When a storm rolls in, the most important thing to remember is not to panic. Be alert and prepared to keep your family and your home this hurricane season by becoming more comfortable with deploying your own storm shutters. So, you’ve bought shutters to protect your home – knowing how to engage them is just as important. Corrugated metal hurricane shutters can be installed by anyone – as long as you know what to do and you have all the necessary tools.
If your header track (also known as an “H-track”) hasn’t already been installed, you should start there. Then, install your bottom track, also known as the “stick-stud” angle because of its threaded studs protruding from its surface. Both tracks must be securely placed with stainless steel screws or bolts. Make sure you wear leather work gloves throughout this problem as to protect your hands from sharp edges.
Then, hold the header track horizontally above the window making sure the bottom edge is flush with the opening of the window. Drive in one screw near the middle of the track, then check it to make sure it’s level. Run a bead of silicone caulk along the top of the header track to seal the window from rain and wind.
Next, slip the shutter into the header track and press tight to the wall. Mark where the bottom end of the shutter touches the wall below the window.
Measure 1/2 inch down from your mark and drave a level line onto the wall. Hold the bottom track flush with your drawn line, and screw to the wall. If your bottom track doesn’t already have bolts in place, slide the bolts into the appropriate channels.
With both tracks ready, slip the upper end of your first shutter into the header track. Then, press the bottom of the panel against the wall. Be sure the bolts are protruding through the keyholder slots along the bottom of the shutter. Now you can place keyhole washers on the bolts, and thread a wing nut onto both.
Slip the second shutter into place, ensuring that it is overlapping the first shutter. Secure the bottom of the shutter with wing nuts like you did the first. Repeat these steps until all panes are securely held within the two tracks.
To remove the storm shutters, take these instructions and reverse the process. Watch the video below for a step-by-step process at how to install your metal storm shutters.
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