Astroguard orders generally ship within 1-4 weeks. These times are estimates based on prior orders and can change at any given time due to supply and demand. In slower times, many orders are completed sooner than these estimates whereas in busy times the orders may take longer than estimated. We can assure you we always work extremely hard on getting all orders completed as soon as possible. *Some large astroguard sizes may require two panels to be fused together. These orders can take up to 8 weeks to be completed.
ALL ORDERS ARE NOW 100% PROTECTED FROM BEING LOST, STOLEN, OR DAMAGED DURING SHIPMENT! DETAILS-RESTRICTIONS APPLY
Astroguard Hurricane Fabric is a patented resin-coated fabric that provides Category 5 level protection from hurricane force winds and rain and prevents rapid pressurization - the leading cause of roof lift-off and catastrophic damage. Our Astroguard Hurricane Fabric is extremely lightweight and can easily be stored in the garage when not in use.
Astroguard Hurricane Fabric is:
- Dade County, Florida Approved
- Florida Building Code Approved
- International Building Code Compliant
- Texas Department of Insurance Approved
- High Velocity Hurricane Zone Approved
- "A" rated Insurance Approved
Clips are included with all Astroguard orders! The Astroguard engineers will determine the amount of clips needed and the appropriate spacing required based on the dimensions and zip code where the Astroguard will be installed. You will receive this clip spacing in your order. Clips to be installed by the customer upon delivery.
The Astroguard cutting machine requires whole numbers for the width and height. If the finished width and/or finished height submitted is not a whole number, we will round that number up to the next whole number. For example, if you submit a finished width of 45.25, 45.50 or 45.75, we will round those numbers to 46 inches. Please submit your finished width and heights accordingly.
How to Measure:
Measuring for your Astroguard Hurricane Fabric Panels is relatively easy, however, it is extremely important for proper installation. Hurricane Fabric is designed and engineered to be anchored top and bottom or side to side. It is generally recommended to anchor the Fabric on the longest sides of your opening. This will result in the fabric stretching across the shorter of the two dimensions which will result in the fewest number of anchors required. Additional supplemental anchors can be purchased (to prevent sagging or billowing) by selecting "Top, Left and Right" or "All Four Sides". It is important to note, however, that these supplemental clips are not to be spaced the same as the main attachment sides. They should only be spaced every 24 inches.
When measuring, the first thing to consider is the type of construction: Concrete or Wood Frame. In both types, you will measure the width and height of the opening, then add the appropriate overlap depending on the type of construction (See below). When measuring doors or sliding glass doors that are flush to the floor, place the tape on the floor, measure to the top of the opening, and add the appropriate overlap (see below).
In Concrete or Masonry construction you will overlap both sides and top & bottom by 4 inches. This overlap should result in the anchor being placed in the middle of the “poured cell” (the hollow area in the concrete block which has rebar and is filled with concrete during construction) which surrounds the sides of each opening. Top and bottom of masonry openings will have poured or precast Lintels and Sills. Additionally, the 4” overlap will also place the anchor hole far enough from the edge of the block to avoid cracking or fracturing the corners of the block or lintel. If a window has a protruding bottom sill, you may either terminate the Fabric at the sill or overlap the sill. If you are placing anchors below the sill, overlap 4” to allow the Clip to lay flat on the wall surface.
For example, a 36" wide by 48" high window surrounded by concrete would require a piece of Astroguard Hurricane Fabric 44" wide (36" + 4" + 4") by 56" high (48" + 4" + 4").
In Wood Frame construction you will overlap both sides and top & bottom by 1 inch. This overlap will result in the anchor being placed in one of the two frame members (2x4 or 2x6) that surround each side (commonly referred to as the “Jack” and “King” studs). Typical wood frame construction will have a pair of 2x6 timbers on the horizontal top and a pair of 2x4 timbers on the horizontal bottom. Many people have concerns over trim boards surrounding the opening. These are most often 1x4 boards, with a thickness of ¾”. The anchors will be sized accordingly, to go through the trim board, the siding and still have proper embedment in the structural timber.
