Our interpretations of the many codes and standards in our engineering industry
The 2015/2018 International Residential Code (IRC)… contains railing guidelines similar to those found in the Florida Building Code 6th & 7th Edition (2017, 2020). Below are selected regulations from the 2018 IRC for reference as they are typically used on our safeguard projects. Helpful 2018 IRC PDF also appears by clicking here (courtesy Safebuilt Colorado) …
There are many updates to the Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020), but several of them directly impact structural building component product evaluations. A similar update schedule applies to updating Here’s a breakdown of whats changed and what to expect when updating your Florida Product Evaluations & plans to the 2020 Florida Building Code: 1) …
We frequently get asked to re-seal our product approvals after they have been approved by the state. They are validated by comparing them to the state / county records on file and are NOT required to be signed and sealed. There are two Florida Declaratory Statements on record verifying this question: http://www.floridabuilding.org/Upload/FBC/CodeID_1812_DEC03-296.pdf Another Case …
Proof Florida Product Approvals and NOA’s Don’t Require The Original Engineering Seal Read More »
About Validators & Quality Assurance Compliance It is often asked of us to explain the validator and quality assurance requirements of the Florida Statewide Product Approval System. While there is much more to learn about the topic of obtaining a Florida Statewide approval, the following explains these terms and requirements. Contact an engineer at Engineering …
Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA) – Quality Assurance and Validator Requirements Read More »
HISTORY Back in the day, kings used wax to seal an envelope to prove its authenticity. That seal evolved over time to become variations of paper embossing and ink ‘wet’ sealing up until this day to certify blueprints by architects and engineers. In today’s digital world, a more secure solution is needed. Engineering documents are …
FLOOD GLOSSARY The following is provided as a curated summary of terms taken from the referenced standards that appear in the article footing. SEE ALSO OUR GENERAL GLOSSARY OF TERMS NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM (NFIP) The Federal program, create by an act of Congress in 1968, that makes flood insurance available in communities that enact …
An engineer’s walk through of the design requirements for flood resistant design of building components With Engineering Express’s early start with floodproofing designs for floor barriers and exterior glazing in projects across the US, we quickly became experts in this field. We’ve witnessed and directed static and dynamic flood testing, sat on industry meetings, met …
Flood Resistant Design & Floodproofing of Buildings Read More »
The High Velocity Hurricane Zone (or HVHZ) in Florida encompasses only Miami-Dade And Broward Counties. It is a special section of the Florida Building Code (2020 FBC as of this writing) which lays out special codes which apply to these counties. Important to note that the HVHZ does not extend south of Dade County and …
What is the HVHZ – High Velocity Hurricane Zone – in Florida? Read More »
Here Are 3 Myths About Product Approval Requirements Background Product evaluations (sometimes called “product approvals”, “ICC reports”, NOA’s or similar) for building products are general requirements as found in the International Building Code. Building officials, architects, insurance companies, third-party reviewers, and even homeowners ask for them all the time. Permits frequently require them, insurance discounts …
PRODUCT APPROVALS ARE NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED! HERE’S WHY: Read More »
(2020 Florida Existing Building Code Section 503) (adopted by use of IBC 2018 with amendments, definitions apply nationwide) Alteration – Level 1 (FBC Existing Buildings Section 602) Removal and replacement, or covering of existing materials, equipment, fixtures using new materials that serve the same purpose. Alteration –Level 1 does not include reconfiguration of space. Commentary: …
What are alteration levels in construction and how do they relate to delegate engineers? Read More »
The minimum roof slope requirement for metal panels varies depending on panel connection conditions. The required roof slope varies with application of materials and use. See the below Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020) sections below to determine which slope is appropriate based on your specific design scenario. Definition METAL ROOF PANEL. An interlocking …
What is the Minimum Roof Slope for Metal Panels and other Roof Types? Read More »
There’s more to consider when designing interior glass than just how it looks. Turns out there are quite a few design and safety factors to adhere to. In accordance with both the International and Florida Building Codes (IBC 2018 & FBC 2017/2020): Regarding differential horizontal movement: (Section 2403.4) Interior Glazed Areas: Where interior glazing is …
Designing Interior Glass? Here are some engineering code items to consider Read More »
In Florida (as well as many states): If an engineer produces a drawing that is not a final plan, it needs to be sealed and stated as such. Releasing unsealed plans violates 61G15-23.001 as highlighted below. If the drawings an engineer produces are final plans, they need to be signed and sealed (as in the red text …
Product Approvals for building components are the general rule in Florida. Building officials, architects, insurance companies, even homeowners ask for them all the time, frequently refusing permits, insurance discounts, and product installations. So what is the legal ruling on when and if product approvals are required for this product? The Florida Building Code requires only …
Case Study: Phantom Screens – Is a Florida Product Approval Required? Read More »
The Scenario The question comes up from time to time regarding requirements for a fence or railing to be 75% open (such as in the Lighthouse Point FL Building Code Amendments). This is the case for example in Florida when overlooking the Intracoastal in Broward County. This porosity also affects the design calculations for the …
About Porosity & When is a Fence or Railing 75% Open? Read More »
Concrete Footing Frost Protection – An Explanation Section 1809.5 of the Florida Building Code (2020) and 2015 & 2018 International Building Code describe the design requirements of shallow foundations in regions where soil is subjected to seasonal ground freezing. The code requires that footings are protected from frost to prevent a phenomenon known as heave. …
Frost Protection For Concrete Footings On Grade – Heave Read More »
