RAS Engineering is a professional engineering company serving building managers and owners by providing advice, oversight restoration, and testing to ensure that all components of a build’s exterior and structure meet the standards necessary to provide quality durability and safe protection against the elements.
Impact-Resistant Systems:
Damage Assessment for Shutter Assemblies
Impact-resistant systems, such as shutters, play a crucial role in protecting buildings from wind-borne debris during hurricanes and other severe weather events. Properly functioning shutters safeguard the glazing and structural elements from high-velocity impacts, helping to maintain the building's overall integrity. When assessing the condition and performance of these systems, especially in hurricane-prone areas, a thorough evaluation is essential.
Unlike other window protection systems, shutter assemblies typically require only one level of assessment. This assessment focuses on ensuring that the shutters can adequately protect the building and remain functional during extreme conditions. Below are the steps involved in assessing damage and performance of impact-resistant shutters.
Key Steps in Assessing Impact-Resistant Shutter Systems
Evaluate Wind-Borne Debris Resistance
One of the most important criteria for assessing impact-resistant shutter systems is determining whether they have been tested for resistance to wind-borne debris. This can be verified through two industry standards:
ASTM E1886: Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Storm Shutters Impacted by Missiles.
FBC TAS 201/203: Tests conducted under the Florida Building Code, which simulate the effects of flying debris in hurricane-force winds.
Most shutter labels do not explicitly state testing compliance, so it's necessary to look for other identifiers, such as a manufacturer's label. If the label provides the manufacturer's name, you can contact the company directly to inquire about the testing results. If this information isn't readily available, reach out to the building owner to see if they have any documentation regarding the shutters.
Verify Deployment Functionality
For any impact-resistant system to be effective, it must be deployable during emergency situations. For roll-down or accordion shutters, it is critical to ensure that the shutters can fully close without obstructions. Common obstacles include:
Window air conditioning units that block shutters from being fully deployed.
Decorative features or exterior finishes that might interfere with shutter tracks or hinges.
For panel shutters, verify that the homeowner or building manager knows where the panels and hardware are stored, as these systems typically require manual installation before a storm.
Confirm Proper Installation and Maintenance
Ensuring that the impact-resistant system has been properly installed and regularly maintained is vital for its effectiveness. Poor installation or lack of maintenance can reduce the protective capability of the system. Specifically:
Check if the shutters are properly secured to their tracks in the case of track-mounted shutters.
Ensure that the fasteners holding the shutters in place are secure and appropriately spaced to withstand high winds.
Verify that the system follows the manufacturer's installation guidelines, as improper installation can lead to failure during storm conditions.
Assess Shutter Frame and Fastener Attachment
The attachment of the shutter frame to the building is another critical component of the assessment. If the shutters are not securely fastened, they may become dislodged or blow away during strong winds, rendering them ineffective. Pay close attention to the following:
The type, size, and spacing of fasteners securing the shutter frame or track to the building’s exterior. These fasteners must be strong enough to withstand the design wind loads typical for the region.
If fasteners have corroded or show signs of wear, they may no longer hold the shutters securely, necessitating replacement.
Check for Corrosion and Deterioration
Over time, shutters and their components may deteriorate, especially in coastal or high-humidity environments. Corrosion weakens the structural integrity of the system, increasing the likelihood of failure during high wind events. During the inspection, pay attention to:
The shutter frame or track: Corrosion in the frame or track can hinder the deployment of roll-down or accordion systems, or compromise the stability of permanently mounted shutters.
Fasteners: Rusted or corroded fasteners can fail under stress, so check for signs of deterioration.
The shutter material itself: Whether the shutters are made of metal or other materials, ensure there are no visible signs of cracking, rust, or weakening.
Verify Hinges on Screen Shutters
Permanently mounted screen shutters are often designed with hinges to allow easy access for cleaning windows or maintaining the exterior. During your assessment, verify that the hinges are in good condition and that the screens can be securely latched when closed. If hinges are rusted or loose, the shutters may not properly close, compromising their effectiveness in high-wind conditions.
Summary of Findings and Recommendations
Upon completing the shutter system assessment, it’s important to prepare a detailed report summarizing all the observations and findings. The report should include the following:
Verification of testing: Whether the shutters meet impact-resistance standards like ASTM E1886 or FBC TAS 201/203.
Deployment functionality: Confirmation that shutters can be fully deployed and that there are no obstructions.
Installation and maintenance review: An evaluation of whether the shutters were installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Corrosion and deterioration check: Detailed observations on the condition of frames, fasteners, and shutter materials, along with recommendations for repair or replacement if necessary.
Overall recommendations: A summary of the system's current reliability and any suggested actions to improve its performance or lifespan.
In hurricane-prone areas or regions with severe wind events, maintaining properly installed and functioning impact-resistant shutters is critical for protecting buildings and their occupants. Regular assessments and proactive maintenance ensure these systems will provide reliable protection when it’s needed most.