Hurricane Shutter Tracks – Water Intrusion
When renovating or in new construction hurricane shutter track installation details need to be watched and properly installed to prevent water intrusion at the track locations. This is a common mistake noticed and experienced by a general contractor in south Florida. Typical top tracks are “h-style” in which the top of the “h” is flared out to accept a bead of caulk. This is often missed by non-trained or poorly trained installers and the result is moisture and water intrusion at all the anchor holes into the home. A good way to avoid this is to check the manufacturer’s recommended installation guide, work with a quality installer, and review the work before payment is final.
Shutter Track Installation Checklist:
- Measure opening size
- Pre-drill attachment locations in tracks as per manufacturer’s requirements for spacing and NOA (Notice of Acceptance) Approval. Typically 3” from ends and 6” o/c.
- Mark center of track and center of window opening 6” vertical line
- Align track on exterior wall at location to be installed
- Mark one of the holes
- Remove the track
- Drill the hole
- Reposition and secure with an fastener anchor bolt
- Drill the rest of the holes in the wall
- Blow-out holes with air compressor
- Inject waterproof caulking (review caulk type for conditions installed)
- Insert and secure the fasteners
- Caulk top of track and re-caulk fastener locations
The steps in bold above are the steps usually not completed!
Note: Many track designs actually drain the water toward the house or the back of the track. This should be reviewed with supplier, installer, or company hired prior to start as there may be alternate track profiles available that divert the water or have drainage systems built into track that keeps the rainwater away from the house.
Caulking at the tracks and attachment locations should be checked yearly prior to hurricane and rainy season to avoid possible leak and subsequent water damage.
For additional information about hurricane shutters goto: Miami-Dade Product Control