Residential & Commercial Terms & Engineering Design Differences 101
Residential & Commercial Glazing Differences & Common Terms 101 Engineering Express is typically asked what the difference between residential & commercial glazing & how
Certified plans for permit, design aids, custom projects, engineering help & more
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Certified Plans For Permit
Purchase these engineer-certified master plans for a variety of options to build your next Four Seasons project
Superior Mason Products: Monoslope Roof Sunroom System (MPS 20-30640)
$50.00 – $80.00
or ( 5 Tokens - 8 Tokens )View
Superior Mason Products: 2 x 3 Screen Room and EPS Panel Roof (MPS 20-30637)
$50.00 – $80.00
or ( 5 Tokens - 8 Tokens )ViewSuperior Mason Products: 2 x 3 Screen Room Infill (MPS 20-30634)
$50.00 – $80.00
or ( 5 Tokens - 8 Tokens )View
Four Seasons – Roof Over Open Structure (MPS 20-30608)
$50.00 – $80.00
or ( 5 Tokens - 8 Tokens )View
Four Seasons – Metals USA 3″ Deluxe Room With Monoslope Roof MPS (MPS 20-30614)
$50.00 – $80.00
or ( 5 Tokens - 8 Tokens )ViewFour Seasons – Metals USA – Deluxe Gable Sunroom (MPS 20-30611)
$50.00 – $80.00
or ( 5 Tokens - 8 Tokens )View
FOUR SEASONS – METALS USA: PRO-FAB ROOF PANELS (MPS 19-7761.15)
$25.00 – $50.00
or ( 2.5 Tokens - 5 Tokens )View
Design Aids
Use these interactive tools for estimating your next project & for pre-engineering before speaking to Engineering Express.
Helpful Articles for Permitting
Frequently asked questions regarding Structall systems for design & permit
Learn About Rooftop & Ground Wind Forces for Mechanical Units
Want to learn how to design AC units on stands or curbs for wind design? Are you looking for tools to help in in design?
ASCE 7 Wall Zones Explained
ASCE 7-16 has expanded on the definition of component & cladding zones from previous ASCE 7 standards Per ASCE 7-16, buildings are composed of
About ASTM E1996-17 Missile Levels
Overview As of the 2020 Florida Building Code & 2018 International Building Code, ASTM E1996-17 is the adopted reference standard. The title is ‘Standard Specification
What are the requirements for using ASTM Missile Level E in Florida (2021 updated)?
In the 7th Edition Florida Building Code (2020), missile level E is valid in and outside of the HVHZ (Broward and Dade Counties) when it
ASCE 7 Least Horizontal Dimension
From ASCE 7 (10, 16 & previous standards): The “Least Horizontal Dimension” can be taken as the shortest possible distance that can be taken
What’s the difference between aluminum T5 and T6 temper (like 6063-T5 vs 6063-T6 alloy)?
How do you get from a T5 to T6 temper? Heat treatment is done by raising the alloy temperature to about 980 degrees F and
ASCE 7 Basic Wind Speed
Per definition by ASCE 7-16 & ASCE 7-10, Section 26.2 is defined as: BASIC WIND SPEED (V): Three-second gust speed at 33ft above the
About ASCE 7’s Directionality Factor Kd
The directionality factor (Kd) used in the ASCE 7 wind load provisions for components and cladding is a load reduction factor intended to take into
What is a canopy awning & which wind forces should I use to design?
A canopy is a structure which provides overhead protection from the elements such as rain, snow, or sunlight. Canopies can be attached to a structure
The Updated Saffir-Simpson Scale
First, it needs to be said that there is a complicated formula that converts wind velocity to wind pressure. Many wind pressure values can exist
About AAMA 2100 and Sunroom Categories
Sunrooms across the US are categorized into 5 categories. AAMA published these in their AAMA/NPEA/NSA 2100-12 publication which made its way into the Florida &
How to Avoid Contact With Aluminum & Dissimilar Metals
This is provided to inform clients of the dissimilar metal protection requirements of the 2015 Aluminum Design Manual, Chapter M – Section M.7 Structures of
Why are spacing, edge distance, and embedment important for concrete anchors?
When an anchor is installed into concrete, there is an area surrounding the anchor called a cone of influence in which the anchor is affecting
How To Determine Uplift Reactions For Canopies-Carports-Pergolas
Canopies & Wind Understand this – A backyard canopy attached to the back of your house, a pergola/trellis, or a lightweight sunroom/screen room comprise
ASCE 7 Main Wind Force vs. Components & Cladding Explained (MWFRS vs. C&C)
ASCE 7 separates wind loading into three types: Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS), Components and Cladding (C&C), and Other Structures and Building Appurtenances. MWFRS
ASCE 7 EXPOSURE CATEGORIES AND HOW EXPOSURE ‘D’ WORKS
Overview ASCE-7 is the governing referenced standard for design loads on buildings & other structures for building codes throughout the US. ASCE 7 (26.7
Types of At-Grade Footings Explained
Here’s a description and illustrations we’ve created for footing types we frequently reference in our work for sunrooms, pergolas, carports, screen rooms, signs, and similar
Job Submittal Checklist For Screened Enclosures, Open, & Enclosed Patios – Sunrooms
Engineering Express provides signed & sealed design plans for various types of screened enclosures, sun rooms, & open / enclosed patios attached to a main
ASCE Risk Categories Explained
Background Building codes require that buildings be classified by their level of importance in determining the risk taken with safety factors against their failure under