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 »
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 …
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 Are 3 Myths About Product Approval Requirements Background Product evaluations (sometimes called “product approvals”, “ICC reports”, NOA’s or similar) for building products are general requirements as found in the International Building Code. Building officials, architects, insurance companies, third-party reviewers, and even homeowners ask for them all the time. Permits frequently require them, insurance discounts …
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 »
DENIED – YES OR NO? While plan reviewers, inspectors, and other building officials have the authority to question any document submitted if the document complies with the intent of the applicable building code and related codes & standards, if the site-specific project design criteria (determined by others) complies with the limitations of the certified evaluation …
Can a Building Inspector or Plan Reviewer Deny The Use of a TER or Master Plan Sheet? Read More »
WHEN IS A FLORIDA PRODUCT APPROVAL OR MIAMI DADE NOA REQUIRED & HOW TER’S AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS FIT IN FIRST, A WORD ABOUT FLORIDA PRODUCT APPROVALS & THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) Before we jump into Florida Product Approvals, let’s talk about the differences between the Florida Building Code and the IBC. Florida is one …
Florida Product Approval and Miami Dade NOA Requirements Read More »
THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT WON’T ACCEPT MY TECHNICAL EVALUATION REPORT (TER)? Sometimes, municipalities or contract documents require more information than just submitting a TER (Technical Evaluation Report). Typical reasons why TER’s aren’t approved include: No certification is provided that the product meets the job specific project requirements SOLUTION: A Design Professional needs to certify that the …
What do I do if a TER or Master Plan isn’t enough for a permit? Read More »
FIRST, WHAT’S A CERTIFIED TER & Master Plan Sheet? TER’s or Technical Evaluation Reports and Master Plan Sheets must bear the original signature and raised seal or a digital seal of the evaluating engineer to be valid for use by code. This is a code requirement and necessary to maintain quality control, liability, and integrity …
How do I get a Certified TER or Master Plan Sheet? Read More »
FIRST, WHAT IS A TER? TER’s or Technical Evaluation Reports are evaluations of a product’s performance. They are not intended to approve products for a specific application, but rather provide limiting values based on installation options for a design professional to use in their site-specific application. SO WHAT DOESN’T A TER DO? TER’s don’t provide …
A TER or Technical Evaluation Report, is an engineering evaluation based on testing and/or rational analysis for the performance of a building product or component. In the case of Engineering Express, we are evaluating the structural aspects of a product only. The authority for a qualified engineer to create a technical evaluation report is given …
What is a TER and how is it used for permitting? Read More »
