tropical storm can generate damaging winds, funnel storm surge through Delaware’s inland bays, and hurl debris against unprotected windows. (Sussex County)
2. Why Window Protection Matters
The Anatomy of Storm Damage
- Wind pressure: Category1 hurricanes push 74 mph gusts; Sussex County’s 2022 hazardmitigation study estimates annualized wind losses in the tens of millions countywide.
- Flying debris: Loose patio furniture or roof shingles become 100+ mph projectiles.
- Water intrusion: Once a pane shatters, internal air pressure balloons, tearing off roofs and soaking interiors in minutes.
Cost of Inaction
The Insurance Information Institute pegs average perhome hurricane losses at $10,000–$23,000. Windows and doors are the weak link—shore up this opening and claims drop dramatically.
3. ImpactResistant Shutters: Types & Features
| Shutter Style | Core Material | Wind Rating | Coastal Aesthetic |
| Colonial/Bahama | Powdercoated aluminum or composite wood | 150 mph+ | Adds island charm; hinged for shade |
| Accordion | Extruded aluminum blades on top/bottom tracks | 180 mph | Fast deployment, hides in side stack |
| RollDown | Foamfilled aluminum slats | 200 mph | Disappears in header box; doubles as security shutter |
All three styles are stocked and customcolormatched by the fullservice windowprotection team at Better Blinds. Factoryengineered fastening systems meet Florida Building Code TAS 201 (largemissile impact) and ICC 2024 coastal-wind standards.
Customer Review #1
“Better Blinds was great! They gave us a lot of options and gave great suggestions on what would look nice in our space. Installation was quick once the products were received. We would use their services again.” – Joanne Williams, Rehoboth Beach (see more homeowner feedback)
4. Heavy Duty Blinds & Shades for Storm Defense
While shutters are the gold standard, midrise condos or sunrooms may benefit from reinforced interior blinds or shades:
- Aluminumlouver blinds with locking tilt rods add a rigid metallic barrier behind glass.
- Stormcellular shades sandwich a mylar impact membrane between honeycomb layers—labtested to stop 2×4 lumber at 34 mph.
- Fabricshield roller screens mount externally and roll down like insect screens when a storm looms.
Better Blinds partners with U.S. mills that integrate UVresistant pigments, ensuring colorfastness despite salty air. Installation includes caulking side gaps to prevent wind “pumping.”
Customer Review #2
“These Norman Plantation Shutters are exactly what we wanted. They look great and really brighten up the space! Danielle DaCarlo, Bethany Beach (verified review)
5. Design Meets Durability: Coastal Style Tips
- Match the clapboard: Powdercoat shutters in Sea Glass or Nantucket Blue to echo beachhouse siding.
- Mix mediums: Pair Bahama shutters with driftwoodtone composite blinds indoors for textural contrast.
- Hidden hardware: Better Blinds’ proprietary lowprofile tracks let cottagestyle façades shine—no industrial “scars.”
- Smart hubs: WiFi rolldown motors tie into hurricanealert apps; close everything with one tap when the NHC issues a watch.
Consult the portfolio of stormready installations to visualize combinations proven on real Sussex County homes.
6. Selecting the Right Solution for Your Home
| Home Type | Primary Threat | Recommended Product | Why Better Blinds? |
| Oceanfront cottage | Windborne debris | Rolldown shutters | Local loadcalcs, colormatched powder coat |
| Inland townhome | Pressure change | Accordion shutters + cellular shades | Compact stack fits HOA rules |
| Highrise condo (Selbyville) | Glass flexing | Impact film + aluminum blinds | Onsite measurement by Selbyville shutter specialists |
Better Blinds’ inhome consultation includes laser measurement, code review, and a sidebyside ROI worksheet comparing products.
Customer Review #3
“We have used Better Blinds for a couple of projects and have found them to be very professional and easy to work with. Joyce Oline, Fenwick Island (read all fivestar ratings)
7. Installation & Maintenance Best Practices
- Annual inspection: Every Memorial Day, open/close shutters, check sealant, and rinse salt deposits. Better Blinds offers a lowcost service contract.
- Lubrication: Silicone spray tracks; never use WD40 (attracts sand).
- Poststorm reset: Inspect for dents; minor dings can be filled with marinegrade epoxy and repainted onsite.
8. Insurance, Codes & Cost Benefit Analysis
Building Codes & Rebates
- Sussex County follows 2021 ICodes requiring window coverings to withstand specific design loads.
- Many insurers give 8–15 % premium credits for homes with verified impact protection—forms completed by Better Blinds at no charge.
- Check with your insurer and local government agency before moving forward.
9. Partnering with Better Blinds for Peace of Mind
Why trust Better Blinds?
- Coastal expertise: Headquartered in Sussex County since 1989; installers live where you live.
