The Ultimate Starter Checklist for Evaluating Your Building Component
Before a product can be approved, installed, or even marketed, it must prove compliance with building code performance standards.
Whether you’re developing a rooftop mechanical unit, sunroom system, or custom enclosure, success depends on one thing:
How well you prepare your submission.
CHECKLIST
Product Documentation
A complete technical package allows your engineer to understand your product immediately. Include:
- Dimensioned drawings showing all key components, fasteners, and materials
- Assembly and section views (connection details, panel spacing, joint types)
- Weights and sizes for all models under evaluation
- Material specifications for each structural part (steel, aluminum, etc.)
- CAD / SolidWorks files for clarity (mechanical internals optional)
Performance Targets
Don’t leave your engineer guessing. Clearly outline:
- Target design pressure or installed height
- Applicable building code version (e.g., FBC 2023, ASCE 7-16)
- Expected service conditions (indoor/outdoor, exposure)
- Whether you’ll allow reinforcement or design adjustments if needed
Wind & Structural Loading
For wind- or structure-sensitive products:
- Identify installation location (rooftop or ground-mounted)
- Define exposure category (C or D)
- Provide design wind speed, height above grade, and site elevation
- Note any obstructions or shielding nearby
Anchorage & Connection Details
Connections are often the critical point in any design. Provide:
- Anchor type, size, and spacing
- Substrate information (concrete, steel, aluminum, deck type)
- Frame and base-pan details with restraint locations
- Material strengths for both product and support structures
Reporting the Results
A professional evaluation should include:
- Maximum allowable design pressures (uplift, lateral)
- Installation limitations (sizes, anchor spacing, configuration)
- Clear, permit-ready installation guidance
Typical Products We Evaluate
This checklist applies to a wide range of systems, such as:
- Rooftop mechanical units and HVAC enclosures
- Sunrooms, patio covers, and screen systems
- Windows, doors, and curtainwall assemblies
- Solar racks, tanks, towers, signs, and canopies
- Custom fabricated or composite structures
If it resists wind, anchors to a building, or carries load, it qualifies.
Engineering success begins with clarity and preparation.
A well-documented submission saves time, reduces costs, and builds confidence with reviewers and clients alike.
When you partner with Engineering Express, you gain a team that understands both the code and the process — helping you move from concept to certified approval efficiently and professionally.
For guidance with your next project, explore our Plans, Calculators, Knowledge Base,
or contact us directly for site-specific support
Last Update: October 28, 2025