The whirlwind of panic and fear that erupted when Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatened the East Coast of Australia earlier this year, created a surge of fresh interest in cyclone safe Australian homes and businesses.
One critical, yet often overlooked, element is the protection of windows and doors. CW Products manufactures the strongest cyclone rated roller shutters in Australia: CycloneSafe™ – a purposefully engineered solution to protect against the brutal impact of cyclonic storms.
Building Resilience
Cyclonic winds exert enormous pressures on a structure, both positive and negative, creating a risk of uplift and breach. Windows and doors present the weakest points for homes and businesses in these conditions, making them vulnerable to the onslaught of flying debris, which can lead to structural failure. Using strong building materials such as reinforced concrete, incorporating aerodynamic roof design and adding engineered window protection systems like CycloneSafe™ roller shutters, are crucial for resilience.
Features
CycloneSafe™ roller shutters are specifically engineered to protect structures from extreme weather and storm conditions in high risk cyclone regions of Australia. They provide:
- Structural Integrity: Made from high quality, strong aluminium alloy with a commercial grade double wall extruded profile for heavy-duty strength and extreme wind protection.
- Impact Resistance: CW Products’ CycloneSafe™ are the only Australian roller shutters that have had debris and impact testing, in 2002 – over and above what is required for cyclone roller shutter certification. This testing simulated real-world debris impact, ensuring the product can withstand the force of wind-borne projectiles.
- Aerodynamic Efficiency: A roll-tight design with a superior powder coated finish minimises wind resistance and mitigates pressure build-up on windows.
- Water Resistance: A tight fit created by winged slat locks and a restrained guide system lock the shutter curtain into the guide system, helping prevent wind-driven rain from infiltrating interior spaces.
- Smart Control: These roller shutters are available with smartphone App control options and can be integrated with modern building automation systems for ease of use and added security.
Applications
CycloneSafe™ roller shutters provide high security and storm protection residential and commercial applications – including factories, warehouses, mining sites and camps, clubs, pubs, hotels, restaurants, pharmacies, sporting complexes, arcades and shopping mall entrances.
- Externally mounted CycloneSafe™ roller shutters can be applied to windows up to 2700mm wide.
- Internally mounted CycloneSafe™ roller shutters can be used for garage doors up to three metres wide – internal mounting increases the strength.
Design Integration
- Reinforced Systems
For ultimate protection, CycloneSafe™ roller shutters should be teamed with reinforced window and door frames, laminated cyclone-rated glazing and appropriate structural anchoring to ensure full effectiveness. Roller shutter guides must be securely fixed to load-bearing components to resist pull-out forces.
- Optimising Airflow
To prevent internal pressure buildup, designers can strategically position ventilated wall systems and controlled shutter openings to further protect against structural blowout during extreme wind events.
- Energy Efficiency
Beyond cyclone resistance, CycloneSafe™ roller shutters also provide thermal insulation, regulating internal temperature in tropical climates and improving energy efficiency. Their ability to block sunlight further reduces the load, making them a sustainable choice for tropical and coastal architecture.
- Smart Response
Automated or remote deployment of CycloneSafe™ roller shutters using smart home integration ensures a rapid response when a cyclone warning is issued. Wireless control systems and battery backups can be incorporated to maintain functionality during power outages.
Certification
Architects working in cyclonic zones must ensure that all specified components, including roller shutters, comply with the National Construction Code and local building regulations (which vary between states).
CW Products’ CycloneSafe™ roller shutters have been rigorously tested by James Cook University to meet compliance with:
- AS/NZS 1170.2 – relevant wind and cyclone standards
- Cyclic Fatigue Loading in accordance with AS4040.3: 1992
- Design Pressure Testing in accordance with AS4055:2012 (Housing) and AS/NZS4505:2012 (Garage & Large Access Doors)
- Certified supplier for the Household Resilience Program in Queensland
CW Products is the only approved supplier with certification to meet requirements for the Household Resilience Program in Queensland.
The Future
The CSIRO reports around 11 cyclones are formed each year from November to April, during the Australian cyclone season. In the future we can expect stronger cyclones, as ocean temperatures rise and fuel extreme weather, bringing more intense rainfall and dangerous storm surges with them.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, designers will need to innovate to meet the challenge. Integrating cyclone rated roller shutters with more resilient materials, smart design and intelligent automation, creates safer, more sustainable homes built to withstand the evolving Australian landscape.