Jim Feudner, Sun-Tek Manufacturing
Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida on August 24, 1992. More than 25,000 homes were destroyed and 101,000 homes and buildings damaged, resulting in more than 27 billion dollars in losses. The 1992 method of administering Building Codes had to change. 1996 saw the formation of the Building Code Study Commission whose task was to provide recommendations to the Florida State legislature concerning strengthening the Building Code and its administration. The recommendations established the responsibilities of the state and local jurisdictions and the interaction between them.
The Legislature adopted the recommendation in 1998 and the first Florida Building Code (FBC) became effective March 1, 2002.
One important part of the new FBC was, and is, the requirement for product approvals. All aspects of construction have code requirements and approvals that are needed to demonstrate compliance with the FBC. Many of the building failures that resulted from Hurricane Andrew were caused by building envelope failure. Simply stated, if the envelope of the home is compromised the pressures put on the dwelling by high wind can be devastating. Many aspects of construction were strengthened as a result of the damage caused by Andrew. For skylights, as well as windows, doors and many other products, the ability to resist the impact of debris carried by high winds became a priority. The map used by the FBC to define wind speeds (see next page) drives the requirement of approval needed per zone or region. The Wind Borne Debris Zone is defined as areas where the ultimate design wind speed is greater than 140 mph and within one mile of the coastal mean high water mark where the ultimate design wind speed is 130 mph or greater. If the product is to be used in this region, it must be approved for use in the impact zone. The impact zone is divided into the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) and non-HVHZ zones.
When selecting a skylight, the roofer, builder or homeowner needs to find a product that meets the wind load or design pressure requirements for the specific application and has the appropriate Florida Product Approval.
All fenestration products must have a Florida Product Approval (FPA). The Miami Dade County Notice of Acceptance (NOA) is a report evaluated to HVHZ standards in the FBC. All products with NOAs are Florida-approved Products. Dade and Broward counties are designated as HVHZ areas and require approvals be evaluated to the HVHZ sections of the FBC. FPAs may or may not be approved for use in the HVHZ area.
The Wind Borne Debris map shows wind speed regions in the state that help define what type of product approval is needed in each region. In wind borne debris zones an impact-rated product will be required. This is a product that has been tested to the standard protocol of air infiltration, water infiltration, structural load and forced entry. It is also tested to determine if the unit is operable and for impact and cycling. The test is rigorous and simulates the effects of a hurricane on the product.
For building codes, every area of the state falls under a local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for permitting and code enforcement. Each AHJ has their own set of requirements for permitting which could include local ordinances. Because there are hundreds of building departments in the state, it’s important to know the requirement in each jurisdiction in which you are operating. If you have questions about the requirements in your area, call the Building Department or the manufacturer of the product you intend to use. They will be able to help you navigate through the process.
When you use skylights in Florida, always use products that have a Florida Product Approval or a Miami-Dade NOA; they have been tested, inspected, certified and labeled to some of the most rigorous standards in the country.
To find FPAs go to: www.floridabuilding.org and go to Product Approval. To find NOAs go to: www.miamidade.gov/building/pc-search_app.asp
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