From ASCE 7 (ASCE 7-22,16, 10 & previous standards): The “Least Horizontal Dimension” can be taken as the shortest possible distance that can be taken between two parallel lines that fully encompass the building The Least Horizontal Dimension is further demonstrated as follows: Where ‘B’ is the Least Horizontal Dimension. For further reference, see our …
ASCE 7 Least Horizontal Dimension – Minimum Building Width Read More »
ASCE 7 separates wind loading into three types: Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS), Components and Cladding (C&C), and Other Structures and Building Appurtenances. MWFRS is defined as “(a)n assemblage of structural elements to provide support and stability for the overall structure.” Typically, members that receive loading from two surfaces are designed to resist MWFRS …
ASCE 7 Main Wind Force vs. Components & Cladding Explained (MWFRS vs. C&C) Read More »
Overview Changes to the 2020 Florida Building Code for Porous Impact Protection Devices Porous Impact Protective Systems: ASTM E1996-12A brought a significant change to Porous Impact Protective Systems (PIPS). A Porous Impact Protective System is defined as “An assembly whose aggregate open area exceeds 10% of its projected surface area”. Prior to ASTM E1996-12A, any …
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 »
Many don’t understand how wind works & state that a product is rated to a specific wind speed. This is false advertising & not true. There’s no such thing as “Rated to XXX MPH wind” This is frequently seen in marketing materials which is a false & misleading statement that comes with many unwritten …
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 »
Understanding The ‘Effective Opening Area’ For Wind Pressure Design The theory goes that Mother Nature cannot blow her fury at the maximum force at all areas at the same time… Therefore, the larger the opening, the lesser that opening will all receive the full force of a windstorm at the same time. ASCE-7 contains provisions …
What Is A Window Or Door Buck? Openings in buildings are frequently not exact and are referred to as rough openings for that reason. When window products are placed into openings, they often need to be shimmed into place to properly fit the opening. Sometimes, windows come with a ‘fin’ that requires a buck to …
What’s The Difference Between ASD & LRFD Design? Put in layman’s terms, think of a wood plank designed to stretch between two supports. You’re going to walk across the piece of wood. The person that designed that plank needed to figure out if it will hold you. They had two options when designing: 1) Reduce …
