TER

Guide To Mechanical Unit Permits and Engineering Requirements In Florida

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 Read More »

Engineering Express Icon

PRODUCT APPROVALS ARE NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED! HERE’S WHY:

Here Are 3 Myths About Product Approval Requirements Background Product evaluations (sometimes called “product approvals”, “ICC reports”, Miami Dade 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 …

PRODUCT APPROVALS ARE NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED! HERE’S WHY: Read More »

Performance Limitations for Mechanical Equipment & TER Certifications

Summary of Building Code & Research Intent The intent & provisions of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) & 2020 Florida Building/Residential Codes are to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health, and general welfare of occupants of new and existing buildings & structures. From 2022 / 2020 …

Performance Limitations for Mechanical Equipment & TER Certifications Read More »

About Impact Requirements For Mechanical Equipment in the Florida Building Code & For Essential Facilities

Mechanical Equipment – Does It Need To Qualify For Large Missile Impact? Questions frequently arise as to what the rule is in Florida, Miami, and the HVHZ zone (Dade and Broward Counties, FL) under the Florida Building Code (FBC) for impact rating on mechanical equipment. The answer also has similar references in the International Building …

About Impact Requirements For Mechanical Equipment in the Florida Building Code & For Essential Facilities Read More »

Pros and Cons of Obtaining a Florida Statewide Approval Vs A Miami Dade Approval and how a TER fits in

Two common means of product evaluations in Florida are Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA’s) and Miami-Dade Notices of Acceptance (NOA’s). To help determine whether these evaluations would be right for you, we’ve compiled a list of pros & cons for each type of evaluation. (opinions as interpreted by this firm)   Pros for a Florida Statewide …

Pros and Cons of Obtaining a Florida Statewide Approval Vs A Miami Dade Approval and how a TER fits in Read More »

What are The Span Limitations of Large Missile Impact Doors – Windows – Shutters?

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. For Operable Windows & Glass Doors Inside the HVHZ …

What are The Span Limitations of Large Missile Impact Doors – Windows – Shutters? Read More »

Technical Evaluation Report – TER – Types of Product Evaluations Typically Performed By Engineering Express

Engineering Express provides structural design evaluations of various types of mechanical equipment exposed to weather.  There are four (4) evaluation types typically performed, each with their own benefits and limitations of use.  This article explores each type and provides examples and summary of output. Some notes to first understand:   All tiers listed below include …

Technical Evaluation Report – TER – Types of Product Evaluations Typically Performed By Engineering Express Read More »

Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA) – Quality Assurance and Validator Requirements

About Validators & Quality Assurance Compliance It is often asked of us to explain the validator and quality assurance requirements of the Florida Statewide Product Approval System.   While there is much more to learn about the topic of obtaining a Florida Statewide approval, here are important terms and requirements to keep you in the know.   …

Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA) – Quality Assurance and Validator Requirements 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 »

Was-Your-TER-Denied

Can a Building Inspector or Plan Reviewer Deny The Use of a TER or Performance Evaluation?

Have You Been Denied For A Building Permit Using One Of Our TER’s? Plan reviewers have the authority to question any document submitted to their building department for permit. But they also must follow code-written guidelines in their review & approval. Let’s explore the code and your options if our building product evaluations are not …

Can a Building Inspector or Plan Reviewer Deny The Use of a TER or Performance Evaluation? Read More »

Was-Your-TER-Denied

FAQ: What do I do if a TER or Generic Performance Evaluation isn’t approved for a permit?

Help! The Building Department Denied The Engineering For Permit Sometimes, municipalities or contract documents require more information than just submitting a TER (Technical Evaluation Report).   Here is a summary of Typical reasons why TER’s aren’t approved. 1) No certification is provided that the product meets the job specific project requirements SOLUTION: A Design Professional needs …

FAQ: What do I do if a TER or Generic Performance Evaluation isn’t approved for a permit? Read More »

Eastern Metal Supply: Gutter Beam Span Charts 2023 Update

What Doesn’t A Technical Evaluation Report (TER) or Product Evaluation Do?

What’s A TER? A TER, or Technical Evaluation Report, are engineer-certified, code-compliant evaluation of a building products performance limitations. They provide limiting capacities for wind, snow, seismic, and other forces for a variety of product sizes and installation conditions.  Example of a TER for a gutter beam for Eastern Metal Supply.  What Doesn’t A TER …

What Doesn’t A Technical Evaluation Report (TER) or Product Evaluation Do? Read More »

Scroll to Top