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 »
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 »
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 »
From The Buidling Code The Building Codes in the US reference ASCE-7 for the design of the components and cladding of buildings (ref. section 26.1.2.2 ASCE 7-10, ASCE 7-16, ASCE 7-22+). Theory Wind design theory is such that the smaller the area in consideration, the greater the probability that a maximum burst of wind will …
What You Need To Know About Window & Doors Buck, Why Are They Used and When Do They Need to be Anchored Masonry 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 …
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 …
