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Topics include common company questions, online plan & site specific job ordering, codes & standards, engineering principles & general questions.
FAQ + Knowledge Base Article Summary
- Protected: Calculating Site Specific Wall Wind Pressures For Windows, Doors, & Garage Doors 505 /
- Design of Padel and Outdoor Sports Courts in the United States 1114 /
- Welding of Aluminium Connections 963 /
- Engineering Tiki Huts in Florida: Tribal Exemption Limits and Code-Compliant Design 1629 /
- Virtual inspections for PEs in U.S. buildings 702 /
- Gable End Bracing and the FORTIFIED Program 1629 /
- Understanding The Material Cost Saving of Using An Engineering Express Calculator 452 /
- Window and Door Shimming: Code Requirements and Engineering Reality 4434 /
- The Easiest Way To Get a Site Plan or Floor Plan For Your Project – Using Mysiteplan.com 5803 /
- Building Component Design Discovery Phase And The Following Engineering Process Explained 828 /
- How To Submit A Request For An Engineering Evaluation of Doors and Other Openings For Certification 6284 /
- ASCE 24-24 Explained: What’s New in Flood-Resistant Design for 2024 Building Codes 5646 /
- Understanding the 3 Types of Glazing Supports 7721 /
- FAQ: Where can I find the flood zone my house or project is in? 1544 /
- How Site-Specific Project Design Fees Are Determined At Engineering Express 2281 /
- Differences Between Designing a Railing For General Use vs. Rooftop Mechanical Equipment 5881 /
- When Does a Florida Or Miami Dade NOA Product Approval Expire? 2978 /
- Glass Aspect Ratio Limitations in Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) 9577 /
- Guide To Mechanical Unit Permits and Engineering Requirements In Florida & The US 5609 /
- Understanding Fence Design: Key Considerations and Code Requirements 10834 /
- FAQ: I’m a manufacturer and new client of Engineering Express. How does the online plan store process work for my products? 1510 /
- The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Window – Door Retrofit Permit Package In South Florida & Beyond 7657 /
- What Are Florida Building Code Declaratory Statements And Where Can I Find And Submit Them? 2426 /
- Florida Product Approval Submittal Cutoff Dates – Public Comment Process – Pro Tips 2416 /
- Open, Closed, Partially Open, and Partially Enclosed Structures. 14329 /
- ASCE 7 Risk Categories Explained 23534 /
- What is a delegate engineer and what are their responsibilities 3528 /
- What’s A Miami Dade Renewal Process? 4550 /
- Whats the difference between the Miami Dade NOA Quality Assurance Date and the Building Code Expiration Date? 2917 /
- FAQ How do I submit my completed drawings to the city? 2120 /
- What Services Do We Offer And Don’t Offer? 2029 /
- *** Find More Help With Product Approvals Here *** 2398 /
- What’s the difference between ground and roof snow load for patio covers? 23620 /
- Performance Limitations for Mechanical Equipment & TER Certifications 5019 /
- Snow Build-Over On Pergolas, Trellises & Mechanically Louvered Roofs (Cornice Effect) 5776 /
- Sunroom Terminology 5692 /
- Pros and Cons of Obtaining a Florida Statewide Approval Vs A Miami Dade Approval and how a TER fits in 6658 /
- How Do I Get Approval To Substitute Glass Type-Interlayer On My Product Evaluation? 1618 /
- Door and Hardware Online Glossary 9314 /
- Performance Requirements Typically Requested On Project Specifications 9951 /
- FAQ How can I pay for something custom that’s not a store product or something quoted? 1547 /
- FAQ Search our AC model Database 2060 /
- I see values for F1 and F2 on Evaluation Reports. What are they? 4455 /
- FAQ The building department is asking for design wind speed – risk category – exposure – address on my plan – performance evaluation – TER What do I tell them? 2367 /
- How To Validate A Digital Signature On An Engineers Digitally-Sealed Plan 5711 /
- How To Use Performance Evaluations – TER’s – Calculator Reports Purchased From Engineering Express 14958 /
