Hurricane Protection and Remodeling Services in Bradenton Beach

Rebuilding After the Storm

Bradenton Beach took the worst of Hurricane Helene on Anna Maria Island. After the storm, city officials estimated most of the town had been damaged or destroyed. Gulf Drive was buried under several feet of sand, the dunes were gone, and some homes were moved off their foundations. The city sits at the narrow south end of the island, between the Gulf, Sarasota Bay and Longboat Pass, with Bridge Street and the Historic Bridge Street Pier at its center. There is very little high ground anywhere in town.

West Shore Construction has worked along the Manatee County coast since 1985. In Bradenton Beach we install impact windows, hurricane shutters, motorized hurricane screens and hurricane fabric, and we help owners rebuild and remodel. Here is what to think about.

Rebuilding to a Higher Standard

A lot of Bradenton Beach owners are not choosing between shutters and impact windows. They are deciding how to rebuild the whole house. That is the best moment to get protection right, because openings, framing and anchoring can all be planned together instead of added later. Homes that were substantially damaged generally have to be rebuilt to current flood standards, which usually means an elevated living floor. Once the house is up a story, hurricane protection that never needs a ladder becomes the obvious choice.

The City of Bradenton Beach runs its own building department and reviews repairs and remodels under the FEMA substantial improvement and substantial damage rules. Gulf front lots seaward of the state’s Coastal Construction Control Line can also need state review. We walk through both with you before plans are drawn.

Complete Storm & Home Restoration

Impact Windows and Doors

For a rebuilt or elevated home, impact windows and doors are the most practical protection. The laminated glass stays in the frame when struck and the house stays sealed. In a town this exposed to salt air, we use frames and hardware built for direct Gulf exposure, so the windows hold up long after the storm season ends.

Shutters and Screens

Older cottages and the small homes near Bridge Street often do better with shutters than full window replacement. Bahama shutters suit the Old Florida look and give everyday shade. Accordion shutters stay mounted and close by hand. Motorized rolling shutters are the choice for owners who are away part of the year. Motorized hurricane screens protect raised decks and porches facing the bay. See every style on our shutters page.

Hurricane Fabric

Hurricane fabric such as astroGuard is light, strong and stores in a closet. It is a good fit for full time residents and for odd shaped openings on older homes. It lets light in while it is up, which matters if the power is out for days.

Flood Barriers

For homes and businesses at ground level, including storefronts along Bridge Street, flood barrier systems can help hold back water from smaller surge events. We also protect commercial buildings, covered on our commercial hurricane protection page.

Remodeling

As a state certified building contractor, West Shore handles whole home remodeling, kitchens and bathrooms. Combining the interior work with new hurricane protection means one crew, one permit and less time with the house torn apart.

Insurance and Grants

Protected openings earn one of the largest wind mitigation credits on a Florida homeowners policy. West Shore is an eligible My Safe Florida Home contractor, a state program offering matching grants to qualifying homesteaded owners, and financing is available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Protection in Bradenton Beach

My Bradenton Beach home was damaged by Helene. Where do I start?

Start with the city’s substantial damage determination, since it decides whether you can repair or must rebuild to current flood standards. We can help you understand it and plan the work from there.

Is it worth adding hurricane protection while I rebuild?

Yes. Planning impact windows or shutters during a rebuild is easier and usually more cost effective than adding them later, because openings and framing can be designed for them from the start.

Do you protect businesses on Bridge Street?

Yes. We install hurricane protection and flood barriers for commercial buildings as well as homes.

Nearby Areas We Serve

West Shore also serves homeowners in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Bradenton.

Request a Quote in Bradenton Beach

West Shore is a state certified building contractor (CBC044653) with more than 40 years of experience. We handle permits with the City of Bradenton Beach and can be on site for a free estimate.