1. Do you come and give free estimates?
We ask that you do the initial measurements of all openings you would like covered and come into our showroom for a free quote. We can show you all options that are available and do multiple quotes for different products
2. How long is it until I get my protection installed ?
Production times vary for different materials, demand and time of year. The best time to purchase Hurricane Protection is before or after Hurricane Season for fastest installation.
3. What are the differences in products?
Click here for a comparison chart.
4. How do I know my installation is to code?
We insure all installations adhere to manufacturers engineering requirements. If we are unable to do so, we will respectfully decline a job we feel is unable to meet code due to pre-existing building construction. Dean and Dave visit every site to engineer each job. This way we ensure all installations are done to either Florida Building Code or Miami-Dade Code.
5. What is Notice of Acceptance (NOA)?
Notice of Acceptance, or NOA’s, are an approval issued by the Building Code Compliance Office of Miami-Dade, Florida. It ensures products are manufactured and installed to certain test protocols.
6. What is Miami-Dade Certified Impact Resistant Products?
These are the products that undergone rigorous testing in compliance with TAS protocols. Certified products receive a NOA number bearing the product approval.
7. What is the difference between Miami-Dade and Florida Building Code?
Miami-Dade County has the strongest recorded wind speed and therefore has very strict standars for protection products used there. These product have been tested to PA 201, PA 202, PA 203. Florida Building Code has instituted a High Velocity Hurricane Zone code that is comparable to the Miami-Dade testing and approval. These products have been tested to TAS 201, TAS 202 and TAS 203. These products can be used in Miami-Dade or other HVHZ regions of the state. For Non-HVHZ regions, the testing is ASTM-E1886 (This test method determines the performance of exterior windows, curtain walls, doors, and impact protective systems impacted by missile(s) and subsequently subjected to cyclic static pressure differentials) , ASTM-E1986 (Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Storm Shutters Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes) and ASTM-E330 (Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference)
8. What’s the difference between PA Test Protocol and TAS Test Protocol?
PA Testing Protocols are the testing criteria used by Miami-Dade Building Code Compliance Office and the South Florida Building Code (Section 23). Since March 2002, this testing protocol is superseded with the Florida state unified building code. TAS Protocol is Florida Building Code’s Test Protocol for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones.
9. What are TAS 201-94, TAS 202-94 and TAS 203-94?
- TAS 201-94 is the protocol that covers procedures for conducting the impact test as required by Section 1626 of the Florida Building Code.
- TAS 202-94 is the protocol that covers procedures for conducting a uniform static air pressure test.
- TAS 203-94 is the protocol that covers procedures for conducting cyclic wind pressure loading test required by FBC and TAS 201-94. Impact products are required to undergone a +/-4500 cycle test
10. What is the Impact Test and what is large and small-missile resistant?
The Miami-Dade Building Code requires that every exterior opening - residential or commercial - be provided with protection against wind-borne debris caused by hurricanes. Such protection could either be shutters or impact-resistant products. There are two types of impact-resistant products: large-missile resistant and small- missile resistant.
A. Large-missile resistant test
A product exposed to various impacts with a piece of lumber weighing approximately 9 pounds, measuring 2" x 4" x 9’ in size, traveling at a speed of 50 feet per second (34 mph). Then the product is subjected to hurricane loading of 9,000 wind cycles, positive and negative.
B. Small-missile resistant test
A product that has been exposed to various impacts with 10 ball bearings traveling at a speed of 80 feet per second (50 mph). The product is then subjected to wind loads for 9,000 cycles. If the doors and windows are more than 30 feet from the ground then they must be either large or small missile compliant.
11. What if I have problems getting the panels up during a storm?
After the installation is complete, our certified installers test one panel in each opening and put up one window entirely for you to see. They can walk you through the install process. Although we try our best to insure all panels and shutters work perfectly, we do recommend a dry run before an emergency situation arises. Once a Hurricane Warning is issued we cannot help with any problems you may have.
12. I have had problems with contractors in the past. How do I know you are not like everyone else?
We work hard to ensure you are happy and completely satisfied with your storm protection. We also understand that some unfortunate things have occurred in the past. We have a link here to references, and want you to be assured we stand behind all work preformed. We are here, not going anywhere, with a storefront you can visit at any time.
13. Can I do my own install?
This is not an easy yes or no answer. Some construction knowledge is required to install hurricane panels. Accordions and Roll Ups are a little more complicated. We do come out and engineer the job for you and supply you with all necessary hardware and fasteners. Tools and bits are sold on an as needed basis. We can help you by answering questions in the showroom; but remember, you are a do it yourselfer!
14. How much storage space is needed for storage?
For aluminum panels, about 10 panels equal 1” of depth. Most can be stored against the wall of your garage secured with eye hooks and a bungee. Lexan takes a little more space. Polypropylene panels require greater storage space as does plywood. Wind abatement can be stored easily under a bed or in the attic. They come with bags to roll up product and store.
15.Should I only protect the openings facing the water? Should I install shutters on the south side only?
Hurricane protection only works if the building remains intact. No matter your home location, if you leave any windows or doors unprotected during a hurricane, it will expose your home to a total loss when any window or door implodes from hurricane winds, with the high winds passing over your roof the suction will remove your roof top. The combination is often disastrous with total destruction of a perfectly good building. So, all openings must be protected or you have virtually no hurricane protection in the event of a real hurricane.
When Andrew struck Florida, the tornados and heavy winds came from every direction.
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