Planning

Planning Your Storm Panel Installation

The initial phase of planning involves determining whether the installation must strictly adhere to governmental certification standards or follow a customized engineering approach. To ensure an installation is officially compliant with specific referenceable standards, the manufacturer’s recommendations must be followed precisely. Alternatively, a balanced approach may be used to achieve a high level of protection through a reasonable investment of time and resources. The most effective strategy involves securing fasteners into structural framing rather than relying on non-structural materials.

1. Measuring and Sizing Panels

To ensure a secure fit, panels must be anchored into the structural framing surrounding window openings. The first step is to measure the center-to-center distance between the framing studs on either side of the window. Adding four inches to both the width and height of these measurements determines the final panel size. If stud locations are unknown, they can be confirmed using an electronic stud finder or by drilling small pilot holes from the interior of the home, where drywall is more easily patched than exterior siding.

For improved aesthetics, panels can be sized to cover the window openings entirely to the outer edge of the trim. This requires indenting the fastener holes approximately 2-1/4" from the panel edge, resulting in a cleaner and more finished appearance. For specific instructions on protecting larger openings, such as sliding glass doors, refer to the dedicated guide linked on the website.

2. Material Planning and Sheet Optimization

After determining the necessary panel dimensions, the goal is to identify the most efficient way to cut them from standard sheets to minimize waste. A practical method involves using scaled sketches or paper cutouts to test various layouts on standard sheet sizes.

Panels may be installed with the internal flutes running either horizontally or vertically without compromising structural integrity. Choosing a consistent orientation for all windows often results in a more uniform look for the home. To assist with this stage, sheet cutting worksheets are available for download and print.

3. Regulatory Information

Residents of Florida should review specific state-level information and regional requirements to ensure their installation meets local mandates. Further details are available via the regional information link.