APPROVED FOR USE IN THE MOST DEMANDING HURRICANE ENVIRONMENT!
Ballista’s revolutionary StormShear™ hurricane protection system is approved by the Florida Building Commission for use in the most demanding hurricane environment in the world – Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The StormShear™ is even rated as “Impact Resistant” in the HVHZ, having passed large missile testing. The StormShear™ is also approved for use in every other location in Florida (i.e., non-HVHZ) and exceeds the requirements of the less-stringent International Building Code (IBC) used in many other states.
The Ballista StormShear hurricane protection system is a first of its kind patent-pending device that uses a custom engineered aluminum honeycomb cellular core sandwiched between two marine-grade aluminum skins. This is coupled with a custom designed stainless steel hinge to protect large glass openings when deployed. The StormShear system uses aerospace wing technology to provide strength greater than competitive products, at a fraction of the weight, while being impervious to moisture, corrosion, heat, chemicals or ultra-violet light. 
While stored, the StormShear’s low-mass cross-section alleviates bulk and sits flat against the ceiling. When deployed, it will shield glass from extreme wind pressure and wind blown debris. It also covers the edges of the glass with its water-proof aluminum skin. By dramatically reducing the force of any water that can reach the window, the StormShear dramatically reduces the threat of wind blown rain entering the building.
The StormShear is also virtually maintenance free. Existing designs use hundreds of feet of thin hinges, wheels, and gears that demand routine maintenance. The StormShear’s breakthrough is its efficient design that uses only two marine-grade hinges, and no tracks, gears, or rollers.
Deployed StormShear Awning.
Stored Ballista StormShear Awnings