REFERENCE
Need some help getting started? We’ve got you covered … check out our FAQ, Glossary, and Installation Instructions below.
FAQ
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 2 PLYFASTNER OPTIONS?
PlyFASTNer, our legacy, wedge-shaped design debuted in 2002 and has been installed on over 185,000 window and door openings. Despite successful application to over 10,000 homes, we frequently heard from customers seeking a simpler and more affordable solution. The resulting newly-released, 2nd-generation patent-pending low-profile design of PlyFASTner Plus addresses those concerns via an equally-secure system at a fraction of the cost with fewer components which are quicker and easier to install.
WHAT IS THE LARGEST PANEL SIZE THAT REQUIRES ONLY 4 PLYFASTNERS?
48” x 70” (two for each opposite side)
HOW DO I INSTALL PANELS TO COVER AN OVERSIZED OPENING LIKE A SLIDING GLASS DOOR?
Oversized openings can be protected using two sheets of plywood with the 8′ dimension running horizontally. Since the 48” span is exceeded, the PlyFASTner spacing requirements change to 15″ center-to-center and 9’’ to the top or bottom See diagram on installation instructions). Anchors are only required on two opposite sides.
THE INSTRUCTIONS INDICATE THAT THE ANCHORS ARE LOCATED ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF THE OPENING TO BE COVERED. IS IT POSSIBLE TO LOCATE THE ANCHORS ALONG THE TOP AND BOTTOM EDGES INSTEAD?
Either orientation will work to secure the opening. The building code states that the anchors should be placed on opposing sides. CAUTION: sometimes it is difficult to locate a single sill at the bottom of the window in the alternate orientation.
I WAS GIVEN A BOX OF SCREWS BY MY BUILDER TO FASTEN STORM PANELS TO OUR VINYL-SIDED HOUSE. DOES THE PLYFASTNER SYSTEM WORK WITH VINYL?
PlyFASTner is suitable for all exterior surfaces, including vinyl siding. We at PlyFASTner do not consider screws as a feasible option because resulting damage to the trim would be unacceptable.
MY VINYL WINDOWS HAVE NO TRIM. WHERE DO I INSTALL THE ANCHORS?
PlyFASTner anchors must penetrate through the vinyl siding and be anchored to the structural framing inside the wall. The preparation hole for the anchor is drilled through the vinyl siding. When fully inserted, the head of the anchor will be flush or slightly recessed from the surface of the vinyl siding. The removable bolt may need to be longer than the standard 2″, since the window extends beyond the siding. After measuring the required length, the removable bolt may be ordered through the factory or purchased locally. Ask for a standard 1/4” x 20 stainless steel hex head bolt of the measured length.
HOW DO I INSTALL THE PLYFASTNER SYSTEM ON MY BRICK VENEER HOUSE?
Brick veneer will not hold the required loads. This installation requires anchors long enough to be inserted through the brick and threaded into the 2 x 4 framing by 2 1/2”. This hardware may be special ordered from the factory by contacting us.
HOW DO I INSTALL THE PLYFASTNER SYSTEM ON MY MASONRY BLOCK HOUSE?
Tested and approved Powers AC 5.5 Plus Epoxy or equivalent must be used in a solid grout-filled block. The anchor must be imbedded a minimum of three inches in epoxy in the solid grout-filled block.
IS THE RECOMMENDED MASONRY INSTALLATION CONSIDERED “VIBRATION RESISTANT’’ AS REQUIRED BY CODE?
Yes. But to achieve vibration resistance, the block cell must be filled solid with grout. No anchor can achieve vibration resistance in a hollow CMU. Powers AC 5.5 Plus Epoxy is the tested and approved adhesive to qualify as vibration resistant by code.
I NOTICED THE 3/8" EPOXY NOZZLE THAT COMES WITH EPOXY WILL NOT FIT INTO THE 5/16" DRILLED HOLE. SINCE THE HOLE CANNOT BE FILLED FROM THE SURFACE, HOW DO I FILL THE DRILLED HOLE WITH EPOXY?
The installer will need to purchase a 6″ clear tubing with a 3/8″ internal diameter that will snuggly attach to the epoxy nozzle. Then another 1/4″ x 6″ segment of icemaker line will snuggly fit inside the clear tubing (readily available at hardware stores). This tube allows the hole to be filled from the bottom and eliminates air pockets.
WHICH BUILDING CODES DOES THE PLYFASTNER SYSTEM MEET?
The PlyFASTner system was tested in accordance with ASTM E 1886, ASTM E 1996, and ASTM E 330, including the large missile test and positive and negative cyclical pressures. The system meets the requirements of the Florida Building Code, the International Building Code, and International Residential Code. The downloadable Evaluation Report will provide Building Services with the required information that certifies code compliance.
HOW MUCH FORCE CAN THE PLYFASTNER HARDWARE WITHSTAND?
Code requires any system to hold a minimum of 52 and 78 PSF with the required safety factor in the positive or negative direction. The PlyFASTner system held in excess of 100 PSF for 10 second duration. This force would apply 533 pounds of force on one PlyFASTner or 3200 pounds on a full sheet of plywood.
