A strategy is a collection of actions that if implemented together, can reduce the risk of damage during a weather event or crisis.
- Broken glass presents a risk to people inside the house.
- Broken windows and doors allow rain into the house.
- Debris-rated screens catch some debris but still allow water and wind pressure to enter.
Debris shutters are a great option made from solid materials such as plywood or steel sheets. Although few have been debris tested, they:
- can protect windows or doors from wind pressures and wind-driven rain
- absorb the impact of some smaller wind-borne debris.
Cyclone wind-rated roller shutters are commercially available. They have been tested to the wind pressure requirements of the Standard. The Australia/New Zealand standard is AS/NZS 1170.2. This is the Australian and NZ wind loading standard engineers use to design buildings. Wind-rated shutters are not debris-rated but will protect glass from lighter debris. They may also reduce the amount of wind and water entering the house if the window breaks.
Other ways to protect windows and doors against damage from lightweight debris (e.g. small branches) include:
- Roller shutters
- security screens
- security film
Some shutters (e.g. plywood sheets) can be fitted as part of the preparation for an approaching cyclone.
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Actions
Debris rated screens are made from open mesh, so they will let some wind-driven rain through them. These should be tested to the requirements of AS/NZS 1170.2
They're usually permanently fitted to the windows and doors. They need to allow for windows or doors to be opened when there isn't a cyclone.
Install 14 mm thick plywood shutters on windows and glass sliding doors. This should be done as part of the preparation for an approaching cyclone. The brackets for the plywood sheets need to be installed before the cyclone season. They must be in place so the sheets can be positioned quickly and easily.
The plywood shutters should be pre-cut to size with holes matching the bracket positions. They should be clearly labelled so that they can be installed in the correct location and orientation. They should be stored in dry conditions and easily accessed when needed.
For higher windows and doors, ladders may be required to install the sheets. Safe work practices should be used to lift the sheets into place and secure them.
This type of action is appropriate for glass sliding doors where permanently mounted debris screens may make accessing the door difficult.
Debris can break glass windows and doors and create an opening in your building envelope. This opening can increase the internal pressure of your home and can also allow water to enter the building.
Internal pressure can increase the structural loads on the connections of your home, which can damage the structure. Rain water can damage floors, walls and contents.
You should consider installing a wind-rated roller shutter. It may not prevent windows breaking but can reduce the size of the opening. This can help keep wind pressure and rainwater out of your home.
Wind shutters are a permanent addition to your home which may also function as security or blackout shutters.