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? (Florida descriptions, but other states follow the same or similar requirements) A delegate engineer is a Professional Engineer (PE) who undertakes a specialty service and provides services or creative work regarding a portion of the engineering project. The delegated engineer is the engineer for that portion of the engineering …
What is a delagate engineer and what are their responsibilties Read More »
Introduction A Miami-Dade NOA (notice of acceptance) renewal is required to extend the NOA expiration date another 5 years beyond its current expiration date. To renew your NOA, you must submit an NOA renewal application. Engineering Express can prepare and file this renewal application on your behalf. The NOA expiration date is NOT the date …
What is the process to renew a Miami Dade NOA I have? Read More »
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 »
Summary of Building Code & Research Intent The intent & provisions of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) & 2020 Florida Building/Residential Codes are to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health, and general welfare of occupants of new and existing buildings & structures. From 2022 / 2020 …
Performance Limitations for Mechanical Equipment & TER Certifications Read More »
The following is a summary of sunroom-related terms provided courtesy of the National Sunroom Association. Click Here for the official publication provided by the NSA, reprinted here for informational purposes. The terminology information encompasses many common terms used in the sunroom industry. You will note that some terms are cross-referenced to a “primary” …
Thanks to our partners at ASSA ABLOY, we’re happy to pass along this helpful glossary of industry lingo. Learn all about the many terms used in the door and hardware industry Click here to visit the ASSA ABLOY Glossary
Wind Exposure Category 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 of ASCE 7-16) describes the process to which wind speed is converted into wind pressure to design such structures. The formula is based on many variables. One of …
ASCE 7 WIND EXPOSURE CATEGORIES AND HOW EXPOSURE ‘D’ WORKS Read More »
