ACCORDION SHUTTERS offer you the ultimate value in hurricane protection. When you consider cost and ease of use, it is no wonder accordion shutters are the most popular type of hurricane shutters. This type of shutter stacks besides the opening when not in use and unfolds accordion style to cover and protect during a storm. The average preparation time is 15 to 30 minutes for the entire house. Not all Accordion Shutters Systems are made the same.
S&D Accordion Shutters are stronger than other Accordion shutters. They are fabricated of high strength, thicker extruded aluminum alloy. The enamel finish is baked on at 450 degrees to assure a lasting finish. Assembly hardware is made of stainless steel and other corrosive resistant materials for an extended lifetime. In addition, nylon wheels, stainless steel wheel carriages, and heavy hinged knuckles add extra strength and durability. Not satisfied in just meeting the building codes, we went beyond them.
Accordion shutter stacking space
Accordion shutters require stacking (storage) space on either side of the opening. To determine if you have enough space to install an accordion shutter, a good rule of thumb is to add 6" to the opening size, then add 1.25" for each foot of opening to arrive at the actual width of the shutter. For example, if you have a 72" wide window, the shutters require an area approximately 86" wide. (72 + 6) + (1.25 * 6)
Maximum Opening: This is the maximum the shutter will open when in the stored position. Take for example the 71.625" opening size. If your window measure 73" wide and you don't want to see the shutter from inside the house, you need to order the next size larger size. It will provide 76.5" of clear opening. However if you don't mind seeing the edge of the shutter from inside, order the shutter that provides a clear opening of 71.625". You will save a little money if you order each window and door using this criteria.
​
Number of Blades: it is always an even number. When dividing the blades up for an uneven split opening, it must be done in pairs.
Shutter Width: The width of the shutter will be larger than the clear opening, due to blade stacking (a shutter with a clear opening of 71.625" will actually be 85.875" wide). The extra 14.25" is the amount of stack for the shutter when stored. This stack can be all on one side or the other or split half each side. If needed, we can stack 25%of the blades on one side and 75% the other.
​
Shutter Height: The height of the shutter will be 6" higher than the actual opening. Be sure you have the required 3" space above and below the window for the standard wall mount header and sill. If there isn’t 3" of space above the opening, you will need a low-profile ceiling mount header. The standard allowance for top and bottom is 6"; 3" for the header and 3" for the bottom sill. For example, a 48" high opening will have a shutter 54" high.
