Choosing the Right Envelope: Hurricane-Ready Material Comparisons for Atlanta Projects

Elevated slab construction on pilings for flood-prone coastal site

For Atlanta developers building in a wetter, more severe-weather climate, envelope choices matter. Compare impact glazing, reinforced shutters, and high-performance fiber cement cladding on cost, lifecycle, and insurance premiums. Impact glazing raises upfront cost but can reduce windborne-debris insurance surcharges and maintenance needs.

Practical tip: run a simple payback model — compare incremental cost vs. likely insurance savings and reduced repair cycles. For mid-rise residential, consider hybrid approaches: impact glazing on lower floors, removable shutters above.

Architect United can run a quick envelope ROI model for your Atlanta project. Start here: www.architectunited.com/quote.