Aesthetically pleasing, clean and one of the biggest architectural trends, the glass railing is fast gaining popularity as a go-to safeguard barrier for modern construction. It’s not only a widely used structural component for safeguard applications, but one with many variables and configurations that changes the way that they need to be analyzed in order …
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 …
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 »
ASCE 7-16 is introduced into the 2018 International Building Code and 7th Edition Florida Building Code (2020) as the new referenced standard for wind design. This standard introduced an enhanced section for the conversion of wind velocities to roof wind pressures for roof components attached to buildings and freestanding structures such as sunrooms, overhead canopies, …
Wind Speed to Wind Pressure For Sunrooms – Canopies – Pergolas Using ASCE 7-16 Read More »
The International Building Codes 2015/2018, Florida Building Codes 2017, 2020, & corresponding Residential Codes list the following in regards to egress as an emergency escape in regards to windows & doors leading out of a dwelling. Please note that these may be paraphrased and are for general purposes only. Consult the actual code for specific …
Egress Emergency Escape Requirements for Windows Read More »
The 2015/2018 International Residential Code (IRC)… contains railing guidelines similar to those found in the Florida Building Code 6th & 7th Edition (2017, 2020). Below are selected regulations from the 2018 IRC for reference as they are typically used on our safeguard projects. Helpful 2018 IRC PDF also appears by clicking here (courtesy Safebuilt Colorado) …
What is a Master Plan Sheet – Product Evaluation & TER? A master plan, also known as a product evaluation or TER (Technical Evaluation Report) is a set of general instructions describing how to assemble a building component to a given performance limit without regard to a specific installation. Unlike a location-specific (or site-specific) plan, …
Master Plan Sheet – Product Evaluation – TER Explained 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 »
(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 »
Concrete Footing Frost Protection – An Explanation Section 1809.5 of the Florida Building Code (2020) and 2015 & 2018 International Building Code describe the design requirements of shallow foundations in regions where soil is subjected to seasonal ground freezing. The code requires that footings are protected from frost to prevent a phenomenon known as heave. …
Frost Protection For Concrete Footings On Grade – Heave Read More »
The answer is yes. According to Section 1709.9.4 of the Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020): “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 shall be available to inspection personnel on the job site. Opening protection …
