Wiki Search
Search Results:Click title to view article
Performance Limitations for Mechanical Equipment & TER Certifications
Summary of Building Code & Research Intent The intent & provisions of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC),…
Sunroom Terminology
The following is a summary of sunroom-related terms provided courtesy of the National Sunroom Association. Click Here…
Pros and Cons of Obtaining a Florida Statewide Approval Vs A Miami Dade Approval and how a TER fits in
Two common means of product evaluations in Florida are Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA’s) and Miami-Dade Notices of Acceptance…
How Do I Get Approval To Substitute Glass Type-Interlayer On My Product Evaluation?
If you are a manufacturer with a Florida or Miami Dade Approval, or if you are trying to…
AC Model TER Search Database
Use this tool to search and find the applicable Technical Evaluation Report for your installation. [model_search]
The building department is asking for design wind speed – risk category – exposure – address on my master plan – TER What do I tell them?
In the case of Master Plans and Technical Evaluation Reports, product evaluations, master plans, and technical evaluation reports…
How can I suggest a master plan for you to provide in your plan store
You can click here to fill out a form to send us information about a master plan or…
How To Use Master Plans – TER’s – Calculator Reports Purchased From Engineering Express
READ BELOW BEFORE USING NON SITE-SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONSFROM ENGINEERING EXPRESS FOR YOUR PROJECTGeneral Information About Non Site-Specific Plans:Certified…
What are editorial changes to products registered in the Florida Product Approval System?
Editorial changes are permitted within the state product approval system when an approved product is modified but no…
I have a different size generator than those listed on a concrete pad master plan. How can that be added?
This would require the project to be site specific. Please visit EngineeringExpress.com/ExpressPass to apply for access to request…
I’m looking for a model not shown on the chart in a Technical Evaluation Report (TER). What do I do?
Engineering Express would love to have every model unit of an A/C or generator pre-engineered. We can only…
The Readymade master plan I ordered didn’t solve my need. I need a site-specific. What do I do?
Please see our Refund Policy for information about refunds. If you would like to discuss your specific issue,…
Residential & Commercial Terms & Engineering Design Differences 101
Residential & Commercial Glazing Differences & Common Terms 101 Engineering Express is typically asked what the difference…
Starter List In Submitting A Ground Mounted Sign For Evaluation
Signage - Ground Mounted Client Checklist Engineering Express evaluates ground-mounted signs for structural stability. To do this,…
About Door Product Pressure Ratings and Water Infiltration
QUESTION: Why do certain door products rate a certain p.s.f like -60/+60 then lower ratings are shown throughout…
How To Determine Uplift Reactions For Canopies-Carports-Pergolas
Canopies & Wind Understand this - A backyard canopy attached to the back of your house, a…
Requirements of Plan Reviewers When Denying Permits & Alternate Methods FBC-IBC Section 104.11
Florida Statute 555.79(1)(a) lists the requirements and penalties of building plan reviewers when they issue comments and deny…
ASTM, SEI, ISO Fastener Material Properties and Specifications
Here is a list of fastener markings for various grades of anchors. Information is reprinted courtesy of…
Glossary of Engineering Terms
Glossary of Building Component Engineering Terms & Abbreviations These terms are published by Engineering Express to coincide with…
Technical Evaluation Report – TER – Types of Product Evaluations Typically Performed By Engineering Express
Engineering Express provides structural design evaluations of various types of mechanical equipment exposed to weather. There are four…
Starter List in Evaluating Your Building Component For Product Approvals & TER’s
Designers and manufacturers create building products based on how they think people will use them and conditions they…
Master Plan Sheet – Product Evaluation – TER Explained
What is a Master Plan Sheet - Product Evaluation & TER? A master plan, also known as a…
What are alteration levels in construction and how do they relate to delegate engineers?
(2020 Florida Existing Building Code Section 503) (adopted by use of IBC 2018 with amendments, definitions apply nationwide)…
Designing Interior Glass? Here are some engineering code items to consider
There's more to consider when designing interior glass than just how it looks. Turns out there are quite…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Can an engineer design alternate anchorage for a Florida product approval or other product evaluation?
