Design Wind Speed
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Miami-Dade HVHZ Hurricane Shutters

What Design Pressure Rating Do Your Shutters Need?

Hurricane shutters in Miami-Dade County require a Miami-Dade NOA with large missile impact certification. But not all shutters are rated the same. Get the exact design pressure your openings need - then choose shutters that actually protect your building.

Calculate My Wind Load Compare Shutter Types

Not All Shutters Are Created Equal

A shutter rated for DP 50 will fail if your opening requires DP 80. Under-rated shutters don't just fail inspection - they fail during hurricanes. Calculate first, buy second.

0 MPH Miami-Dade Design Wind Speed
Large Missile Impact Rating Required
NOA Required Miami-Dade Product Approval

HVHZ-Approved Hurricane Shutter Types

Compare design pressure ratings and costs for Miami-Dade County

Rollup Shutters
+0
Max Design Pressure (PSF)
$45-75 / sq ft installed
  • Highest wind load ratings
  • Motorized or manual operation
  • Clean look when retracted
  • Best for large openings
  • Premium cost
Accordion Shutters
+130/-195
Max Design Pressure (PSF)
$25-45 / sq ft installed
  • Best value for high ratings
  • Quick manual deployment
  • Permanent mounting tracks
  • Covers most residential needs
  • Widely available
Storm Panels
+0
Typical Design Pressure (PSF)
$15-25 / sq ft installed
  • Most economical option
  • Removable - no permanent look
  • Requires storage space
  • Installation time before storms
  • Lower ratings limit use

Typical Design Pressure Requirements

Miami-Dade County HVHZ - 180 mph design wind speed

Opening Location Exposure C Exposure D Shutter Options
1st Floor - Standard Windows DP +50/-65 DP +60/-80 All types qualify
1st Floor - Large Openings (>40 sq ft) DP +45/-55 DP +55/-70 All types qualify
2nd Floor - Standard Windows DP +65/-85 DP +80/-100 Accordion or Rollup
2nd Floor - Corner Zones DP +85/-110 DP +100/-130 Accordion or Rollup
3rd+ Floor - Any Location DP +100/-130 DP +120/-160 Rollup recommended
Important: These are typical ranges only. Corner zones (within 3-6 ft of building corners) require higher ratings. Your actual requirements depend on specific building dimensions, opening sizes, and terrain. Always calculate before purchasing.

The Shutter Installation Problem

  • You bought shutters based on a salesman's recommendation
  • The permit got rejected - shutters don't meet wind load
  • You have mismatched ratings across your building
  • Second floor shutters are under-rated for the height
  • Corner windows need higher ratings you didn't account for

The WindLoadCalc Solution

  • Get exact DP requirements for every opening
  • Know which shutter types qualify for each location
  • Documentation that passes permit review
  • Avoid buying over-rated shutters where not needed
  • Confidence your shutters will actually protect

How to Get Your Shutter Permit Approved

The process for Miami-Dade County HVHZ shutter installation

1

Calculate Wind Loads

Get the required design pressure for each opening based on size, height, and location on the building.

2

Select Shutter Type

Choose shutters with NOA ratings that meet or exceed your requirements. Match shutter type to your budget and needs.

3

Verify NOA Coverage

Check the NOA document to ensure your specific opening sizes and configurations are covered.

4

Submit Permit Package

Include wind load calculations, NOA documents, and installation specifications with your permit application.

Hurricane Shutter FAQs

Common questions about shutter requirements in Miami-Dade

What wind load rating do hurricane shutters need in Miami-Dade?
Hurricane shutters in Miami-Dade County typically need design pressure (DP) ratings between +60/-80 psf for small first-floor openings up to +130/-195 psf for large openings or upper floors. The exact rating depends on opening size, building height, location on the building (corner vs. field), and exposure category. All shutters must have a Miami-Dade NOA with large missile impact certification.
Do hurricane shutters need a permit in Miami-Dade County?
Yes. Miami-Dade County requires a building permit for all hurricane shutter installations. The permit application must include wind load calculations showing the required design pressure for each opening, and proof that the shutters have a Miami-Dade NOA rating that meets or exceeds the calculated requirements. Installation must follow the NOA specifications exactly.
What types of hurricane shutters are approved for Miami-Dade HVHZ?
Miami-Dade HVHZ approved shutter types include: Accordion shutters (most popular, MDP up to +130/-195), Rollup/Roll-down shutters (highest ratings, MDP up to +200/-200), Colonial shutters (decorative, lower ratings), Bahama shutters (provides shade, lower ratings), and Storm panels (removable aluminum or steel). All must have a valid Miami-Dade NOA with large missile impact rating to be installed in the HVHZ.
What is the difference between accordion and rollup shutters?
Accordion shutters fold horizontally from the sides and are manually operated. They typically cost $25-45 per sq ft installed and have MDP ratings up to +130/-195. Rollup shutters coil into a housing above the opening and can be motorized. They cost $45-75 per sq ft but have the highest ratings available (up to +200/-200). Rollup shutters offer a cleaner look when open but cost significantly more than accordion shutters.
How do I find hurricane shutters that meet my wind load requirements?
First, calculate the required design pressure for each opening using a wind load calculator. Then search the Miami-Dade NOA database at miamidade.gov/building/pc-search_app.asp, filtering by "High velocity hurricane zone" classification and "Shutters" category. Compare the NOA's Maximum Design Pressure (MDP+/MDP-) ratings to your calculated requirements. The shutter's MDP must meet or exceed your required DP for both positive and negative pressure.
Can I mix different shutter types on the same building?
Yes. Many buildings use different shutter types based on requirements and budget. For example, you might use accordion shutters on most windows but rollup shutters on large sliding glass doors that need higher ratings. Each opening needs shutters that meet its specific wind load requirement - calculate each opening separately and choose appropriate shutter types for each.

Get Your Exact Shutter Requirements

Know the design pressure rating each opening needs before you buy. Stop guessing, start calculating.

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