Welding of Aluminium Connections Welded aluminium connections used in pergolas, canopies, and similar light architectural structures in the United States must be designed and executed in accordance with recognized structural welding codes and building regulations. Although these structures may appear secondary, they are subjected to wind loads, uplift forces, and service loads that require proper …
3 Myths About Product Approval Requirements Background Product evaluations (also referred to as “product approvals”, “ICC reports”, Miami Dade NOA’s, TDI Evaluations, 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 …
PRODUCT APPROVALS ARE NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED! HERE’S WHY: Read More »
Glass Railings – The Next Big Thing 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. Using glass for railings is not only a widely used structural component for safeguard applications, but one with more variables and configurations that …
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 »
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 …
Egress Emergency Escape Requirements for Windows Read More »
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 …
What is a Product Performance Evaluation & A TER? A product performance evaluation or TER (Technical Evaluation Report) is a set of general instructions describing how to assemble a building product to a given performance limit without regard to a specific installation location. Example of a Technical Evaluation Report (TER) Unlike a location-specific (or site-specific) …
Product Performance Evaluations & TER’s Explained 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 »
Footings Move When Soil Freezes. Let’s Explain. Building codes describe the design requirements of shallow foundations in regions where soil is subjected to seasonal ground freezing. Codes require that footings be protected from frost to prevent a phenomenon known as heave. Frost heave occurs when water penetrates the ground soil and subsequently freezes. When water …
Frost Protection For Concrete Footings On Grade – Heave Explained 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 …