- What are editorial changes to products registered in the Florida Product Approval System? 2643 /
- FAQ When will I receive my order? How long does it take to get my digitally signed-sealed file sent to me? 2847 /
- FAQ Why is there an expiration on digitally signed-sealed plans and how does that work for permitting? 2225 /
- FAQ The date on my plans is old – Do I need a plan with a current date? 2448 /
- FAQ I need a wind load chart for window – door – garage door installation. What do I do? 9712 /
- FAQ How can you leave my order outside in one of your office pickup boxes? 1655 /
- FAQ I need help finding a tie down detail for permit 4131 /
- FAQ How do I know if a payment went through for my online order? 2173 /
- FAQ How can clients in the South Florida area save money on shipping fees on project hardcopy deliveries? 1694 /
- What are your business hours / time that you are open and what is your location? 1668 /
- FAQ Is the 7th Edition Florida Building Code still valid? That’s what it says on my plan. 2016 /
- FAQ I heard there’s a calculator online that can help me but I can’t find it. What do I do? 1530 /
- FAQ Can you verify the size of the plan I’m going to receive? 1432 /
- FAQ How can I verify prices for an online plan? Your site shows a range of prices. 1477 /
- FAQ I made a mistake with an online calculator value. How can that be fixed? 1584 /
- FAQ I have a change in a site specific project that’s in progress / completed. What do I do? 1425 /
- FAQ I have a technical question on an online plan. Can you help me? 1531 /
- FAQ I need to create an NOA / product approval for my product. What’s the process? 3770 /
- FAQ How can I find the sealed wind load chart I’m told I need for permit? 1636 /
- FAQ How can I get a copy of your W-9? 1492 /
- FAQ I have a different brand product than the one you specify but it’s similar. How can I get mine certified for permit? 1419 /
- FAQ I have a different size generator than those listed on a concrete pad master plan. How can that be added? 1542 /
- FAQ I received a hardcopy (printed) plan and need a digitally signed-sealed file. What do I do? 1449 /
- FAQ I’d like to use an EFT (electronic funds transfer) or ACH instead of a credit card. Can you help with that? 1466 /
- FAQ I need an inspection done. Can you help? 1528 /
- FAQ What’s the difference between a hardcopy and a digitally signed – sealed file? 1760 /
- FAQ I’m a homeowner in need of a site specific plan / custom project. Can you help? 1575 /
- FAQ I placed an order for pickup that now needs to be shipped. What do I do? 1509 /
- FAQ I received a comment from the city / building department / plan reviewer on an online plan. What do I do? 1441 /
- FAQ I placed an order for engineering through E-Tempest / one of your online affiliates. How can I find out the status? 1569 /
- FAQ I made a mistake on the zip code of an online digital order. What do I do? 1473 /
- FAQ How can I cancel an online order? 1508 /
- FAQ How can I modify an existing quote request placed through ExpressPass? 1424 /
- FAQ I need a wind calculation for a roof. Can Engineering Express help with that? 1723 /
- Can you help me find Existing Florida Product approval, Miami Dade NOA, or ICC-ES information and plans? 3816 /
- FAQ I can’t find an order that was supposedly emailed to me. What can I do? 1569 /
- FAQ How can I change a contact for your ExpressPass site specific project? 1767 /
- FAQ I ordered a project through E-Tempest. What’s the process for receiving a digitally signed-sealed file? 1990 /
- FAQ Can I get a discount on volume plan store orders? 1498 /
- FAQ I’m looking for a model not shown on the chart in a Technical Evaluation Report (TER). What do I do? 1474 /
- FAQ How can I clarify my account status with Engineering Express? 1558 /
- FAQ How can I confirm you have my current address for shipping? 1531 /
- FAQ I have a question about project statuses and what DRAFT means 1624 /
- FAQ How do I check the project status of my project with Engineering Express? 685 /
- FAQ How can I get my digitally signed – sealed file resent to me? 1521 /