The answer is yes. According to Section 1709.9.4 of the Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020): "All…
How do I calculate the effective opening area on window or door products? – What opening area should be used for wind pressure determination on a multi-panel product?
The Building Codes in the US reference ASCE-7 for the design of the components and cladding of buildings…
What is the process to renew a Miami Dade NOA I have?
Introduction A Miami-Dade NOA (notice of acceptance) renewal is required to extend the NOA expiration date another 5…
Whats the difference between the Miami Dade NOA Quality Assurance Date and the Building Code Expiration Date?
Learn How To Quickly Spot And Use QA Expiration & Code Dates On a Miami Dade NOA Why…
*** Find More Help With Product Approvals ***
Find more general help with Florida & Miami-Dade Product Approvals by visiting the support articles of EngineeringPlans.com. …
What’s the difference between ground and roof snow load for patio covers?
Ground vs. Roof Snow Load Many don't understand that the snow load that's rated for an area typically…
About Impact Requirements & Mechanical Equipment in the Florida Building Code & Essential Facilities
Mechanical Equipment - Impact or Not Impact? Questions frequently arise as to what the rule is in Florida,…
Snow Build-Over On Pergolas, Trellises & Mechanically Louvered Roofs (Cornice)
Beware of Snow Buildup On Open Roofs An important and frequently overlooked requirement for checking snow loads on…
Door and Hardware Online Glossary
Thanks to our partners at ASSA ABLOY, we're happy to pass along this helpful glossary of industry lingo.…
Performance Requirements Typically Requested On Project Specifications
For shop drawings requested for structural permit by this office, the following are typical specifications requested. Engineering Express…
ASCE 7 WIND EXPOSURE CATEGORIES AND HOW EXPOSURE ‘D’ WORKS
Wind Exposure Category OverviewASCE-7 is the governing referenced standard for design loads on buildings & other structures for…
Search our AC model Database
Click Here to access our model database tool. You can filter by your AC brand, model, and number…
I see values for F1 and F2 on Evaluation Reports. What are they?
F1 and F2 are the limiting performance capacities of the forces in the parallel and perpendicular directions of…
How To Validate A Digital Signature On An Engineers Digitally-Sealed Plan
Digital signatures for engineers in Florida require third-party validation per FAC 61G15-23.004. Other states offer similar rules that…
When will I receive my order? How long does it take to get my digitally signed-sealed file sent to me?
For Online plan orders, we do our best to get your digitally signed and sealed file reviewed, sealed…
Why is there an expiration on digitally signed-sealed plans and how does that work for permitting?
Because a digitally sealed plan can be copied and reused while maintaining the digital signature certification, plans produced…
The date on my plans is old – Do I need a plan with a current date?
Plans & TER's are dated when sealed and are tied to the listed building codes. The original sealed…
I need help finding a tie down detail for permit
Tie-down details are incorporated into Technical Evaluation Reports (TERs) which are cataloged by model number for manufacturers such…
What are your business hours / time that you are open and what is your location?
Engineering Express is open for business from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday. We…
I need to create an NOA / product approval for my product. What’s the process?
Start by reading our articles about product approvals by Clicking Here. You'll learn when they're really needed, what…
How can I find the sealed wind load chart I’m told I need for permit?
Use This Link for our plan store to select the wall, garage door, or mechanical wind pressure chart…
I have a different brand product than the one you specify but it’s similar. How can I get mine certified for permit?
This would require the project to be site specific. Please visit EngineeringExpress.com/ExpressPass to apply for access to request…
I can’t find an order that was supposedly emailed to me. What can I do?
Please check your email spam folder. If you still can't or have not received it after being notified…
I ordered a project through E-Tempest. What’s the process for receiving a digitally signed-sealed file?
Engineering Express provides engineering review & certification of orders placed through E-Tempest shutter software. If you ordered the…
I need to place an online plan order for a digitally signed-sealed file. How does that work?
Visit EngineeringExpress.com/store & search for the plan you need. We recommend beginning by the brand needed. Once you…
What is the process for submitting site specific projects to Engineering Express?
