Florida Building Code

What are alteration levels in construction and how do they relate to delegate engineers?

(2020 Florida Existing Building Code Section 503) (adopted by use of IBC 2018 with amendments, definitions apply nationwide) Alteration – Level 1 (FBC Existing Buildings Section 602) Removal and replacement, or covering of existing materials, equipment, fixtures using new materials that serve the same purpose. Alteration –Level 1 does not include reconfiguration of space. Commentary:  …

What are alteration levels in construction and how do they relate to delegate engineers? Read More »

What is the Minimum Roof Slope for Metal Panels and other Roof Types?

The minimum roof slope requirement for metal panels varies depending on panel connection conditions.  The required roof slope varies with application of materials and use. See the below Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020) sections below to determine which slope is appropriate based on your specific design scenario.   Definition METAL ROOF PANEL. An interlocking …

What is the Minimum Roof Slope for Metal Panels and other Roof Types? Read More »

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 …

Case Study: Phantom Screens – Is a Florida Product Approval Required? Read More »

screw image

Can an engineer design alternate anchorage for a Florida product approval or other product evaluation?

The answer is yes, anchors can be substituted for anchors shown on the product evaluation documents.   According to Section 1709.9.4 of the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023): “All Impact-resistant coverings shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and in accordance with the product approval. Installation instructions shall be provided and …

Can an engineer design alternate anchorage for a Florida product approval or other product evaluation? Read More »

Did the wind loading requirements change for rooftop structures for ASCE 7-22 – ASCE 7-16 & The Florida Building Code?

Regarding ASCE 7-16 & the 2020 Florida Building Code (FBC) Also Applies for ASCE 7-22 & 2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition)   YES. Section 1609.1.1 and Chapter 35 of the 2020 FBC refer to ASCE 7-16 as the governing code for loading requirements on most rooftop structures*. *Section 1609.5 of the 2020 FBC lays …

Did the wind loading requirements change for rooftop structures for ASCE 7-22 – ASCE 7-16 & The Florida Building Code? Read More »

Should a professional utilize the ASD (“Allowable Stress Design”) method or the LRFD (“Load Resistance Factored Design”) method when calculating the required wind pressure for use with tested / approved systems?

Most all products are evaluated using the ASD method (unless noted otherwise). ASD method in, then ASD method out. Among the notable changes in ASCE 7-10 & ASCE 7-16, the wind speed map and the importance factor for wind loads have been replaced with three wind load maps based on difference and newly defined return …

Should a professional utilize the ASD (“Allowable Stress Design”) method or the LRFD (“Load Resistance Factored Design”) method when calculating the required wind pressure for use with tested / approved systems? Read More »

Scroll to Top