General Archives

PRODUCT APPROVALS ARE NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED! HERE’S WHY:

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 …

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Typical Information Needed For Engineering Design of a Patio-Pergola Roof

Here’s a chart illustrating some of the many dimensions and components needed to design a site specific open patio / pergola / carport / louvered roof type structure. It’s best if you start with an existing Master Plan from one of our manufacturer partners. Mark those up & create your sketches using the information from …

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When is an Engineer Seal Required, Why Do We Write ‘Draft’ on Unsealed Work, And About Digital Seals

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 …

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Where To Buy Extrusions & Parts

We’re frequently asked by our clients where they can purchase many of the products specified in our plans. Below is a growing list of products1 for your reference. FEATURING PRODUCTS BY: CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO FIND THE PRODUCT(S) YOU ARE LOOKING FOR: General Extrusions Eastern Metal Supply Standard Extrusion & Sheet Products Eastern …

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Can a Building Inspector or Plan Reviewer Deny The Use of a TER or Master Plan Sheet?

DENIED – YES OR NO? While plan reviewers, inspectors, and other building officials have the authority to question any document submitted if the document complies with the intent of the applicable building code and related codes & standards, if the site-specific project design criteria (determined by others) complies with the limitations of the certified evaluation …

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Florida Product Approval and Miami Dade NOA Requirements

WHEN IS A FLORIDA PRODUCT APPROVAL OR MIAMI DADE NOA REQUIRED & HOW TER’S AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS FIT IN FIRST, A WORD ABOUT FLORIDA PRODUCT APPROVALS & THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) Before we jump into Florida Product Approvals, let’s talk about the differences between the Florida Building Code and the IBC. Florida is one …

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What do I do if a TER or Master Plan isn’t enough for a permit?

THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT WON’T ACCEPT MY TECHNICAL EVALUATION REPORT (TER)? Sometimes, municipalities or contract documents require more information than just submitting a TER (Technical Evaluation Report). Typical reasons why TER’s aren’t approved include: No certification is provided that the product meets the job specific project requirements SOLUTION: A Design Professional needs to certify that the …

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How do I get a Certified TER or Master Plan Sheet?

FIRST, WHAT’S A CERTIFIED TER & Master Plan Sheet? TER’s or Technical Evaluation Reports and Master Plan Sheets must bear the original signature and raised seal or a digital seal of the evaluating engineer to be valid for use by code. This is a code requirement and necessary to maintain quality control, liability, and integrity …

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What doesn’t a TER or Master Plan Sheet do?

FIRST, WHAT IS A TER? TER’s or Technical Evaluation Reports are evaluations of a product’s performance. They are not intended to approve products for a specific application, but rather provide limiting values based on installation options for a design professional to use in their site-specific application. SO WHAT DOESN’T A TER DO? TER’s don’t provide …

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What is a TER and how is it used for permitting?

A TER or Technical Evaluation Report, is an engineering evaluation based on testing and/or rational analysis for the performance of a building product or component. In the case of Engineering Express, we are evaluating the structural aspects of a product only. The authority for a qualified engineer to create a technical evaluation report is given …

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The One-Third (1/3) Stress Increase: Where Is It Now?

While the 1/3 stress increase is all but a memory, this article explains its history & origin. The one-third stress increase has a long history of use in Allowable Stress Design (ASD). It is most commonly used to account for the improbability of two transient loads concurrently acting at their maximum lifetime values– for example, …

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Florida Engineers Do Not Have To File A Notice To Owner To Lien A Property

First, What is a Notice To Owner (NTO)? This notice alerts a homeowner in Florida that someone has or will provide improvements to their property, either by furnishing services or materials. It puts the owner on legal notice that they now have a responsibility to make certain that that person gets paid, if not, that …

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