Florida Product Approval, or not
Florida Product Approval, or not
(OP)
I am faced with a situation where non-approved hollow metal frames were used in a building. The frames are of sufficient strength to meet to required wind loads. Can I provide calculations justifying this for the project and be in compliance with the code? When I read the code, it seems that any "window" shall be tested. When I read the law, it sounds like we can hand calc if we need to. Has anyone faced dealt with something like this?






RE: Florida Product Approval, or not
Window manufacturers are beginning to understand that they are the primary problem when they don't have NOA testing done.
Also, be careful with window labeling from the manufacturer. It is not always clear that the windows provided for a project are responsive to the site specific wind loads. Check AAMA 101S and make sure you are getting what you want out of the window manufacturers. The big discrepancy comes when, for example, a site has a design wind pressure of say 45 psf at the window, and the supplier submits a tested window rated heavy commercial 35 psf. Well, the window got tested to 35x1.5, so it has been tested past the design wind load; however, the standard (AAMA) says that the window must be tested to 1.5 x the design wind load, so it should be tested to 45x1.5.....the manufacturers will try to get this squeezed through every time! (Note...usually they do this not because it won't handle the structural loading, but won't handle the water intrusion test which then must be done at the higher pressure!)
Sorry for the diatribe....good luck.
RE: Florida Product Approval, or not
RE: Florida Product Approval, or not
And keep in mind that you cannot put nearly enough load on a window with your hands and feet to adequately test it. For example, you 12sf window at 45 psf would carry a load of 540 lbs....not something you can press on and adequately assess. Another issue you need to check is the amount of gap between the rough opening and the window frame. If you are using nailing fins, it's not a big deal, but if you're using framed windows with no nailing fin, the gap makes a big difference in the fastener design. The fastener is then in bending and shear, thus the capacity goes way, way down!
RE: Florida Product Approval, or not
RE: Florida Product Approval, or not
RE: Florida Product Approval, or not
Perhaps there is a requirement for the glazing that does not apply only to hurricanes, but for most wind/debris concerns where you could get an occasional tornado.
These tests are done in a laboratory on complete window assemblies and on components.