Hail-Resistant Shutters for Australia’s Extreme Storms

Shutters installed on Australian homes must withstand the barrage of intense hailstorms that frequently pummel roofs and exteriors. Large hailstones traveling at high velocities readily damage unprotected glazing and standard building materials. Specialized impact-resistant shutters provide a resilient barrier shielding windows from fracturing under extreme hail strikes. They also prevent costly interior water damage when standard windows fail during storms.

This guide covers hail-resistant shutter materials, impact ratings explaining performance, critical design attributes preventing damage, proper installation expertise, testing standards for assurance, and maintenance tips to uphold protection. Follow the recommendations so you can rest easy knowing your home stays protected from Australia’s punishing hail season.

The Threat Hail Poses to Windows

Australia faces more frequent severe hail events, especially across inland regions:

• Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne will often experience hail exceeding 2 cm diameter.
• Northeast NSW and Southeast Queensland sometimes endure hail over 4 cm striking at over 100 km/hr.
• Giant 5+ cm hail possible in supercell storms across the ACT, NSW Southern Highlands and Darling Downs.
• Large hail causes over $1 billion in residential property damage annually.

Without impact protection, standard window glass is extremely vulnerable:

• Annealed and heat-strengthened glass readily shatters under strikes from large hailstones allowing damaging water intrusion.
• Cracking glass under pressure enables wind-driven rain penetration resulting in interior flooding.
• Fractured panes must be replaced immediately to secure homes. Makeshift covers provide only temporary fixes.
• Damage to interiors, furniture, carpets and valuables from water exposure through broken windows.

Specialized impact-resistant shutters or films are essential to secure standard windows from hail.

Hail Impact Ratings for Shutters

Established test standards determine a shutter’s protection level against hailstone strikes:

AAMA 506 Voluntary Specification

Outlines performance criteria for assessing hail impact resistance:

• Uses ice balls of specific diameters propelled at shutter assemblies at precise velocities.
• Ratings based on the maximum hailball size withstood without fracture or tear through.
• Class options range from no damage at 1-inch diameter up to withstanding 2-inch hailballs.

TAS 201 and 203

Australian standards providing classifications from no effect up to minimizing damage from 60 mm hail at 21 m/s velocities.

AMCA 540

Includes a rating scheme based on withstanding steel ball impacts of standard test sizes from 1-inch to 2-inch diameters.

Seek shutters rated for the severe hail sizes experienced in your locality. Consider future climate projections also.

Hail-Resistant Shutter Materials

Advanced material technologies withstand intense hail loads and impacts:

Laminated Glass

Multiple bonded layers of glass and polymer provide redundant protection since fractures don’t permeate through.

Polycarbonate

Extremely impact-resistant glass-like transparent plastic material related to bulletproof acrylic. Highly ductile and flexes to absorb blows without cracking.

Security Film

Specialized multi-layer flexible polymer films adhere to exterior glass faces adding impact resistance protection.

Acrylic and Impact Plastic

Shatter-resistant transparent thermoplastics like Plexiglas. Withstand considerable impact loads without fracture. Easily formed into domed skylight covers.

Protection Mesh

Vinyl-coated glass fiber embedded in flexible polymer creates tear-resistant barrier layers over glass.

Advanced plastics and films protect vulnerable standard glass susceptible to hail damage.

Hail-Resistant Shutter Design Features

Specific attributes beyond materials improve impact protection against hail:

• Laminated multi-wall panels with internal cushions absorb strikes without compromising exterior finish.
• Polymer composite cores offer additional shatterproofing versus natural woods that crack and split.
• Thick frames withstand edge impacts without denting that lead to water ingress.
• Angled facades deflect direct perpendicular hailstone blows for better energy dispersion.
• Tight weather seals prevent openings allowing water intrusion after strikes.
• Reinforced corners and joints stay seamlessly bonded together when struck.
• Modular designs allow replacing only critically damaged components.

Careful engineering and design prevents glass failures leading to interior water damage.

Professional Hail-Resistant Installation

Proper installation methods maximize impact protection and longevity:

• Utilize robust anchoring systems into the structure versus just trim boards alone to withstand battering storms.
• Employ flexible sealants at vulnerable joints to maintain water resistance after repetitive heavy impacts near edges.
• Apply surface films or additional protective layers per manufacturer specifications for high-risk exposures.
• Avoid exterior fins, ledges and horizontal surfaces that can accumulate hail drifts adding impact mass.
• Verify wind load capacity matches your local requirements in addition to impact resistance.
• Check for sturdy designs without likely failure points or hardware vulnerabilities when struck.
• Carefully follow all preparation and mounting instructions precisely.

Correct professional installation optimizes shutter hail resistance and disaster resilience.

Inspecting Hail Damage and Making Repairs

Follow these guidelines after severe storms:

• Carefully examine shutters for any fractures, penetrations or frame damage allowing water intrusion or compromising structural integrity.
• Use light transmission to check for internal laminate cracks or clouding within clear polymer panels.
• Mark any tears through outer films or mesh needing complete replacement.
• Look for dents and deformations deeper than 3 mm that spread impact forces to other areas.
• Note any fasteners torn out from frames or masonry indicating pullout failure.
• Document all observed damage with photos and details for insurance reporting.
• Make temporary repairs to secure damaged areas until full replacement.

Immediately consult manufacturers and window professionals to determine if replacements or repairs are needed.

Matching Hail-Resistant Windows and Doors

For comprehensive exterior protection also install:

• Laminated, tempered or polycarbonate glazing options meeting minimum required hail impact ratings.
• Hail-resistant skylights, such as laminated glass or acrylic domes.
• Steel or reinforced fiberglass doors without hollow core fillers.
• Entry awnings and overhangs helping shield vulnerable glass surfaces.

Surround quality shutters with other upgraded impact-rated building components for complete hail protection.

We Can Help You Select Hail Defense Shutters

This guide provides an overview into specialized shutters and films protecting against severe hailstorms. Our experienced team focuses on specifying the optimal impact-resistant products precisely matched to your locality’s extreme weather risks. We stay proactively updated on equipment innovations as climate challenges intensify nationwide. Contact us today to discuss the latest ways to shield your property from the ravages of damaging hail. Protecting families, homes and valuables from the elements is our commitment.