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| Q: Why should I get hurricane
shutters? |
A: Tests show that if the building envelope of your home is violated in any way, for example a window breaking out, hurricane force winds will build up pressure inside and the roof may come off. Most lost roofs are blown off from the inside, rather than being blown off by direct wind. Hurricane shutters are designed to protect all glass openings and maintain the integrity of the building envelope. Shutters are also tested to endure positive and negative pressure to prevent from being blown in or blown out. Shutters are also designed to keep your glass from breaking, to keep your family safe from injury by flying glass and to prevent replacement of glass or windows after the storm.
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| Q: What are my choices for hurricane shutters? |
A: There are four types of hurricane shutters available: 1) Roll-Down Shutters, 2) Accordion Shutters, 3) Louvered Shutters
(Bahama and Colonial), and 4) Storm Panels.
Roll-Down ShutterSystemS as manufactured by Sun Barrier Products, Inc. are the most versatile and practical. They provide security, storm protection, insulation, privacy, noise reduction, protection from water intrusion, and sun control. An aluminum tracking system is anchored on the exterior sides of the opening. Interlocking slats of PVC, foam-filled aluminum, or extruded aluminum roll down within the track. When closed, ShutterSystemS provide a solid, secure barrier. Open partially for diffused light and ventilation, or roll shutters up into the housing when not in use. Roll-Down ShutterSystemS operate from the interior of the home with the touch of a button or the turn of a handle.
Sun Barrier Products manufactures aluminum bi-fold Stormguard Accordion Shutters. Accordion Shutters operate by the interlocking aluminum blades gliding on wheel assemblies in an upper track and lower sill. They are installed and operated from the exterior. A five-point locking system secures Stormguard Accordion Shutters, including extruded aluminum drop pins and a key lock. Accordion shutters have been proven to be excellent protection from storms, storm-force winds, and flying debris, as well as a security barrier. When not in use, they stack at the
side(s) of the opening.
Louvered shutters, usually chosen for aesthetics, provide storm protection, sun control, and privacy. Bahama Shutters hinge at the top of the window, and angle out at the bottom on a lateral arm. For storm protection, the lateral arm unhooks and the shutter secures down over the window frame. The Colonial Shutter hinges at the side and is closed and secured over the window for storm protection. They are available in white and 149 standard colors, with custom color matching as an available option.
Storm Panels are manufactured from roll-formed aluminum and steel in various gauges. They consist of a top header track and bottom track affixed above and below each door and window opening or a stud angle that fits at either side for horizontal installation. When storm protection is required, the panels are placed in the track and anchored into place with provided fasteners. Storm panels are excellent protection from storms, but they must be stored away when not in use and do require some time to attach. They do not provide any security, since they attach from the exterior.
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| Q: How are my shutters tested for Hurricane protection? |
| A: All Shutters manufactured by Sun Barrier Products, Inc. are engineered and tested to meet or exceed Building Code for Hurricane Shutters. The testing laboratory puts the shutters through a number of tests depending on the Code that is to be met. Dade County Building Code for Windload and small and large missile impact is the toughest Building Code in the world. Windload measures the amount of sustained wind protection the shutter will provide. Cyclic pressure is applied to measure positive and negative pressure, preventing the shutter from blowing in as well as preventing the shutter from blowing out should pressure build up within your home. Impact is measured by shooting a projectile out of a cannon at various points in the shutter to test that not only does the projectile not pierce the shutter, but Dade County Code will not allow the shutter to deflect more that 1 ½". ( I have a picture of testing procedure for this spot) caption: Large Missile Impact Laboratory Testing.
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| Q: How are my shutters fastened to my home for maximum protection? |
| A: Sun Barrier Products, Inc. uses fastening systems that have been tested and approved for Hurricane Shutter Installation, as is specified on the engineering and testing. In addition, we use a high quality sealant to adhere the structure to your home. The engineering is very specific about the placement of fasteners, we use the engineering and testing as a minimum for the manner in which our shutters are attached.
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| Q: How do Shutters compare
to film or impact windows? |
| A: Film is a product that is applied to an existing window to provide some level of protection. The engineering for the film requires that the film be applied only on a window that meets the wind load for the Dade County Code. It is not intended to be applied to older windows or newer builder's quality windows. The film products do not meet the large missile test for windows on ground, second and third floor, only the small missile test for windows over the third floor. The biggest concern with film is that the glass will still break. The film will hold the broken glass in place and protect against injury from flying glass, but it will not keep the glass from breaking and may not hold the glass in the frame. Impact windows are a much better product than film, the windows are manufactured with special heavy duty frames and laminated glass. The windows are tested and approved for Dade County Code for windload and impact, small and large missile. The glass may still break if hit with flying debris, but is designed to hold in place.
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| Q: If I live in a
Condominium, does my Association have the right to deny my request for Hurricane Shutters? |
A: The amendments to Florida's Condominium Law (FS 718.113, FS 718.115) requires Condominium Associations to set specifications for Hurricane Shutters. Each Board of Directors not only must set specifications with regards to hurricane shutters, their authority has been expanded to allow the boards (with a majority vote of the homeowners) to install, repair, or replace shutters as a common expense. This gives every condominium the right to protection from severe storm damage. Sun Barrier Products, Inc. offers planning, review, and consulting service free of charge for all aspects of hurricane shutter products. 1) specifications that will comply with the local building codes and engineering that will verify design requirements; 2) design considerations to assure building integrity, uniformity, and visual attractiveness.
With hurricane shutters now something that all condominium owners are to be aware of, it is important to understand that all condominiums are not alike and all shutters are not alike. Your concern for protection from severe storms as well as your rules governing maintenance and exterior appearance are well considered. Our goal is to meet your requirements for well-engineered quality products, technical assistance, and affordable pricing.
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