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PlyFASTner Plus®

Lynn Engineering has partnered with PlyFASTner Plus® Advanced Hurricane Protection System to provide an innovative solution to our builder partners in the Coastal Bend. We are offering this permanent anchor hardware system as a solution to satisfy Chapter 16 Section 1609 of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), which makes changes to the protection of opening requirements for wind-borne debris regions.

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Installing the PlyFASTner Plus® Hurricane Protection System Hardware is as easy as 1-2-3.

PlyFASTner Plus® provides a quick, affordable method of attaching plywood panels to windows and doors (hurricane shutters) to protect structures from wind-borne debris damage. The PlyFASTner Plus® hurricane protection system meets or exceeds Texas and International Building Codes and can be installed in virtually any residential exterior.

  • The PlyFASTner Plus patent-pending 2-part hardware system plus plywood will quickly provide protection for any window or door opening from wind-borne debris, using a few simple components.
  • PlyFASTner Plus is compatible with all home exterior materials, including wood, vinyl, HardieTrim, brick/brick veneer and concrete block.
  • PlyFASTner Plus will protect your home at a fraction of the cost of conventional pre-installed products.
  • PlyFASTner Plus brackets are injection molded from a reinforced Nylon material, enabling our system to meet or exceed strict Coastal Building Code requirements.
  • Our hardware can be used with 1/2 ̋ CDX plywood, 7/16 ̋ OSB plywood or 5/8″ polycarbonate panels as required by Code or upgradeable with thicker plywood or polycarbonate panels. Polycarbonate panels must have Florida Product Approval. Galina USA offers approved polycarbonate panels.
  • Our Stow & Deploy® anchoring system minimizes the appearance of permanently installed hardware while simplifying assembly for homeowners preparing for an approaching storm.
  • PlyFASTner Plus hardware is made with pride in the USA using recycled materials.

Contact us to learn more and use PlyFASTner Plus® on your project!

  • Lynn Engineering clients with windstorm plans for a project can obtain the product at our dealer’s cost, as we seek to provide a solution to the recent code change and keep our builder partners moving with as little disruption as possible.
  • Area builders who are not yet Lynn Engineering clients may also purchase the hardware wholesale at a lower than retail cost, with a small handling fee included.
  • Finally, homeowners and other area contractors may purchase the hardware through our retail pricing structure, still below the cost to purchase online and ship locally.

Lynn Engineering has worked diligently in recent months since the announcement of the code change to identify a solution for our builder partners that satisfies the requirement without creating barriers for our builders or eyesores for their homeowners. After extensive research and discussion with stakeholders, including at TDI, we have determined to classify the solution, per the code, as a “permanently-installed” anchor onto the building as the female end of the threaded stud is inside the building.

The patented PlyFASTner Plus® Advanced Hurricane Protection System has approvals up and down the East Coast as well as the State of Florida, based upon the same 2018 IBC Code, for windborne debris protection.

Not only does this solution satisfy code requirements, but it’s patented Stow and Deploy® anchoring hardware is permanently installed and concealed with protective caps during the off-season, then deployed in advance of a storm, so homeowners can then quickly put protective plywood panels in place, without requiring any tools.

2018 IBC and IRC Standards

Protection of opening requirements for wind borne debris regions.

As of Sept. 1, 2020, Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has adopted the 2018 International Building Code and International Residential Code as the standards for insurance through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). The new codes provide greater windstorm protection and will apply to new construction, repairs and additions.

Chapter 16 Section 1609 of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) makes changes to protection of opening requirements for wind borne debris regions. The code change does increase the wind speeds, but the design pressures are not drastically changing, and in some cases are decreasing.

For wind borne debris protection, code will now require that all windows and glazing (replacement and new construction) have one of the following methods for wind borne debris protection:

  • All glazing must have precut 7/16” min OSB covering onsite WITH ANCHORS FOR PLYWOOD ATTACHMENT PERMANENTLY EMBEDDED INTO FRAMING –OR–
  • Impact resistant windows –OR–
  • TDI approved shutters
The changes to the windspeed calculations for Risk Category II may look like a significant change but it is really not. In fact, Lynn Engineering has been designing to this standard since the beginning of 2020 in anticipation of this change. When beginning to think about your coastal construction project, make sure to connect with us at Lynn Engineering to ensure the process goes smoothly and is done right the first time. Visit us online at lynn-engineering.com or call (979) 245-8900 to speak with our professionals today

Who's Affected

TDI has designated the 14 coastal counties and some areas of Harris County to be in the catastrophe area.  Homeowners in these areas may not be able to obtain private insurance that covers windstorm and hail damage and must get coverage through TWIA.

In order to purchase a TWIA policy, most homes and properties must have a certificate of compliance verifying that the structure meets applicable building codes and can withstand high winds and hail.

For alterations like a re-roof (non-shingle), re-sides, new windows, new doors, new skylights etc., we will inspect that these products are installed in accordance with TDI product evaluations.


For new construction and additions, windstorm/structural engineering and design must be completed for all projects within the designated catastrophe area. Lynn Engineering will engineer your project to meet the design requirements of the code. This must include a Windstorm Compliant Plan and Foundation Plan.

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