I want to anchor this header into the concrete lintel above the window, and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to the type of anchor I should use to ensure the strongest hold. I was thinking of boring into the concrete, driving in lead lag shields, and lag bolting the header in place, but was wondering if that would be sufficient to hold the weight of the shutters.
Thanks for your help.
Bahama shutters are panel shutters hinged at the top of the window, and are propped out from the bottom. They shade the windows from the sun, while allowing air in to the windows. When closed, they protect the windows against flying debris should a hurricane approach - a danger here on the Gulf Coast. They are very tropical looking, and would work on my house.
The header will serve as an attachment point for the shutter hinges, so they can be opened and closed. I believe that some Tapcon masonry screws will do the trick, but I wanted to make sure it would work.
Each shutter, I am estimating, will weigh about 45 pounds, with the whole assembly under 200. The guy at Home Depot told me that a Tapcon screw every foot driven through the header and two inches deep into the concrete ought to hold without any problem.
Under normal circumstances the Tapcons at every foot is more than enough to support the modest weight. My only concern is the hurricane wind. After Andrew left its destruction, the state of Florida revamped much of its criteria on matters such as this.
I would contact the local or state authorities for their recommendations. It should only take you a telephone call and it may save you from picking up your shutters in Clearwater.......
