The directionality factor (Kd) used in the ASCE 7 wind load provisions for components and cladding is a load reduction factor intended to take into account the less than 100% probability that the design event wind direction aligns with the worst case building aerodynamics. Per ASCE 7-22/16,Section 26.6, the Directionality Factor Kd is defined …
Sunrooms across the US are categorized into 5 categories. AAMA published these in their AAMA/NPEA/NSA 2100-12 publication which made its way into the Florida & International Building Codes. FBC (17, 20) lists this in Chapter 20 section 2002.6 directly siting the AAMA/NPEA/NSA 2100 spec. IBC 2015/2018 References AAMA 2100 in IRC Chapter 44 Please refer …
Florida Statute 555.79(1)(a) lists the requirements and penalties of building plan reviewers when they issue comments and deny permit applications. Here’s an excerpt from that section with a link to the source file here: FS 553.79 Permits; applications; issuance; inspections.— (1)(a) … Whenever a permit required under this section is denied or revoked because the plan, or …
Many ask if there’s a difference between a 1 hour fire rating on a wall product vs a 1 hour fire rating on a roof product. If you think about it, fire (AKA heat) does behave differently as it rises vs. spreads. In fact, there is a difference: In the Florida Building Code (2020), & …
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 …
Miami Dade Renewal Or Revision? Miami-Dade Product Control follows distinct procedures for renewing and revising a Notice of Acceptance (NOA). Here’s how they differ in scope and requirements. Renewing A Miami-Dade NOA Revising An Existing Miami Dade NOA Renewing a Miami-Dade NOA extends the product’s expiration date, typically for up to five years. This process …
Miami Dade NOA Revision vs Renewal & Fees Explained Read More »
From the 5th, 6th &7th Edition of the Florida Building Code (2014, 2017, 2020) section 1603.1.4 as well as from section 1603.1.4. of the 2012, 2015, & 2018 International Building Code, construction documents shall show the following: Ultimate design wind speed, Vult (3-second gust), miles per hour and nominal design wind speed (Vasd) as …
What wind information is required for construction documents? 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 »
In accordance with FBC 2020 (7th Edition), the following clearance below raised roof mounted mechanical units applies inside & outside the HVHZ*: WIDTH** OF MECHANICAL UNIT MINIMUM CLEARANCE ABOVE SURFACES FBC 1510.10 FBC 1522.3 Outside HVHZ Inside HVHZ Height < 24″ < 24″ 14″ 24″ < 36″ 25″ < 36″ 18″ 36″ < 48″ 37″ …
Egress & Emergency Escape Requirements for Windows In a fire or other emergency, the right window can be the fastest way to safety. That’s why egress windows are required: they make sure every bedroom or living space has a quick, dependable escape route. What Is an Egress Window? An egress window is more than a …
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What To Know When Designing & Installing Handrails & Guards About Stair Requirements The International Residential Code (IRC) contains railing guidelines similar to those found in the Florida Building Code*. Below are selected regulations from the 2021 IRC for reference as they are typically used on our safeguard projects. R311.7 Stairways (2021 IRC link) R311.7.1 …
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) …
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 …
Proof Florida Product Approvals and NOA’s Don’t Require The Original Engineering Seal Read More »
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 …
Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA) – Quality Assurance and Validator Requirements Read More »
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 …
Starter List in Evaluating Your Building Component For Product Approvals & TER’s Read More »
