How to Measure Aluminium Hurricane Shutters

Use hurricane shutters to protect your home from destructive winds.

Aluminum hurricane shutters can protect your windows from flying objects, debris and other damage caused by a hurricane's gale-force winds. The Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory recommends covering all exterior glass in your home with hurricane shutters, including sliding glass doors and bay windows, if you live in a hurricane-prone area. Check with your county government before installing aluminum hurricane shutters, because building codes vary in different counties and states, and yours may not support aluminum shutters.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Measure the windows and doors the aluminum hurricane shutters will cover. Begin by measuring the height, starting at the bottom panel where the window or door meets its frame, and finishing where the window or door meets the top of its frame.

2. Write down the measurements on a piece of paper.

3. Place the tape measure at the bottom of an aluminum hurricane shutter.

4. Extend the tape measure until it equals the height of your first window or door measurement. For example, if your first window measured 30 inches high by 40 inches wide, extend the tape measure upward until it reaches 30 inches.

5. Extend the tape measure another 6 inches if you are measuring an aluminum hurricane shutter for a window. If you are measuring for a door, extend the tape measure 8 inches instead. Your total measurement will equal the height of your window plus 6 inches or the height of your door plus 8 inches. Mark this new measurement, using a pencil.

6. Extend the tape measure until it equals the width of your first window or door measurement. For example, if your first window measured 30 inches high by 40 inches wide, extend the tape measure to the side until it reaches 40 inches.

7. Extend the tape measure another 6 inches if you are measuring an aluminum hurricane shutter for a window. If you are measuring for a door, extend the tape measure 8 inches instead. Your total measurement will equal the width of your window plus 6 inches or the width of your door plus 8 inches. Mark this new measurement, using a pencil.

References

• Sun-Sentinel.com: Hurricane Shutter Guide
• Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory: Hurricane Shutters FAQ
• Storm Shutters: Measuring and Installation