Two common means of product evaluations in Florida are Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA’s) and Miami-Dade Notices of Acceptance (NOA’s). To help determine whether these evaluations would be right for you, we’ve compiled a list of pros & cons for each type of evaluation. (opinions as interpreted by this firm) Pros for a Florida Statewide …
If you are a manufacturer with a Florida or Miami Dade Approval, or if you are trying to install a tested and approved large missile impact glazing system with an alternate glass interlayer from another manufacturer, you will need to follow ASTM E1996 A1.11. According to section A1.11.4, you cannot change the interlayer type without …
How Do I Get Approval To Substitute Glass Type-Interlayer On My Product Evaluation? Read More »
READ BELOW BEFORE USING PLANS PURCHASED FROM ENGINEERING EXPRESS FOR YOUR PROJECT General Information: The documents you receive contain a physical or digitally certified engineer seal. They are intended to be used to assist in obtaining a building permit and construct the component conveyed in the plan. In all cases, additional documentation is required …
How To Use Master Plans – TER’s – Calculator Reports Purchased From Engineering Express Read More »
Editorial changes are permitted within the state product approval system when an approved product is modified but no additional uploads are needed, and there is no change to the number of products or product performance. This is a limited revision, and should only be used when fixing items such as: Typographical errors Changes to the …
Start by reading our articles about product approvals by Clicking Here. You’ll learn when they’re really needed, what information we need, how they help, and much more. When you’re ready for us to help & have the information gathered in the articles, visit EngineeringExpress.com/ExpressPass to apply for access & request a quote for your product …
I need to create an NOA / product approval for my product. What’s the process? Read More »
If you need to find a Florida Approval number please visit https://floridabuilding.org/pr/pr_app_srch.aspx For a Miami Dade NOA please visit http://www.miamidade.gov/building/pc-search_app.asp
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 »
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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 »