Please visit https://engineeringexpress.com/ExpressPass to apply for access to request a quote for a site-specific project. Click 'apply for…
I’m a contractor looking to purchase a fence / gate or similar plan. What do I do?
Engineering Express allows homeowners & contractors to purchase pre-engineered master plans from our Online Plan Store for a…
I’m a homeowner looking for a fence & gate (or similar) plan for permit. What do I do?
Engineering Express allows homeowners & contractors to purchase pre-engineered master plans from our Online Plan Store for a…
Learn About Rooftop & Ground Wind Forces for Mechanical Units
Want to learn how to design AC units on stands or curbs for wind design? Are you looking…
Subscription Services Offered by Engineering Express
Membership Services Offered by Engineering Express Subscribe to one of our exclusive industry packages to gain exclusive access…
Instructions for proper use of rooftop equipment wind pressure calculator
HELP PAGE For the Engineering Express®Rooftop Equipment Wind Pressure CalculatorNote: See Limitations & Conditions of Use at the…
ASCE 7 Wall Zones Explained
ASCE 7-16 has expanded on the definition of component & cladding wind zones from previous ASCE 7 standards.…
Mean Roof Height (ASCE 7)
Per ASCE 7, the Mean Roof Height (h) is defined as the average of the roof eave height and…
What are Limitations of Small & Large Missile Impact Designs?
We are frequently asked what are the limitations applied on Small Missile Impact and Large Missile Impact products.…
Requirements of Substituting Glass Panels In Insulating Glass Systems
ASTM 1996-17 Regarding Glass Substitution Section A1.8 states: “A1.8.1.1 The impact resisting lite (monolithic or laminated) of an…
Requirements of Substituting Insulated Glass Spacers in Glazed Products
ASTM 1996-17 Regarding Insulated Glass Spacers. This 2017 standard added section A1.9.2 stating tested air spacers making up…
About ASTM E1996-17 Missile Levels
Overview As of the 2020 Florida Building Code & 2018 International Building Code, ASTM E1996-17 is the adopted…
What are the requirements for using ASTM Missile Level E in Florida (2021 updated)?
In the 7th Edition Florida Building Code (2020), missile level E is valid in and outside of the…
ASCE 7 Least Horizontal Dimension – Minimum Building Width
From ASCE 7 (ASCE 7-22,16, 10 & previous standards): The "Least Horizontal Dimension" can be taken as…
Loss of Capacity Due To Welded Aluminum In Railings – Signs – Structures
Regarding any aluminum railing project, it is imperative to understand the life-safety issue that arises when welding an…
What’s the difference between aluminum T5 and T6 temper (like 6063-T5 vs 6063-T6 alloy)?
How do you get from a T5 to T6 temper? Heat treatment is done by raising the alloy…
ASCE 7 Basic Wind Speed
Per definition by ASCE 7-22, ASCE 7-16 & ASCE 7-10, Section 26.2 is defined as: BASIC WIND…
About ASCE 7’s Directionality Factor Kd
The directionality factor (Kd) used in the ASCE 7 wind load provisions for components and cladding is a…
What is a canopy awning & which wind forces should I use to design?
A canopy is a structure which provides overhead protection from the elements such as rain, snow, or sunlight.…
The Updated Saffir-Simpson Scale
First, it needs to be said that there is a complicated formula that converts wind velocity to wind…
Is A Top Rail Required For A Glass Railing?
Aesthetically pleasing, clean and one of the biggest architectural trends, the glass railing is fast gaining popularity as…
About AAMA 2100 and Sunroom Categories
Sunrooms across the US are categorized into 5 categories. AAMA published these in their AAMA/NPEA/NSA 2100-12 publication which…
How to Avoid Contact With Aluminum & Dissimilar Metals
This is provided to inform clients of the dissimilar metal protection requirements of the 2015 Aluminum Design Manual,…
Why are spacing, edge distance, and embedment important for concrete anchors?
When an anchor is installed into concrete, there is an area surrounding the anchor called a cone of…
Is Steel or Reinforcing or Fibermesh Required in Posts & Footings of Building Components?
