Hurricane Protection and Remodeling Services in Sarasota

Sarasota Storm Protection & Remodeling

Sarasota homes are known for glass. The Sarasota School of Architecture left the city full of mid century modern houses with walls of windows, clerestories and sliding doors that open the house to the outdoors. Newer homes on Bird Key, Lido Shores and along the bayfront follow the same idea on a larger scale. That openness is the appeal, and it is also the vulnerability. In October 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall on Siesta Key, just south of the city, and Sarasota saw hurricane force winds on top of Helene’s surge two weeks earlier.

West Shore Construction has installed hurricane protection and handled remodeling across the Gulf Coast since 1985, and Sarasota is one of our key markets. Here is how we approach homes here.

Protecting Large Glass Openings

A wall of glass needs a different plan than a row of standard windows. Big spans put more load on frames and anchors, and the protection has to be engineered for the size of the opening and the design wind speed at your address. Coastal Sarasota generally sits in the 140 to 155 mph range and falls inside Florida’s wind borne debris region, which means new and replacement glass must be impact rated or protected. We measure carefully, confirm the product approvals for the exact size, and look for options that do not spoil the view on the days you are not using them.

Whether you are inside the City of Sarasota or unincorporated Sarasota County also changes which building department handles your permit and flood review. For homes in flood zones, remodeling is measured against the structure’s value under the FEMA substantial improvement rule. We check both before quoting.

Hurricane Protection for Every Sarasota Home

Impact Windows and Doors

For glass forward homes, impact windows and sliding doors are often the best long term answer because nothing needs to go up in front of them. Laminated glass holds in the frame when struck, keeps the house sealed and cuts heat and UV that fade interiors. Frames can be specified with slim profiles that keep a mid century look intact. Learn more on our impact windows page.

Hurricane Shutters

When full glass replacement is not practical, motorized rolling shutters can hide in a compact housing above the opening and close in under a minute. That is a good fit for bayfront homes and for seasonal owners who want the house secured while they are up north. Accordion shutters and panels cost less and still meet code. Our hurricane shutters page has the full range.

Motorized Hurricane Screens

Motorized hurricane screens may be the best match for Sarasota architecture. They retract out of sight, protect wide openings and lanais without blocking the view, and filter sun on hot afternoons. We install them on pool areas, covered patios and full glass walls. See our motorized hurricane screens page and our Magnatrack screens page.

Hurricane Fabric

Hurricane fabric such as astroGuard covers large or unusually shaped openings with a single light panel, which makes it practical for clerestories and corner windows that are hard to shutter. It mounts to discreet anchors and lets daylight through. Read more on our hurricane fabric page.

Automated Protection for Seasonal Owners

Many Sarasota homes sit empty for part of hurricane season. Our automated hurricane protection ties motorized shutters and screens to a control system, so the house can be closed up remotely or by a property manager in minutes.

Remodeling in Sarasota

Updating a mid century home or repairing storm damage from 2024 often goes hand in hand with new windows and doors. As a state certified building contractor, West Shore handles kitchens, bathrooms and whole home remodels, and we can plan the interior work and hurricane protection together. Explore whole home remodeling, kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling.

Grants and Insurance Credits

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Protection in Sarasota

How do you protect a mid century modern home with large windows?

Impact rated glass and motorized hurricane screens are the most common choices because they protect wide openings without changing the look of the house. We confirm product approvals for the exact size of each opening.

Can I close my Sarasota home remotely during a storm?

Yes. Motorized shutters and screens can be connected to an automated control so you or a property manager can close the house from a phone or a single switch.

Who handles permits in Sarasota?

It depends on whether your home is in the City of Sarasota or unincorporated Sarasota County. We handle the application and inspections either way.

Nearby Areas We Serve

West Shore also serves homeowners in Bradenton, Lido Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and Venice.

Request a Quote in Sarasota

West Shore is a state certified building contractor (CBC044653) with more than 40 years of experience. Estimates are free and on site, and we manage permits with the City of Sarasota or Sarasota County.