How Does the Accordion Shutter Engineering Process Work?

Accordion shutter engineering is a critical process to ensure your hurricane shutters stand up to the elements for years to come. After the contract is signed, we’ll come to the home to assess all of the windows and doors we protect with accordion shutters.

What happens during the Accordion Shutter Engineering walk-through?

The first step is to walk the home’s perimeter and design a plot plan that lays out the location of each window and door that accordion shutters will cover. 

Outline Zone 5 vs. Zone 4 areas

For us, it’s crucial to note the specific area of the windows and doors on the exterior corners of the property, as these areas will have a higher exposure to higher wind pressures and are referred to as Zone 5 areas. Other less exposed areas located on the interior portion of the home are typically referred to as Zone 4 areas. 

Accordion shutters should protect all areas of your home. Still, in Zone 5 areas, we must ensure that the hurricane shutters are secured to your home safely by securing more screws to your shutter track.

Measure the mean roof height and property perimeter

Next, we measure the mean roof height of the building, as well as the property’s perimeter measurements, and verify the pitch and design of the roof. We need these calculations to prepare the permit.

Inspect decorative window features for structural safety

As our accordion shutter engineering team member evaluates each opening, we inspect the home for decorative bands around the window and door openings.

Decorative features around the openings can sometimes interfere with the standard installation, so it’s our job to figure out the best way to install the shutters while still complying with the city’s building code and, preferably, keeping the decorative features intact where possible.

One of the most critical factors in determining if a decorative band will impede the safe installation of hurricane shutters often involves determining if the accordion shutters will be attached to concrete, concrete block, wood frame, or some combination of these materials. 

We must secure all tracks to a solid structural substrate. According to the building codes set forth by the State of Florida Building Code, Accordion shutters cannot be attached to pavers, most plywood, or any hollow wall. 

There are many ways that we can accommodate unconventional windows and decorative bands by using one of our many accordion shutter attachment options.

After the Accordion Shutter Engineering Walk-through

After our hurricane shutter engineer has reviewed all of the findings with you and discussed any disparities, we take all the calculations back to the office and begin preparing the permit. 

We complete a permit application with your signature, the contractor’s signature, and the property appraiser’s data, such as the job address, mailing address, job value, and folio number. 

Notice of Commencement for Accordion Shutters

If the value of the accordion shutter engineering project is over $2,500, We must include a notice of commencement form signed by you. This form lets the county know about the home improvement project.

The permit must also include a plot plan of the home with all the locations where we will be installing the accordion shutters, as well as an NOA or notice of acceptance for the accordion shutter model.

The Accordion Shutter Notice of Acceptance

This document dictates how we will install the accordion shutters. The attached schematics show;

• The components of the accordion shutter
• How we will assemble them
• The substrate we will install them in
• The appropriate amount of anchor type we will be needed comply with the strict hurricane shutter testing set forth by the Florida Building Code.

Accordion Shutter Detail Sheet

In some cases, the city will provide an accordion shutter detail sheet. In other cases, it’s our accordion shutter engineering team’s responsibility to create or provide one. This detail sheet concisely spells out all the calculations, wind pressures, opening sizes, Zone 4 or 5, anchor size and type, and the particular installation application for each window or door. 

Wind-load calculation form

We also provide a wind-load calculation form in the city’s permit. These charts dictate the pressure for each opening based on their size, location (Zone 4 or 5), the height of the building, and proximity to the coastal waters. Some cities provide a generic one that is acceptable. In contrast, others require one designed by an architect or structural engineering company.

Accordion Shutter Engineering Permit Submission

Once we have provided all the necessary documents, we submit the permit package for review by the local jurisdiction’s plan reviewer for accuracy and compliance with the Florida Building Code. 

Once we receive notification that the permit has been approved, it can be picked up or electronically downloaded, and we will call you to schedule the hurricane shutter installation.