hi, I'm interested in residential ICF construction in Florida. However, I can't find any information about attaching hurricane shutters to ICF construction. ----- As far as I can tell, standard hurricane shutter attachments for standard Florida build homes are only 3" screws (2" embedded). In a typical stucco over concrete block residential house, the hurricane shutter attachment is entirely in concrete (1/2" stucco, the rest in the concrete block). However, logically, with ICF construction, the hurricane attachment would only be in concrete for the 1/2" of stucco, and the rest in the styrofoam form. This obviously would not produce enough wind load capacity to properly hold the hurricane shutters in place during even a low grade wind event. The seemingly obvious solution, would be to use much longer (and perhaps thicker) attachment screws and bolts that can reach the interior concrete inside the IC form. ----- I've talked to several hurricane shutter companies and none have dealt with ICF construction and lacked any knowledge on the subject. ----- I'm hoping someone can help. Does anyone know of a shutter company that has attached hurricane shutters to ICF construction (residential or commercial)? Are there any specific Miami/Dade building codes that cover the subject, or could someone point me in the right direction so I can find more information on the subject? ----- This a very early phase question, but it's an important question in Florida. ----- Thanks in advance for any information on this subject. ----- FYI - I can't double space paragraphs. I see the double spaces in the editor, but not when viewing so I'm sorry it's running all together.

on my own house, which i built 15 years ago, we cut back the icf 4" around the openings and formed the outside edges with plywood.
then we drilled hurricane shutter inbeds/bushings into the concrete surround.
on my new 2 story addition i installed impact windows.
in every hurricane we have had since i wish i had impact windows and doors everywhere.
in my book they are more than worth the extra money.

on my own house, which i built 15 years ago, we cut back the icf 4" around the openings and formed the outside edges with plywood.
then we drilled hurricane shutter inbeds/bushings into the concrete surround.
on my new 2 story addition i installed impact windows.
in every hurricane we have had since i wish i had impact windows and doors everywhere.
in my book they are more than worth the extra money.

Also consider exterior roller shutters. They mount to the top with tracks on the side, so you can have full foam on the exterior. You'll likely need "innie" windows to make room for the shutter.