For example, a 36" wide by 48" high window surrounded by wood frame would require a piece of Astroguard Hurricane Fabric 38" wide (36" + 1" + 1") by 50" high (48" + 1" + 1").
Brick homes are most often brick over wood frame. This construction incorporates an air space (vapor barrier) between the back face of the brick and the plywood siding of the house. Since the brick is not a structural element, the anchors must go through the brick and have proper embedment in the timber frame members. Measuring is generally the same as for wood frame homes (adding 1 inch to all sides) with the major difference being the length of anchor bolt needed to secure the hurricane panels. Our anchors are available in a variety of lengths to accommodate “real” brick as well as brick veneers.
Please note: If you select either "Top, Left, and Right" or "All Four Sides" as your attachment sides, additional clips will be provided based on the supplemental spacing of every 24 inches as recommended from the manufacturer. These supplemental clips are not to be spaced the same as the main attachment sides.
Step 6: Include Hardware?
We offer three types of installation hardware:
Male Panelmate – This anchor is our standard offering and comes in three lengths, 2-1/4”, 3-1/4" and 7-3/8”. This measurement is NOT the total length of the anchor - it is the length of the threaded portion of the anchor that will be embedded in the structure. The stud that accepts the Panel Clip is a 1/4-20" male thread and accepts a wingnut for deployment of your Panels. When Panels are not deployed, the stud is protected by a provided white plastic cap. This anchor can be used in both wood and masonry applications. The Male Panelmate requires a 7/32” drill bit (Found Here) for installation and uses a 3/16“ female hex head driver to install (Found Here)
Female Panelmate – This anchor will be used when you desire a flush application. It also comes in three lengths, 2-5/8”, 3-1/4", and 7-3/8”. This anchor has a collar on top which has a ¼-20 female thread. If you choose this anchor, you will receive two lengths of Sidewalk bolts - 1/2" long and 1" long bolts. The ½” long bolts are used for sealing the anchors when the Panels are in storage and the 1” long anchors are used for deploying the Panels. Female Panelmate anchors are used primarily in wood frame applications. The Female Panelmate requires a 7/32” drill bit for the screw portion and a 7/16” drill bit to countersink the collar. An optional Combo Bit is available (Found Here) that will drill both holes. This anchor then uses a 5/16” male hex head driver to install (Found Here).
Flush Concrete Inserts – This anchor is generally the best selection for masonry applications. It comes in two lengths, 1-3/8” and 2-1/8”. The shorter 1-3/8" anchor is used for most applications while the longer anchor is used when deeper embedment is desired. A 1-¼” Sidewalk Bolt is included and is used for both sealing the anchor and deployment of the Panels. The Concrete flush anchors requires a 7/16” drill bit and use a 5/16” male hex head driver to install.
Washers – Bonded Washers are included if purchasing Female Panelmate Anchors or Flush Concrete Inserts. These washers should be installed on the bolt you are using when the Panels are in storage. They serve the dual purpose of sealing the anchor from debris and eliminating corrosion between dissimilar metals. It is important to always use the washers as they will eliminate unscrewing the anchor when you remove Sidewalk bolts for future deployment of your Panels.
Sidewalk Bolts – All Sidewalk bolts are 1/4-20” (1/4”diameter, 20 threads per inch). The heads are designed to be driven with a number 3 Phillips head only or a large flat head screwdriver. Using a smaller Phillips driver will result in stripping the head.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are the Clips included in my purchase?
- Yes! All Astroguard purchases included the clips and the screws to install the clips to the Astroguard fabric.
2. How many clips will I get?
- You will receive the appropriate amount of clips (and hardware if purchased) to install your Astroguard based on the width, height, attachment sides, and zip code where the Astroguard will be installed. Unfortunately, we don't know this answer until we submit the order to the Astroguard engineers who make the final determination. Certain areas, like Miami-Dade for instance, require more clips than other areas. When you receive your order, you will receive the appropriate number of clips (and hardware if purchased) along with an installation sheet which will indicate the amount of clips needed and the proper spacing.