WHAT WIND SPEED IS 100 PSF EQUIVALENT TO?
100 PSF is equivalent to a 200 MPH wind.
HOW IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE PROTECTIVE PANELS?
Plywood may be stored vertically (on edge) or horizontal (flat). Since panels can be used year after year, they should be stored in a dry area and not subject to blowing rain or direct sunlight. Panels should not be stored directly on a concrete slab or within 18 inches of soil. If panels are easily accessible, they will be more likely to be used.
CAN YOUR SYSTEM BE USED WITH POLYCARBONATE HURRICANE PANELS?
Yes, doing so and fastening with our hardware spacing requirements meets code.
WHAT THICKNESS DOES THE PLYWOOD NEED TO BE?
The PlyFASTner system can be used with any thickness plywood. 1/2″ CDX plywood is standard and meets building code requirements.
WILL I RECEIVE AN INSURANCE DISCOUNT IF I INSTALL THE PLYFASTNER SYSTEM?
Some insurers may provide a discount if a windborne debris protection system is in place. Since the PlyFASTner system meets code, you should inquire with your insurance agent.
GLOSSARY
A
Anchor: Affixed bolt on which the pre-drilled plywood is hung. We offer three options for use with our PlyFASTner® and PlyFASTner Plus™ hardware: Stow & Deploy™ Anchor, Retractable Anchor, and Anchor with Removable Bolt.
Anchor for Brick Veneer: Installation in brick veneer is possible but requires a longer anchor since the threads of the anchor must engage the 2×4 structural wall framing; materials specific for brick veneer applications may be purchased here.
Anchor with Removable Bolt: Permanently installed stainless steel anchor with a removable bolt to minimize appearance in the off season. This component measures 4.5” long and is assembled by PlyFASTner. It is comprised of a head (.5” x 1.25”) and a 1/4” diameter lag thread shaft. White or black hole plugs can be used to further minimize appearance.
C
Cap: Decorative nylon piece to cover bolt head of the retractable anchor and Stow & Deploy™ anchor in the off season; available in white.
H
Hole Liner: Nylon hardware component used with the Anchor with Removable Bolt and Retractable Anchor to shed water away from the anchor’s hole. Typically used on wood and vinyl applications.
N
Nut Driver: Typically used with a drill, consisting of a 7/16” socket attached to a shaft, used to insert anchors; included in our Installation Kit.
O
OSB: Oriented Strand Board, an alternative to plywood panel material.
P
Plug: Flat decorative nylon insert used to fill permanently-installed anchor with removable bolt in the off season. Available in white and black.
PlyFASTner®: Black powder coated metal bracket used to secure plywood panel.
PlyFASTner Plus™: Black nylon bracket used to secure plywood panel.
PlyFASTner Plus HD: Heavy duty black powder coated metal bracket used to secure plywood panel.
Plywood: 1/2”, 3-ply, CDX, 4’x8’ panel used to protect opening. 1/2” thickness meets building code requirements.
R
Retractable Anchor: Permanently installed zinc-coated anchor with a bolt that retracts to minimize appearance in the off season. White bolt caps can be used to further minimize appearance.
S
Seal: A soft foam washer that is placed under the head of the white plug that helps create a moisture barrier. A sheet of 50 seals is included in an order of 50 white plugs.
Spade Bit: Specialized drill bit for boring into wood; included in our Installation Kit. Spade bits come in various sizes as needed to install the PlyFASTner hardware.
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The 1” spade bit is used to drill a large 1” hole thru the panel which allows for easy panel hanging on the protruding bolts.
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The 1/2” spade bit is used to form a 1.5” deep hole for the head of the recessed anchor of the Anchor with Removable Bolt.
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The 5/8” spade bit is used to form the anchor’s preparation hole if a hole liner is used.
Stow & Deploy™ Method: Our trademarked and patent pending system where permanently installed PlyFASTner anchors are discreetly stowed in the off-season available for quick engagement when needed as threatening weather approaches.
Stow & Deploy™ Anchor: Permanently installed zinc-coated anchor that is stowed in the siding to minimize appearance in the off season. To deploy an anchor, counter-turn the head 8 revolutions or until there is ample protrusion of the shaft to support the panel and PlyFASTner Plus loosely slides into place.
Z
Zinc: Corrosive-resistant coating applied via electrostatic process to hardware components; similar to a galvanized coating.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
PlyFASTner® and PlyFASTner Plus™ provide a quick, affordable method of attaching a plywood protection system to windows and doors to protect structures from wind-borne debris damage.
Check out our step-by-step Installation and Planning Instructions here:
TESTING & CODE DOCUMENTATION
PlyFASTner® and PlyFASTner Plus™ Evaluation Report
Florida Building Code 1606.1.4 Protection of Openings
Purchase the Latest International Building Codes
The windborne debris requirement can be viewed in section 1609.1.4
Florida Department of Community Affairs
Florida Department of Community Affairs Building Code Information System
South Carolina Building Codes Council
TESTIMONIALS
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