- FAQ This is my first time paying for an invoice. How can I pay? 1513 /
- FAQ The Readymade master plan I ordered didn’t solve my need. I need a site-specific. What do I do? 1453 /
- FAQ I need to place an online plan order for a digitally signed-sealed file. How does that work? 1588 /
- FAQ I have questions about a project we are working on 2154 /
- FAQ How do I know if my order is ready for pickup? 1515 /
- What is the process for submitting site specific projects to Engineering Express? 1408 /
- FAQ I’m a contractor looking to purchase a fence / gate or similar plan. What do I do? 5507 /
- FAQ What digital signing company does Engineering Express use for digitally signing design plans? 2128 /
- FAQ I’m a homeowner looking for a fence & gate (or similar) plan for permit. What do I do? 5507 /
- Residential & Commercial Terms & Engineering Design Differences 101 11106 /
- Learn About Rooftop & Ground Wind Forces for Mechanical Units 2916 /
- Subscription Services Offered by Engineering Express 6889 /
- Starter List In Submitting A Ground Mounted Sign For Evaluation 3516 /
- About Door Product Pressure Ratings and Water Infiltration 15703 /
- Instructions for proper use of rooftop equipment wind pressure calculator 9067 /
- What are The Span Limitations of Large Missile Impact Doors – Windows – Shutters? 13204 /
- Requirements of Substituting Glass Panels In Insulating Glass Systems 2075 /
- Requirements of Substituting Insulated Glass Spacers in Glazed Products 2385 /
- How To Determine Uplift Reactions For Canopies-Carports-Pergolas 30842 /
- Can you substitute spacers for insulating glass units (IGU)? 10516 /
- About Plan Store Tokens 17459 /
- Roof Mounted Equipment Height Requirements 14109 /
- Test Laboratories 2684 /
- Permit Runners in South Florida To Consider 6397 /
- Directory of Firms We Work With & Refer Out To 2376 /
- Glossary of Engineering Terms 11877 /
- Egress Emergency Escape Requirements for Windows 21599 /
- About AAMA 2100 and Sunroom Categories 7997 /
- 2020 FBC Product Evaluation Updates 2700 /
- Requirements of Plan Reviewers When Denying Permits & Alternate Methods FBC-IBC Section 104.11 3747 /
- Impact Requirements For Mechanical Equipment in the Florida Building Code & For Essential Facilities 14077 /
- Proof Florida Product Approvals and NOA’s Don’t Require The Original Engineering Seal 5069 /
- Technical Evaluation Report – TER – Types of Product Evaluations Typically Performed By Engineering Express 6417 /
- ASCE Wind Speed Risk Category To Use with Signs – Fences & Building Components On-Off Buildings 11541 /
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EXPRESSPASS 4189 /
- Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA) – Quality Assurance and Validator Requirements 6027 /
- Perforated Design Method vs. Segmented Design Methods for Shear Walls 15841 /
- Is A Top Rail Required For A Glass Railing? 7827 /
- About Lag Bolts-Screws In Wood – Size – Pullout – Shear 51644 /
- Starter List in Evaluating Your Building Component For Product Approvals & TER’s 4102 /
- Drafting Guidelines & Drawing Tool for Engineering Express Plan Submissions 14092 /
- Whats The Difference Between a Digitally Signed Plan, Electronic Seal, & Scanned Digital Copy of a Plan? 17226 /
- Flood Engineering Glossary 16638 /
- Flood Resistant Design & Floodproofing of Buildings 20136 /
- Is Steel or Reinforcing or Fibermesh Required in Posts & Footings of Building Components? 14197 /
- What is the HVHZ – High Velocity Hurricane Zone – in Florida? 31289 /
- Product Performance Evaluations & TER’s Explained 3990 /
- PRODUCT APPROVALS ARE NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED! HERE’S WHY: 26784 /
- How to Find Wind Speed & Snow Using the ASCE and ATC Hazards Tools by Location Websites 23098 /
- Types of At-Grade Footings Explained 24176 /
- What are alteration levels in construction and how do they relate to delegate engineers? 30933 /
- What’s the difference between aluminum T5 and T6 temper (like 6063-T5 vs 6063-T6 alloy)? 29249 /
- Wind Speed vs. Wind Pressure Explained 26633 /
