How do I install hurricane shutters on my windows? How do I measure the headers? How many inches do I need?

Question:I am trying to put up aluminun shutters and don't know how far outside the window I have to be. Do I just cover the window? Or do I go a few inches further? Please help me. I have never done this before. How far are the headers supposed to be?

Answers:
Generally the rule is that the tracks should be mounted at least 2 inches above and below the opening to be "up to code". It's a good rule of thumb to go 2 inches past the width on each side too... however this is if you are referring to the aluminum panels that you put up individually into a track and then take down. Other styles are a bit different...

Here are the types of shutters (all aluminum):
Panels (as mentioned above)
Accordions
Colonials
Bahama Style
Rolling shutters

Do you know which kind you are trying to install?