engineering

Case Study: Phantom Screens – Is a Florida Product Approval Required?

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 …

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Frost Protection For Concrete Footings On Grade – Heave Explained

Footings Move When Soil Freezes. Let’s Explain. Building codes describe the design requirements of shallow foundations in regions where soil is subjected to seasonal ground freezing.  Codes require that footings be protected from frost to prevent a phenomenon known as heave. Frost heave occurs when water penetrates the ground soil and subsequently freezes. When water …

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Minimum Edge Distance Requirements for Bolts & Screws in Metal (Steel & Aluminum)​

Minimum Edge Distance Requirements for Bolts & Screws in Metal (Steel & Aluminum) Proper edge distance is critical to avoid tear-out, maintain bearing strength, and ensure fastener installation tolerances in metal members. Insufficient edge distance can lead to deformation or cracking near the edge of the metal, especially when larger fasteners or tight spacing are …

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What is a window or door buck

What Is A Window Or Door Buck? Openings in buildings are frequently not exact and are referred to as rough openings for that reason. When window products are placed into openings, they often need to be shimmed into place to properly fit the opening.  Sometimes, windows come with a ‘fin’ that requires a buck to …

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ASD vs LRFD Explained

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?

What’s The Difference Between ASD & LRFD Design? Put in layman’s terms, think of a wood plank designed to stretch between two supports. You’re going to walk across the piece of wood. The person that designed that plank needed to figure out if it will hold you. They had two options when designing: 1) Reduce …

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? Read More »

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