Gable End Bracing and the FORTIFIED Program Gable end walls are a well-documented weak point in high-wind events. When a gable end fails, wind and rain can enter the attic and interior, often leading to extensive structural and water damage. The FORTIFIED® Home program specifically addresses this risk by requiring improved gable end bracing and …
Pedestal-Supported Roof Paver Systems Roof paver systems installed on plastic pedestals are increasingly used to provide accessible walkways, terraces, and service areas on flat roofs. These systems typically consist of concrete, wood, or composite pavers supported by adjustable plastic pedestals, with the pavers either mechanically attached to the pedestals or bonded using adhesives. Avoidance of …
Roof Deck Paver Systems on Pedestals: A Wind Uplift Design Overview Read More »
Window and Door Shimming: Code Requirements and Engineering Reality Improper shimming is a structural installation defect, not a cosmetic issue. It becomes most critical when there is a large gap between the window or door frame and the structural buck. If that gap is not correctly bridged, the installation cannot perform as designed—regardless of sealants …
Window and Door Shimming: Code Requirements and Engineering Reality Read More »
Determining Pressure Ratings For Doors (or Windows) With Alternate Components Exterior doors exposed to weather are approved to withstand design pressures for a variety of conditions. Sometimes, though, the door type you want to use doesn’t match the product approval. This article explores how such a change is evaluated by an engineer to provide a …
Mechanical Equipment Design – A National Requirement Generally speaking, building codes are national in nature, but are adopted locally for unique geographic conditions. While national codes require designing code-compliant structures during design events, areas such as South Florida take the lead on high-wind requirements for rooftop mechanical units & serve as a guide for design …
Guide To Mechanical Unit Permits and Engineering Requirements In Florida & The US Read More »
How To Apply For A Retrofit Window-Door-Garage Door Permit In South Florida & Beyond Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties have adopted a unique set of rules for permitting window and door replacements (alteration level 1). Other coastal counties across the US are catching on, so the process applies when needed. While there are variations …
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. This also applies …
What are The Span Limitations of Large Missile Impact Doors – Windows – Shutters? Read More »
Florida Product Approval & Miami-Dade NOA : What You Need to Know Florida Building Code (FBC) vs International Building Code (IBC) Florida stands out as one of the few states that requires statewide product evaluations before products can be permitted or installed. While the IBC includes similar provisions, the FBC enforces them more consistently, and …
Florida Product Approval and Miami Dade NOA Requirements Read More »
Can an engineer design alternate anchorage for a Florida product approval or other product evaluation? Say you have an evaluation report for a window or door. The report calls out for one brand of anchors, but you want to use another. Do you violate the provisions of the evaluation? The answer is yes, anchors can …
