Installation Instructions

CAUTION: Wear gloves when handling the CLEAR hurricane panels. Wear ear and eye protection when doing all installations.

CAUTION: Plan escape routes, panels installed over an opening will prevent it from being used as an escape exit.

The following instructions are prepared for openings that allow the Wall Channel Track (WCT) and the Studded Extruded Angle (SEA) to be mounted flush with the exterior wall. The Wall Channel should not be used for openings over 7 feet tall. In some applications, it should not exceed 5 feet tall. If you have projections (i.e., precast sills) on openings that would prevent you from mounting flush with the wall, it is important to know that panels can be run horizontal. Please read this guide prior to attempting the panel installation.

Concrete Block Construction:

1. Drill ¼" holes in the Wall Channel Track and Studded Extruded Angle not to exceed 6" on center of the Wall Channel Track and the Studded Extruded Angle.
2. Locate and mark the center of the Wall Channel Track and the Studded Extruded Angle.
3. Locate and mark the center of the opening you are going to install the Wall Channel Track and Studded Extruded Angle and mark (Pencil) a vertical line at the top and bottom of the opening approximately 4" long.
4. Match the center mark on the Wall Channel Track to the vertical line above the window. Level the Wall Channel Track insuring the bottom of the Wall Channel is at the top of the opening.
5. Using (1) of the ¼" holes in the Wall Channel Track, make a mark on the wall. Remove the Wall Channel Track and using a 3/16" masonry drill bit, drill the hole approximately 1 ¾" deep.
6. Using a 5/16 head nutdriver (Fits in drill) and utilizing a 1 ¾" Tapcon, screw the Wall Channel Track securely to the wall, being careful not to strip out the Tapcon. Level the Wall Channel Track, drill out he remaining holes in the wall and screw in the Tapcons.
7. Using (1) hurricane panel for the appropriate opening, insert panel into the Wall Channel Track (WCT) and push the panel all the way to the top. Hold the panel in place and make a mark ½" below the bottom of the panel. Make sure your horizontal mark intersects the bottom vertical mark.
8. Line up the center mark on the Studded Extruded Angle (SEA) and the center mark on the opening (the bottom horizontal mark) then level.
9. Using (1) of the ¼" holes you drilled in the SEA, make a mark on the wall. Remove the SEA and drill a ¾" diameter hole.
10. Insert to Tapcon through the ¼" hole in the SEA and fasten the SEA to the wall. Level the SEA, drill out the remaining holes and screw in the additional Tapcons.
11. Remove the wingnuts from the SEA, insert the panel into the Wall Channel Track (WCT), letting the panel drop down on the SEA, and the studs should protrude through the neck of the keyhole. (Note: There should only be a ¼" gap between the top of the panel and the WCT).
12. Insert the second panel into the WCT. If stitching holes are present, panels must be bolted together with a 1" sidewalk bolt and a washer wingnut.
13. Continue this process making sure each panel overlaps the next panel and are straight vertically.
14. Before putting up the last panel, insert the 1" sidewalk bolt into the stitching hole(s) of the next to the last panel, and tighten down to the panel using a ¼" Hex nut. Then install the last panel.
15. Tighten down all the wingnuts on each stud until the opening is completed.

NOTE #1:

Both Wall Channel Track (WCT) and Studded Extruded Angle (SEA) can be made removable by using a Tap-in Anchor and a ¼ X 20 Machine Screw.

NOTE #2:

For wood installations, use 2" Lag Bolts for permanent mounting. For removable wood installations, use Brass Wood Bushings with ¼ X 20 Machine Bolts.

NOTE #3:

Should you prefer to use the Direct Mount (No Tracks) method of installation, use lead anchors and bolts or PanelMates. These should line up with keyholes in panels.

Note#4:

The Strongest installation is when both ends of the panel are bolted down, preferably with a studded angle (avoiding use of H-header, especially on tall openings).

**Review Engineer Drawings for limitations, approved details, and code compliant applications, etc.

**If you are not handy or have any physical limitations, you may need to consider Professional Installation

SUGGESTIONS/MAINTENANCE:

Once all windows have been completed, make a diagram of your home showing all window locations. Assign a number to each window, then using a permanent marker, number each set of panels accordingly. Make several copies of the diagram and keep them in a convenient location for easy reinstallation of panels. Once numbering is completed, remove all panels for storage. Once a year, spray the studs on the SEA and the wingnuts with a generous amount of silicone spray lubricant. If you have chosen the Direct Mount method (no tracks), remember to lubricate the Tap-in Anchor (CBS) or the Brass Wood Bushings (WOOD) hardware and then finger tighten the 1" Machine Bolts. You may paint the heads of the Machine Bolts for appearance purposes.

See Cleaning and Storage Instructions