Hurricane shutter

[1][2] Shutters are frequently constructed from steel or aluminium, but homeowners sometimes use the low-cost alternative of plywood.

Lexan panels are transparent, and may be flat or have been heat-formed into a corrugated shape to further increase impact resistance.

When deployed, all hurricane shutters require special techniques for firefighters to gain access to the interior of a structure.

In 2011, a flat hurricane shutter system developed by UltraTek Worldwide was approved by Florida Building Code.

[2] The Florida Building Code (FBC) is in most aspects similar to the IBC in regard to the testing and approval of hurricane shutters.

[6] The Miami-Dade County norms, often considered the most stringent requirements for hurricane shutters, rely on self-developed testing methods TAS201, 202 and 203.

Passing the tests prescribed by the TAS norms is required only for shutters approved for use in the Florida HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone).

Both Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida maintain web-searchable databases of products approved for use as hurricane protection.

Both the product and installation method must be shown to be in compliance with these drawings in order for a shutter to be considered "code-rated".