Installation
Florida building Code and the Pan-Handle
Installation of hurricane shutters in the Pan Handle is unique and can be quite challenging due to the fact our homes are made from wood frames with a brick veneer. The majority of the hurricane hardware is designed for cement block construction you find in South Florida. However, Florida Building Code requires all shutter hardware to penetrate the frame of the home by a minimum of at least 1 inch. To insure hurricane systems are installed correctly, a Building Permit is required and will be inspected once installed as required by Florida Building Code. The hardware required for installation in the Pan Handle is an 8 inch lag bolt. This is because in order to hit the substrate, you must drill thru the brick, vapor barrier, insulation and then hit the stud penetrating it at least an inch.
Installing into the brick veneer is NOT code and the hurricane will fail. (Tip, if your see blue heads on your brick, back them out and you will see they are not 8 inches long.)
Spacing patterns on the product will vary from each manufacturer. The most common requires a bolt every 12 inches into the stud to meet the design pressure requirements. Below is a diagram of common window framing in the Pan Handle.
As you can see the stud pattern under the window is 16” on center. If you rely on hitting the studs, you will not pass code, so we must install into the Sill. To do that, we must install under the brick sill at a 90 degree angle, without the 8 inch bolt, you will not hit the substrate. The heads of the bolts will be at an angle and sealant should be visible. When your home is inspected, the Building Inspectors do look at the angle of the bolts. The bolts will only be dead on straight if it is a wood or vinyl sided home.
For the Do it Yourself types
The Big Box stores do not carry the right hardware, but luckily Jimmy Coe of Pensacola Hardware understands the needs of the Pan Handle and is committed to doing what ever it takes to insure we can install protection to Florida Building Code. Jimmy not only stocks everything we need, but negotiates better pricing from his suppliers, which we pass onto you.
How do you know your hurricane protection is installed correctly and with the right hardware? Ask your sales person to see the engineering specs and review the hardware requirements. In addition, for every install there will be a building permit posted on the house with the engineering specs enclosed for the Building Inspector. The hardware to be used will be highlighted and you will have an opportunity to meet and ask questions of the Building Inspector when we call for the final inspection.
Remember, if it is stainless steel hardware, a magnet will not stick to it and question if you see blue bolts. The more informed you are, the better equipped you will be for a safe hurricane.