How to Size ArmorPanel™:
To help you visualize what ArmorPanel™ panels look like, it is perhaps best to start by explaining that each panel has grommets on only two of the four edges of the panel material.
While it may have been your initial assumption that all four edges of each panel would have grommets, the design of the material and the strength of the system is predicated on the panels being fastened to a structure with grommets on only two of the four panel edges.
Since each panel can be installed either vertically [the edges with grommets running north and south] or horizontally [the edges with grommets running east and west] we have elected not to use the common terms of 'length' and 'width' to eliminate confusion due to the possible orientation of each panel.
Instead, we have adopted two industry engineering terms to help you understand and visualize each panel as it relates to how it will cover each of your specific openings.
The two engineering terms are 'Span' and 'Non-Span' and it may take a moment to become accustomed to visualizing the Span Edge and the Non-Span Edge.
Simply stated, the 'Span' edges of ArmorPanel™ panels are the two opposing edges of material that do not contain a line of grommets on 12" centers.
Conversely, the 'Non-Span' edges of ArmorPanel™ panels are the two opposing edges of material that do contain a line of grommets on 12" center.
A second measurement aspect that you may find foreign is how ArmorPanel™ panels are measured.
 'Span' measurements are made by measuring the distance [or span] between 'the center point' of one grommet and 'the center point' of the opposite or opposing grommet. Generally, the 'Span' distance or measurement will be about 3" less than the overall measurement from panel edge to panel edge. As an example the largest 'Span' panel we offer is 110 inches as measured between the center points of the two grommets but if you were to measure the over all material, it would measure about 113 inches.
'Non-Span' measurements are made by measuring the distance from the edge of the panel material to the edge of the panel material. Since there will be grommets every 12 inches on center along each 'Non-Span' edge there is no need to calculate the distance between the center points of 'Non-Span' edge grommets.
The final two aspects that you should familiarize yourself with is how to systematically measure your openings in your structure and the fact that NBI Corporation offers both custom sizes and standard sizes of ArmorPanel™ panels.
With respect to measuring your structure, we suggest that you start at the front door of your house or structure and measure each opening by measuring the opening in inches [width x height] and proceed counter clockwise around your house or structure identifying each opening with a name and corresponding width x height measurement. At each opening, determine how you are going to orient the panel to the opening [which way the 'Span' and 'Non-Span' edges will run].
Last but not least, you don't want to spend more money then you have to spend for hurricane protection so the following information about custom sizes can save you money.
Custom sizes are available, but they are more expensive than standard sizes and may result in longer lead times.
We offer any 'Non-Span' length you need as measured to the nearest inch [from 12 inches to 144 inches] at no custom up-charge. Custom up-charge for are for 'Span' measurements that fall outside our standard 'Span' sizes. That said, it is very likely that you can save money by opting for round to the 'next standard size up' in 'Span' measurement and cover more wall then it would be to order a panel cut to a special 'Span' size.
Taking Measurements in Two Directions
Name and measure each of the openings that you will cover with ArmorPanel™ by starting at your front door and working counter clockwise around your structure.
Choose the right panel size for each opening; at each opening take your measurements and decide your Span and Non-Span mounting conditions. Decide if you can save money and avoid custom panels by 'rounding up' to the next standard Span dimension for each opening.
NOTE: Keep in mind that, at your option, ArmorPanel™ panels may be hung or installed in either direction. Please make reference on your work sheet as to how you intend to orient your ArmorPanel™ panels.
Standard Sizes
Standard 'Span' sizes are available in 33", 40", 45", 60", 69", 79", 84", 87", and 110" sizes. These measurements are undertaken by measuring the distance from the center of one grommet to the center of the parallel and apposing grommet. This measurement is generally 3" less than the measurement of the overall panel material from edge to edge of the material.
For the 'Non-Span' dimension, panels are available in 1" increments starting at 12" and continuing up to a maximum of 144". Simply round up to the next whole inch.
A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 2" of panel material to overlap your structure on all four sides of the opening. Example: If your opening is 41" x 60", you will want to consider a panel size that is 45" x 64" to account for 2" inches on each side and rounding up to the next standard 'Span' size.
Custom Sizes
Subject to a surcharge, custom sizes are available in 1" increments for 'Span' measurements.
Simply take the 'Span' measurement and round up to the nearest 1" increment when measuring for ArmorPanel™ panels.
Our limitations on custom sizes are that we have a maximum 'Span' of 110", and a maximum 'Non-Span' of 144".
Covering Large Openings
Panels may be overlapped in the Non-Span direction by 12" to increase the coverage for larger openings [» See our Installation Guide].
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