- ASCE 7 Main Wind Force vs. Components & Cladding Explained (MWFRS vs. C&C) 40312 /
- Is a large missile impact window or door automatically approved for small missile impact? 16413 /
- Miami Dade NOA Revision vs Renewal & Fees Explained 8004 /
- TEK Sheet Metal Screws (SMS) – About – Sizes – Gauges 54784 /
- Typical Information Needed For Engineering Design of a Patio-Pergola Roof 4777 /
- Designing Interior Glass? Here are some engineering code items to consider 8505 /
- When is an Engineer Seal Required, Why Do We Write ‘Draft’ on Unsealed Work, And About Digital Seals 27300 /
- ASTM, SEI, ISO Fastener Material Properties and Specifications 6234 /
- Case Study: Phantom Screens – Is a Florida Product Approval Required? 14095 /
- 1 Hour Fire Rating For Roof vs Wall 7714 /
- What Seismic area is my location? 3890 /
- Where To Buy Extrusions & Parts 2954 /
- CHECKLIST FOR SCREENED ENCLOSURES, OPEN, & ENCLOSED PATIOS – SUNROOMS 13755 /
- How To Calculate Porosity of a Louver – Sign – Fence Per ASCE 7 16759 /
- Frost Protection For Concrete Footings On Grade – Heave Explained 27192 /
- What are porosity and closure angles when defining a porous building opening? 6265 /
- About The UL 325 Safety Standard for Gate Operators 10899 /
- ASCE 7 Basic Wind Speed 37570 /
- About ASCE 7’s Directionality Factor Kd 22701 /
- ASCE 7 Wall Zones 4 & 5 Explained 50880 /
- ASCE 7 Least Horizontal Dimension – Minimum Building Width 23553 /
- Mean Roof Height (ASCE 7) 40796 /
- Can a Building Inspector or Plan Reviewer Deny The Use of a TER or Performance Evaluation? 5412 /
- Florida Product Approval and Miami Dade NOA Requirements 44411 /
- FAQ: What do I do if a TER or Generic Performance Evaluation isn’t approved for a permit? 6247 /
- How do I get a Certified TER or Master Plan Sheet? 5544 /
- What Doesn’t A Technical Evaluation Report (TER) or Product Evaluation Do? 5003 /
- What is a TER and how is it used for permitting? 12006 /
- What is the Minimum Roof Slope for Metal Panels and other Roof Types? 20872 /
- Handrail and Guardrail Design Guidelines 40476 /
- Procedure For Calculating Aluminum Box Beams For Bending 5311 /
- How to Avoid Contact With Aluminum & Dissimilar Metals 22789 /
- What’s the minimum penetration for lag screws into wood? 32910 /
- Loss of Capacity Due To Welded Aluminum In Railings – Signs – Structures 14337 /
- Minimum Edge Distance Requirements for Bolts & Screws in Metal (Steel & Aluminum) 69215 /
- Metal Fasteners UNC vs Spaced Thread 13153 /
- What’s the dimensional difference between a pipe and a tube? 6549 /
- Understanding Canopies: Design and Load Considerations 42751 /
- Can an engineer design alternate anchorage for a Florida product approval or other product evaluation? 4071 /
- Enclosed Structures Explained 20651 /
- Open Structures Explained 14631 /
- Partially Enclosed Structures Explained 30854 /
- How do I calculate the effective opening area on window or door products? – What opening area should be used for wind pressure determination on a multi-panel product? 34667 /
- What wind information is required for construction documents? 7700 /
- About ASTM E1996 Missile Levels & Wind Zone 4 37143 /
- What are the requirements for using ASTM Missile Level E in Florida and the US? 18421 /
- The Updated Saffir-Simpson Scale 5896 /
- The One-Third (1/3) Stress Increase: Where Is It Now? 12859 /
- Florida Engineers Do Not Have To File A Notice To Owner To Lien A Property 6699 /
- What is a window or door buck 36412 /
- Why are spacing, edge distance, and embedment important for concrete anchors? 52326 /
- ASCE 7 WIND EXPOSURE CATEGORIES AND HOW EXPOSURE ‘D’ WORKS 92684 /
- What wind speed should I use for my project? 23607 /
- Did the wind loading requirements change for rooftop structures for ASCE 7-22 – ASCE 7-16 & The Florida Building Code? 11396 /
- Should a professional utilize the ASD (Allowable Stress Design) method or the LRFD (Load Resistance Factored Design) method when calculating the required wind pressure for use with tested-approved systems? 31744 /