Aluminum Hurricane Shutters

Aluminum shutters are the ultimate solution for hurricane protection, combining unmatched strength with a sleek, tropical design. Engineered to shield windows and doors from the intense winds, rain, and flying debris associated with hurricanes and tropical storms, these shutters offer peace of mind in regions prone to severe weather, including the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of America. Their attractive yet durable construction ensures reliable performance without compromising the structural integrity of your home, making them a must-have for coastal and tropical properties.

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  Bahama Shutters

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  Colonial Shutters

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Aluminum Shutter Styles

ShutterLand provides homeowners with two distinct styles of premium aluminum shutters: Bahama and Colonial. Both options are crafted with the same durable construction techniques and feature louvers designed for both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Yet, they differ in design and installation. Bahama shutters are hinged at the top, allowing them to extend outward and provide shade, ventilation, and a tropical charm that enhances a home’s exterior. Conversely, Colonial shutters are hinged on the sides, offering a more traditional, symmetrical look reminiscent of classic architectural styles. Both shutter types deliver a perfect balance of visual allure and practicality, enabling homeowners to choose a design that best suits their preferences and architectural needs.

Aluminum Hurricane Shutters

One of the most significant benefits of aluminum exterior shutters is their role in hurricane protection. Engineered for resilience, aluminum shutters are designed to shield windows and doors from the intense winds, rain, and flying debris associated with hurricanes, cyclones, typhoons, monsoons, and tropical storms. Their strong construction ensures they can withstand high-impact forces without compromising the home’s structural integrity. As a barrier, aluminum shutters help reduce the risk of glass breakage, water intrusion, and potential damage to interiors, making them an invaluable investment for homes in hurricane-prone regions.

All aluminum impact-rated hurricane shutters arrive with a mechanism to lock in a closed position. The devices offered are discussed in the measuring instructions.

ShutterLand aluminum shutters have been rigorously tested to comply with the nation’s most strict building codes for window protection in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ).

Miami-Dade County Codes

These codes are part of the stringent standards used in Miami-Dade County, especially for areas prone to hurricanes and high winds:

1. TAS 201 – Large Missile Impact Test:
   This test evaluates the ability of windows, shutters, and doors, to withstand impact from debris propelled during a hurricane. A heavy object, like a 9-pound 2×4 wood plank, is launched at the product at a high speed to simulate real-world storm debris.
2. TAS 202 – Structural Pressure, Air, Water, and Forced Entry Resistance:
   This test assesses the performance of a product under various conditions:
   • Structural pressure: Ensures the product can withstand strong wind pressures.
   • Air infiltration: Measures air leakage.
   • Water penetration: Tests for resistance to water intrusion.
   • Forced entry: Verifies the security level of the product to prevent break-ins.
3. TAS 203 – Cyclic Pressure Test:
   This test subjects the product to repeated pressure cycles to simulate the fluctuating wind forces during a hurricane. It ensures durability and performance after exposure to these stresses.

Florida Building Code (FBC) – High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)

The FBC applies to areas in Florida where hurricanes are most likely to occur. These standards ensure the safety and resilience of buildings in high-risk zones:

1. ASTM E1996 (Impact Test):
   Evaluates the shutter’s resistance to impact from windborne debris, similar to TAS 201, ensuring it can withstand flying objects during a hurricane.
   
2. ASTM E1886 (Cyclic Wind Test):
   Simulates the effect of cyclic wind pressure and suction during storms, and ensures that the shutters retain their integrity after such events.
   
3. ASTM E330 (Static Load Test):
   Subjects shutters to sustained, high pressures to ensure they don’t deform or fail under extreme static wind loads.

Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Code

The Texas Department of Insurance evaluates and rules on standards for building components on the Texas Gulf Coast and other high-risk hurricane-prone areas of Texas. The code references the ASTM E1996, ASTM E1886 and ASTM E330 tests.

All hurricane shutters have a permanent label that indicates the manufacturer; the name of the product (Extruded Aluminum Hurricane Shutters, Impact Resistant Shutters); missile level (Large Missile Impact); test standards (TAS 201-94, 202-94, and 203-94); and drawing number. 

Construction of Aluminum Shutters

Aluminum shutters are built for high performance in severe weather climates. Construction begins with extruded 6063 T-6 aluminum alloy components. Stiles and rails are hollow with 0.04 inch thick walls. Mitered corners are connected with nylon keys, structural adhesive and 3/16 inch rivets. Hurricane impact louvers are internally reinforced and suspended between the stiles. Hinges are permanently riveted to the shutter.

Aluminum Decorative Shutters

Some buildings don’t require the full protection of impact-rated shutters. Aluminum Colonial and Bahama shutters designated as “decorative” are extremely similar to the more resilient version. The primary difference is that decorative louvers are fully hollow, and not reinforced like hurricane shutters. The louver spacing is also slightly different and the available widths are in 0.5″ increments instead of 0.25″. Decorative shutters can be made with either 1.25″ or 2″ louvers. Aluminum decorative shutters are extremely durable and perfect for every day, but are not rated for storm protection.

How to Measure for Aluminum Shutters

Measuring for aluminum shutters may seem somewhat intuitive at a glance, but it is far from straightforward and requires careful attention to detail. To assist property owners and ensure accurate results, ShutterLand provides specific, step-by-step instructions tailored to the style of shutters selected. These detailed guidelines take the guesswork out of the measuring process, helping you achieve precise dimensions that are crucial for both functionality and aesthetic appeal. By following these instructions closely, you can ensure that your shutters will fit and perform as intended, whether they are purely decorative or designed for hurricane protection.

Aluminum Shutter Installation

ShutterLand offers detailed installation instructions, including video guides, for all styles of aluminum shutters, ensuring the process is straightforward if followed correctly. However, property owners are responsible for ensuring installation complies with the hurricane shutter code of their governing municipality. Key requirements of these codes include full coverage and overlap of the window opening, positioning the shutter at least 1 inch in front of the window, and securing it to a sturdy header or wall joist.

Production Time of Aluminum Shutters

The current production time is 8-10 weeks for all styles of outdoor aluminum shutters. The shipping cost for an individual order, regardless of size, is $400.