INTRODUCTION The main purpose foundations serve is to distribute and resist the forces or loads experienced by the…
ASCE 7 Main Wind Force vs. Components & Cladding Explained (MWFRS vs. C&C)
ASCE 7 separates wind loading into three types: Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS), Components and Cladding (C&C),…
What wind speed should I use for my project?
The answer varies with location and type of building. There are several 'risk categories' associated with a location…
Types of At-Grade Footings Explained
Here's a description and illustrations we've created for footing types we frequently reference in our work for sunrooms,…
1 Hour Fire Rating For Roof vs Wall
Many ask if there's a difference between a 1 hour fire rating on a wall product vs a…
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EXPRESSPASS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EXPRESSPASS What is ExpressPass? ExpressPass is designed to help businesses get the certified designs…
CHECKLIST FOR SCREENED ENCLOSURES, OPEN, & ENCLOSED PATIOS – SUNROOMS
CHECKLIST OF DESIGN ITEMS NEEDED FOR SCREENED ENCLOSURES, OPEN, & ENCLOSED PATIOS, PERGOLAS & SUNROOMS Engineering Express provides…
ASCE 7 Risk Categories Explained
ASCE 7 Risk Category Background Building codes require that buildings be classified by their level of importance in…
Is a large missile impact window or door automatically approved for small missile impact?
Overview Changes to the 2020 Florida Building Code for Porous Impact Protection Devices Porous Impact Protective Systems: ASTM…
What Seismic area is my location?
Here are some useful sites to check the seismic criteria for a location: https://www.fema.gov/earthquake-hazard-maps https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/designmaps/ - USGS…
Miami Dade NOA Revision vs Renewal & Fees Explained
As of January, 2021, here is an explanation from Miami Dade County's Product Approval System (Product Control) on…
What wind information is required for construction documents?
From the 5th, 6th &7th Edition of the Florida Building Code (2014, 2017, 2020) section 1603.1.4 as well…
Can you substitute spacers for insulating glass units (IGU)?
The question of whether or not an installer can substitute the spacer that separates the outer from the…
About Plan Store Tokens
About Engineering Express Plan Store TokensWhy Tokens? Creating a tokens-based system solves a growing list of client pain points:> Frequent…
Wind Speed to Wind Pressure For Sunrooms – Canopies – Pergolas Using ASCE 7-16
ASCE 7-16 is introduced into the 2018 International Building Code and 7th Edition Florida Building Code (2020) as…
How to Find Wind Speed & Snow Using the ASCE and ATC Hazards Tools by Location Websites
The 2 Ways To Find Wind Speed, Snow & Related Values For Projects in the US There are…
What are porosity and closure angles when defining a porous building opening?
Explanation: In the event of a high wind event, it is the concern of building codes ASCE-7 and…
Roof Mounted Equipment Height Requirements
In accordance with FBC 2020 (7th Edition), the following clearance below raised roof mounted mechanical units applies inside…
About The UL 325 Safety Standard for Gate Operators
The UL 325 is a safety standard for door, drapery, gate, louver, and window operators and systems. The…
About Lag Bolts-Screws In Wood – Size – Pullout – Shear
The term lag bolt implies a large diameter fastener with a bolt head square or hexagonal head, and…
ASCE Wind Speed Risk Category To Use with Signs & Building Components On-Off Buildings
ASCE 7-10, ASCE 7-16 Wind Pressure Information and Wind Pressure Calculators In terms of determining the risk category…
Test Laboratories
Tet laboratories have been combined into our Online Directory.The information contained herein is offered as an unbiased list…
Permit Runners in South Florida To Consider
The information contained herein is offered as an unbiased list of firms and services that compliment the services…
Architects To Consider
The information contained herein is offered as an unbiased list of firms and services that compliment the services…
Our Directory of Engineering & Testing Firms We Work With
The information contained herein is offered as an unbiased list of firms and services that complement the services…
Egress Emergency Escape Requirements for Windows
The International Building Codes 2015/2018, Florida Building Codes 2017, 2020, & corresponding Residential Codes list the following in…
Metal Fasteners UNC vs Spaced Thread
Overview Metal fastening is designed per the requirements of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC): Specification for…
2015/2018 IRC RAILING GUIDELINES
The 2015/2018 International Residential Code (IRC)... contains railing guidelines similar to those found in the Florida Building Code…
2020 FBC Product Evaluation Updates
There are many updates to the Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020), but several of them directly impact…
Proof Florida Product Approvals and NOA’s Don’t Require The Original Engineering Seal
We frequently get asked to re-seal our product approvals after they have been approved by the state. They…
Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA) – Quality Assurance and Validator Requirements
About Validators & Quality Assurance ComplianceIt is often asked of us to explain the validator and quality assurance…
Perforated Design Method vs. Segmented Design Methods for Shear Walls
Perforated Design Method vs. Segmented Design Methods for Shear Walls The International Building Code (2018) defines a…
CAD Drafting Guidelines for Engineering Express Plan Submissions
Engineering Express Drafting Shop Drawings – Tips & Tricks At Engineering Express, we pride ourselves with the…
Whats The Difference Between a Digitally Signed Plan, Electronic Seal, & Scanned Digital Copy of a Plan?
