"Cyclone-rated" is one of those terms thrown around so casually in tropical Australia that it\'s lost most of its meaning. Here\'s what to actually look for if you\'re north of the Tropic of Capricorn.

Wind regions and what they mean

  • Region A: Most of southern Australia. Standard shutters are fine.
  • Region B: South-east QLD, coastal NSW north of Coffs. Higher wind loading, look for shutters tested at this rating.
  • Region C: Coastal QLD from Bundaberg north, top end of WA. Genuinely cyclone-prone. Tested shutters mandatory for warranty.
  • Region D: NT north of Katherine, Cape York peninsula. Severe tropical cyclone territory. Specialist installers only.

The four things to ask for

  1. Test certificate by reference number. Real cyclone-rated shutters have been physically tested at a NATA-accredited lab to AS/NZS 1170.2 + AS 4055. Ask for the cert.
  2. Tested SYSTEM, not just slats. The slat is one component. The end-locks, guides, box and fixings are part of the tested assembly. Substitutions void the rating.
  3. Storm-bar or mid-rail requirements. Past a certain wind speed, shutters need additional reinforcement. Confirm whether yours do at your wind zone.
  4. Insurance acceptance. Speak to your insurer BEFORE installing. Some discount premiums for tested cyclone shutters; some don\'t recognise certain brands.

If an installer can\'t name the test standard and produce a certificate, they\'re not selling cyclone-rated shutters. They\'re selling cyclone-coloured shutters. Big difference when the wind\'s actually blowing.

Compare cyclone-rated quotes from QLD and NT installers who carry the right certifications.