QUESTION: Why do certain door products rate a certain p.s.f like -60/+60 then lower ratings are shown throughout the product approval? Usually, the higher door pressure performance are not taking the water testing & infiltration conditions into consideration. A deeper search into the evaluation will likely reveal limitations of performance if water infiltration is …
About Door Product Pressure Ratings and Water Infiltration Read More »
We are frequently asked what are the limitations applied on Small Missile Impact and Large Missile Impact products. Engineering Express takes into consideration the following code limitations while preparing design charts for operable windows/glass doors and non-operable windows/glass doors: Referencing Florida Building Code Seventh Edition, (2020) Chapter 2411.3.2.4.i & 1709.5.1.3.i for Operable Windows and Glass …
What are Limitations of Small & Large Missile Impact Designs? Read More »
In the 7th Edition Florida Building Code (2020), missile level E is valid in and outside of the HVHZ (Broward and Dade Counties) when it came to essential facilities. You can find information in section FBC 1626.2.4 which is under the HVHZ (Dade & Broward Counties) but FBC section 449.4.2.5.1 refers to FBC sections …
What are the requirements for using ASTM Missile Level E in Florida (2021 updated)? Read More »
Overview Changes to the 2020 Florida Building Code for Porous Impact Protection Devices Porous Impact Protective Systems: ASTM E1996-12A brought a significant change to Porous Impact Protective Systems (PIPS). A Porous Impact Protective System is defined as “An assembly whose aggregate open area exceeds 10% of its projected surface area”. Prior to ASTM E1996-12A, any …
As of January, 2021, here is an explanation from Miami Dade County’s Product Approval System (Product Control) on the differences, timeframes, and fees for their various applications: Renewal: This extends the expiration date of the approval (for up to 5 years, contact Miami Dade for your specific time frame). A renewal does not include …
Miami Dade NOA Revision vs Renewal & Fees Explained Read More »
The question of whether or not an installer can substitute the spacer that separates the outer from the inner glazing on an insulating glass unit is common in the industry and has far-reaching implications. Our research (subject to independent verification is as follows): ASTM E-1996-17 section A1.9.2 (referenced in the 7th Edition Florida Building Code …
Can you substitute spacers for insulating glass units (IGU)? Read More »
Explanation: In the event of a high wind event, it is the concern of building codes ASCE-7 and ASTM specifications that windows and doors don’t fail and develop an opening breach in the building. An opening would allow more wind to enter the structure and pressurize the inside of the building, leading to other doors …
What are porosity and closure angles when defining a porous building opening? Read More »
The information contained herein is offered as an unbiased list of firms and services that compliment the services offered by Engineering Express. The information is provided with no guarantee or endorsement of any kind and not with our recommendation. We strive to achieve a well rounded list of services to offer our clients and the public numerous …
There are many updates to the Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020), but several of them directly impact structural building component product evaluations. A similar update schedule applies to updating Here’s a breakdown of whats changed and what to expect when updating your Florida Product Evaluations & plans to the 2020 Florida Building Code: 1) …
We frequently get asked to re-seal our product approvals after they have been approved by the state. They are validated by comparing them to the state / county records on file and are NOT required to be signed and sealed. There are two Florida Declaratory Statements on record verifying this question: http://www.floridabuilding.org/Upload/FBC/CodeID_1812_DEC03-296.pdf Another Case …
Proof Florida Product Approvals and NOA’s Don’t Require The Original Engineering Seal Read More »
Engineering Express provides structural design evaluations of various types of mechanical equipment exposed to weather. There are four (4) evaluation types typically performed, each with their own benefits and limitations of use. This article explores each type and provides examples and summary of output. Some notes to first understand: All tiers listed below include …
About Validators & Quality Assurance Compliance It is often asked of us to explain the validator and quality assurance requirements of the Florida Statewide Product Approval System. While there is much more to learn about the topic of obtaining a Florida Statewide approval, the following explains these terms and requirements. Contact an engineer at Engineering …
Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA) – Quality Assurance and Validator Requirements Read More »
Designers and manufacturers create building products based on how they think people will use them and conditions they will resist through their life cycle. To create a product that is safe and easy to use, one requirement is to determine the product’s performance in various weather conditions in conformance to applicable federal, state and local …
Starter List in Evaluating Your Building Component For Product Approvals & TER’s Read More »
HERE’S 3 MYTHS ABOUT PRODUCT APPROVALS: Background: Product evaluations (sometimes called “product approvals”, “ICC reports”, NOA’s or similar) for building components are the general rule in the International Building Code. Building officials, architects, insurance companies, third party reviewers, even homeowners ask for them all the time, frequently refusing permits, insurance discounts, and product installations. …
PRODUCT APPROVALS ARE NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED! HERE’S WHY: Read More »
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 …
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 …
Case Study: Phantom Screens – Is a Florida Product Approval Required? Read More »