HISTORY Back in the day, kings used wax to seal an envelope to prove its authenticity. That seal…
Flood Engineering Glossary
FLOOD GLOSSARY The following is provided as a curated summary of terms taken from the referenced standards that…
Flood Resistant Design & Floodproofing of Buildings
An engineer's walk through of the design requirements for flood resistant design of building components With Engineering Express's…
What is the HVHZ – High Velocity Hurricane Zone – in Florida?
The High Velocity Hurricane Zone (or HVHZ) in Florida encompasses only Miami-Dade And Broward Counties. It is a…
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…
Wind Speed vs. Wind Pressure Explained
Many don’t understand how wind works & state that a product is rated to a specific wind speed. …
What is the Minimum Roof Slope for Metal Panels and other Roof Types?
The minimum roof slope requirement for metal panels varies depending on panel connection conditions. The required roof slope…
TEK Sheet Metal Screws (SMS) – About – Sizes – Gauges
About TEK Screws The following information is complied compliments of All Points Fasteners, Totally Nuts And Bolts, and…
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…
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…
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…
Where To Buy Extrusions & Parts
We're frequently asked by our clients where they can purchase many of the products specified in our plans.…
About Porosity & When is a Fence or Railing 75% Open?
The Scenario The question comes up from time to time regarding requirements for a fence or railing to…
Frost Protection For Concrete Footings On Grade – Heave
Concrete Footing Frost Protection - An Explanation Section 1809.5 of the Florida Building Code (2020) and 2015 &…
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…
Procedure For Calculating Aluminum Box Beams For Bending
Per the Aluminum Design Manual (ADM) 2015, the allowable bending stress of round tubes shall be determined for…
What’s the minimum penetration for lag screws into wood?
Per the 2015 National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS 2015), section 12.1.4.6, the minimum length of lag…
Steel Bolt Edge Distance Requirements
Per AISC-ANSI-360-16, the minimum edge distance for bolts to the edge of a connected part is to follow…
What’s the dimensional difference between a pipe and a tube?
There is often confusion as to which size product a client actually needs – Pipe Size or OD Tubing…
How do I tell if my building is considered “enclosed”?
A building is considered "enclosed” if it does not comply with the requirements for open or partially enclosed…
How do I tell if my building is considered an “open building”?
A building is considered open if each wall is at least 80 percent open (ASCE 7-16, Section 26.2,…
How do I tell if my building/enclosure is considered “partially enclosed”?
A building is considered "Partially Enclosed” if it complies with both of the following conditions (ASCE 7-16, Section…
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…
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…
What is a window or door buck
Everything You Need To Know About Door Buck, Why Are They Used and When Do They Need to…
Did the wind loading requirements change for rooftop structures for ASCE 7-22 – ASCE 7-16 & The Florida Building Code?
Regarding ASCE 7-16 & the 2020 Florida Building Code (FBC) Also Applies for ASCE 7-22 & 2023 Florida…
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?
Most all products are evaluated using the ASD method (unless noted otherwise). ASD method in, then ASD method…