See this article to help illustrate the significant time and cost savings of accessing engineering through an Engineering Design-aid calculator to help quote and pre-engineer your projects prior to engaging with engineering firms.
Window and Door Shimming: Code Requirements and Engineering Reality Improper shimming is a structural installation defect, not a cosmetic issue. It becomes most critical when there is a large gap between the window or door frame and the structural buck. If that gap is not correctly bridged, the installation cannot perform as designed—regardless of sealants …
Window and Door Shimming: Code Requirements and Engineering Reality Read More »
About Engineering Express’s Building Component Design Process Analyzing and engineering building products is complex — But it doesn’t have to be. With over 30 years of experience, Engineering Express has built a proven, systemized workflow that streamlines product engineering for manufacturers and the dealers who depend on it for permitting and construction. Let’s take a …
Determining Pressure Ratings For Doors (or Windows) With Alternate Components Exterior doors exposed to weather are approved to withstand design pressures for a variety of conditions. Sometimes, though, the door type you want to use doesn’t match the product approval. This article explores how such a change is evaluated by an engineer to provide a …
See this article for a breakdown of the three most common types of window / door / glazing support mullions in our articles section. Learn the difference between a mullion, supporting frame, and structural column and how they are used in a construction project.
When A Glazed Opening Isn’t Exactly Square Often times a glazing product is approved for large missile impact, but requires a field modification for size. While the tested span cannot be exceeded and still meet the building code’s large missile impact requirements, the aspect ratio (the length to width ratio) can be altered so long …
Glass Aspect Ratio Limitations in Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Read More »
Fences – An Overview Fences serve multiple purposes, from enhancing privacy and security to defining property boundaries and improving aesthetics. However, a well-designed fence isn’t just about appearance, it must also comply with building codes to ensure safety, durability, and structural integrity. This article explores common fence designs and the key regulations that apply to …
Understanding Fence Design: Key Considerations and Code Requirements Read More »
Mechanical Equipment Design – A National Requirement Generally speaking, building codes are national in nature, but are adopted locally for unique geographic conditions. While national codes require designing code-compliant structures during design events, areas such as South Florida take the lead on high-wind requirements for rooftop mechanical units & serve as a guide for design …
Guide To Mechanical Unit Permits and Engineering Requirements In Florida Read More »
How To Apply For A Retrofit Window-Door-Garage Door Permit In South Florida Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties have adopted a unique set of rules for permitting window and door replacements (alteration level 1). While there are variations between cities, counties, & states, these requirements are similar. Alteration Level 1 Defined: FBC/IBC existing building Section …
The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Window – Door Retrofit Permit Package In South Florida Read More »
Porosity – How ‘Open’ A Surface Is – Explained The porosity of open structures is defined in ASCE-7 standard under ‘open signs’ (chapter 29, as of ASCE 7-22). This standard explains that the permeable (wind) porosity of a surface isn’t always equivalent to the calculated visual porosity. Left: mechanically articulating louvers that can reach a …
How To Calculate Porosity of a Louver – Sign – Fence Per ASCE 7 Read More »
Canopies & Wind Uplift – An Introduction First, Understand This A backyard canopy or pergola, trellis, or a lightweight sunroom/screen room attached to the back of your house are of relatively very little weight and are typically lighter in construction than the structure to which they are attached to. Also, consider that a house wall …
How To Determine Uplift Reactions For Canopies-Carports-Pergolas Read More »
What is a Delegate Engineer? A Delegate Engineer is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) entrusted with a defined scope of work on a project. Acting as the engineer of record for that scope in particular, they are responsible for producing, signing, and sealing their own drawings and calculations. They must also coordinate closely with the …
What is a delegate engineer and what are their responsibilities Read More »
What’s A Miami Dade Renewal Process? A Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) is valid for five years from its issuance date. To keep the approval active, manufacturers must submit a renewal application before expiration, extending the NOA for another five-year term. Qualified engineering firms—such as Engineering Express—can prepare and file this renewal on behalf of …
Learn How To Quickly Spot And Use QA Expiration & Code Dates On a Miami Dade NOA Why This Is So Important Miami Dade Lists an ‘Expiration Date’ on the cover page of their Miami Dade NOA’s, which is misunderstood and frequently misused. Many times the product being used is NOT Code compliant, even though …
Find more general help with Florida & Miami-Dade Product Approvals by visiting the support articles of EngineeringPlans.com. SEARCH PRODUCT APPROVALS Smart Search All Florida & Miami-Dade Product Approvals & Create Your Perfect Design Use Search Filters Visit EngineeringPlans.com for more Visit:
When designing outdoor structures like patio covers, one of the most critical factors to consider is the ability to support snow loads. In regions that experience significant snowfall, the weight of snow can exert considerable pressure on a structure, making it essential to understand how snow accumulates and affects different parts of a building. Two …
What’s the difference between ground and roof snow load for patio covers? Read More »