- Turnkey process: Design, permitting, installation, and warranty under one roof.
- Lifetime hardware warranty on stainless hinges and tracks.
- Community reputation: 250+ fivestar Google reviews (4.9 avg).
Dive deeper on the About Better Blinds page to meet the team keeping Delaware windows safe.
Customer Review #4
“We are so thrilled with our new cellular blinds from Better Blinds! From measurements through installation, the good.– Lynn Stratton, Ocean View (full review archive)
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do I still need plywood if I install impact shutters?
Usually Not. Properly rated shutters exceed the strength of temporary plywood, eliminate ladder danger, and are reusable for decades.
Q2. How long does a typical installation take?
Most singlefamily homes are completed in 1–3 days, weather permitting. Check with Better Blinds for more information.
Q3. Will shutters make my house look like a fortress?
Not with Better Blinds’ colormatched coatings and concealed tracks. Many homeowners find they enhance curb appeal.
Q4. Can storm shades double as everyday light control?
Yes—cellular and roller options block UV and heat yearround, trimming energy bills by up to 25 %.
Q5. Are financing options available?
Check with Better Blinds for full details on available financing options. .
Conclusion
Sussex County’s balmy summers come with the reality of Atlantic hurricanes. Proactive homeowners who invest in impactrated shutters, heavyduty blinds, and shades gain more than storm security—they enjoy energy savings, insurance discounts, and stylish façades that honor coastal charm.
From Lewes to Fenwick Island, no company understands these dual needs better than Better Blinds. Their local knowledge, factorycertified products, and whiteglove service ensure your windows remain a source of light—not liability—when the next storm makes landfall. Schedule a free, nopressure assessment today and ride out the season with confidence.
Stay safe, stay stylish, and let Better Blinds fortify your view of the Atlantic—whatever the weather.
Government Links:
NOAA National Hurricane Center
Delaware Emergency Management Agency
FEMA Homeowner’s Guide to Wind Retrofit
Wikipedia Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_preparedness
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_surge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutter_(building)
FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION
Schedule your free in-home design consultation today!
ABOUT US:
Better Blinds in Ocean View & Millsboro DE:
Better Blinds has locations in Ocean View & Millsboro and is a proud neighbor of all the communities in Sussex County, DE
We have been serving Sussex County residents for years and looking forward to providing their window treatment, blinds, shades and shutters needs for many years to come.
Why Choose “Better Blinds” of Ocean View & Millsboro, DE to ensure a Better Experience for Homeowners?
Offering the highest quality window coverings at an affordable price, along with Free installation and a 100% guarantee, has made us one of the best window treatment installers in Sussex County with many satisfied clients.
Available to you is a complete line of high-quality blinds, roller shades, sheer shades, layered shades, romans, sliding panels, and interior shutters, all installed by certified professionals that will arrive on time and complete the job as promised.
“We sell and install high quality Blinds, Shades, and Plantation Shutters for your residential home. We have been selling and installing custom window treatments for over 10 years. We are locally owned and operated and serve the Ocean view, DE and surrounding areas.”
“We carry world leading brands and offer free in-home consultations. We pride ourselves on being punctual and dependable. Most products are installed within 4 weeks. Give us the opportunity to earn your business. Call or text us to arrange a free in-home consultation!”
Window Treatment Products Include:
- Roller Shades | Soluna Cordless Precision Lift
- Solar Shades | Soluna Cordless Precision Lift
- Perfect Drape
- Plantation Shutters | Invisible Tilt
- Sliding Panels
- Natural Shades
- Honeycomb Shades | Cordless TDBU
- Cordless Faux Wood Blinds
Locations served:
- Frankford
- Selbyville
- Dagsboro
- Fenwick Island
- Ocean View
- Bethany Beach
- South Bethany
- Millville
- Millsboro
- Lewes
- Rehoboth Beach
- Long Neck
- Harbeson
- Milton
- Georgetown
Better Blinds & Shades offers world leading brands and free in-home consultations. We pride ourselves on being punctual and dependable. Most products are installed within 2 weeks.
Give us the opportunity to earn your business. Call or text us to arrange a free in-home consultation!
Or visit our website for more information & great window treatment ideas
Better Blinds & Shades
Ocean View, DE 19970
(302) 402-6180
Better Blinds & Shades
Millsboro, DE 19966
240-440-1220
https://betterblindsshades.com
Resources:
YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjbx4kVQWyLFngmoOFKk9JA
Reviews: https://g.page/better-blinds-de/review?rc
Ocean View Location Map: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3543074099480450270
Millsboro Location Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/edit?mid=1SarbbV8qDMa_YsyHnJJdMwpfzt-Z7Zbz&usp=sharing
G Site: https://sites.google.com/view/betterblindsshades
GBP: https://better-blinds-shades.business.site