Product Evaluations

What are The Span Limitations of Large Missile Impact Doors – Windows – Shutters?

Size Limitations For Impact Rated Products A Frequent question is what are the span, height, pressure, and installation limitations for large & small missile impact products. The following takes into consideration the Florida Building Code  8th Edition (2023) limitations for designing & installing operable and non-operable windows/glass doors & impact protection devices. For Operable Windows …

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What are the requirements for using ASTM Missile Level E in Florida and the US?

Understanding Missile Level E Requirements in Florida When it comes to hurricane protection, not all impact ratings are created equal. Missile Level E, defined under ASTM E1996, represents the highest standard for windows, doors, and protective systems facing windborne debris. Unlike Level D, Level E is designed to withstand a 9-lb 2×4 fired at 80 ft/s, …

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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 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 …

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Test Laboratories

  Tet laboratories have been combined into our Online Directory. The information contained herein is offered as an unbiased list of firms and services that complement 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 …

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2020 FBC Product Evaluation Updates

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) …

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Proof Florida Product Approvals and NOA’s Don’t Require The Original Engineering Seal

Original FL Engineer Seals Are Not Required On Product Approvals. Here’s the proof. Engineering Express frequently gets asked to ‘re-seal’ our product approvals for site-specific project after they have been approved by the state. These documents are to be validated by by the municpality by  comparing them to the approved records on file with the approving …

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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 (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 …

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Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA) – Quality Assurance and Validator Requirements

Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA): Validator & Quality Assurance Requirements Florida’s Statewide Product Approval (FSA) system ensures that every product used in construction meets the state’s strict building code requirements. Two key components of this process are Validation and Quality Assurance (QA) — both critical for maintaining credibility and compliance throughout a product’s approval lifecycle. The …

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Starter List in Evaluating Your Building Component For Product Approvals & TER’s

The Ultimate Starter Checklist for Evaluating Your Building Component Before a product can be approved, installed, or even marketed, it must prove compliance with building code performance standards.Whether you’re developing a rooftop mechanical unit, sunroom system, or custom enclosure, success depends on one thing:How well you prepare your submission. CHECKLIST Product Documentation A complete technical …

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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 mast all states): 1. 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 Florida Administrative Code 61G15-23.001 as highlighted below. 2. If the drawings an engineer produces are final plans, they need to be signed …

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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 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 …

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Was-Your-TER-Denied

Can a Building Inspector or Plan Reviewer Deny The Use of a TER or Performance Evaluation?

Have You Been Denied For A Building Permit Using One Of Our TER’s? Plan reviewers have the authority to question any document submitted to their building department for permit. But they also must follow code-written guidelines in their review & approval. Let’s explore the code and your options if our building product evaluations are not …

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