Thanks to our partners at ASSA ABLOY, we’re happy to pass along this helpful glossary of industry lingo. Learn all about the many terms used in the door and hardware industry Click here to visit the ASSA ABLOY Glossary
For shop drawings requested for structural permit by this office, the following are typical specifications requested. Engineering Express routinely complies with these when providing certified plans for permit: Delegated Design: Design , including comprehensive engineering analysis by a qualified professional engineer, using performance requirements & design criteria indicated. Structural Performance: shall withstand the effects …
Performance Requirements Typically Requested On Project Specifications Read More »
Wind Exposure Category Overview ASCE-7 is the governing referenced standard for design loads on buildings & other structures for building codes throughout the US. ASCE 7 (26.7 of ASCE 7-16) describes the process to which wind speed is converted into wind pressure to design such structures. The formula is based on many variables. One of …
ASCE 7 WIND EXPOSURE CATEGORIES AND HOW EXPOSURE ‘D’ WORKS Read More »
READ BELOW BEFORE USING NON SITE-SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONSFROM ENGINEERING EXPRESS FOR YOUR PROJECT General Information About Non Site-Specific Plans: Certified Performance Evaluations (also referred to as Master Plans, Generic, or Non Site-Specific Plans) you receive contain a physical or digitally certified engineer seal. They are intended to be used to assist in obtaining a building …
How To Use Master Plans – TER’s – Calculator Reports Purchased From Engineering Express Read More »
Residential & Commercial Glazing Differences & Common Terms 101 Engineering Express is typically asked what the difference between residential & commercial glazing & how we help each industry. Read below for answers to the most common questions & terms. Commercial Glazing What is Commercial Glazing? This generally involves the framing systems used …
Residential & Commercial Terms & Engineering Design Differences 101 Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Everything You Need To Know About Door 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 place to …
