There are many updates to the Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020), but several of them directly impact structural building component product evaluations. Here’s a breakdown of whats changed and what to expect when updating your Florida Product Evaluation for the 2020 Florida Building Code: 1) ASCE 7-10 is now ASCE 7-16: If your product…
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 is…
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.…
Overview (Update): 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,…
As of January, 2018, 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…
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…
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…
According to Section 1710.8.4 of the Florida Building Code Fifth Edition (2014), “Opening protection components, fasteners, and other parts evaluated by an approved product evaluation entity, certification agency, testing laboratory, architect, or engineer and approved by the holder of the product approval may be interchangeable in opening protection assemblies provided that the opening protection component(s)…
The Building Codes in the US reference ASCE-7 for the design of the components and cladding of buildings (26.1.2.2 ASCE 7-(10)). The theory of wind design goes that the smaller the area in consideration, the greater the probability that a maximum burst of wind will occur in that area over any 3 second period. Wind…
In the 5th Edition Florida Building Code (2014), missile level E is valid in and outside of the HVHZ (Broward and Dade Counties) when it came to essential facilities. Sure it is in section 1626.2.4 of the FBC which falls under HVHZ but section 449.4.2.5.1 refers to 1626. In previous codes it was in section 419…