Download 1873_Original - Florida Building Commission

Proposed Modification to the Florida Building Code
Modification #:
Section 553.73, Fla Stat
Name: T. Eric Stafford (on behalf of IBHS)
Address: 2038 Club Road, Birmingham, AL 35244
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 205-987-9034
Fax: 205-985-4375
Code: Florida Building Code, Residential
Section #: R301.2.1.2
Text of Modification [additions underlined; deletions stricken]:
R301.2.1.2 Internal pressure. Windows in buildings located in wind-borne debris regions shall have glazed openings
protected from wind-borne debris or the building shall be designed as a partially enclosed building in accordance with
the Florida Building Code, Building. Glazed opening protection for wind-borne debris shall meet the requirements of the
Large Missile Test of ASTM E 1996 and of ASTM E 1886, SSTD 12, ,or TAS 201, 202 and 203 referenced therein.
(no change to remainder)
Fiscal Impact Statement [Provide documentation of the costs and benefits of the
proposed modifications to the code for each of the following entities. Cost data
should be accompanied by a list of assumptions and supporting documentation.
Explain expected benefits.]:
A.
Impact to local entity relative to enforcement of code:
This proposed code change will have no impact on local code enforcement entities
B.
Impact to building and property owners relative to cost of compliance with
code:
This proposed code change will result in a cost increase to building and property
owners as it will require windows in Wind-borne Debris Regions to be protected
from wind-borne debris by eliminating the partially enclosed design option.
C.
Impact to industry relative to cost of compliance with code:
Negligible impact to industry relative to compliance with this code change as the
costs will be passed on to consumers.
Rationale [Provide an explanation of why you would like this Proposed Modification
to the Florida Building Code.]:
This proposed code change is simple and straightforward. It eliminates the option
for designing buildings as partially enclosed. Storm damage surveys have long
demonstrated the vulnerability of unprotected glazing in high wind events. A high
percentage of all glazing failures of building impacted by hurricanes are due to
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flying debris.
When glazing fails resulting in large openings in the building envelope, wind can
enter the building and exert additional pressures on the roof and walls in addition to
the pressures occurring on the exterior of the building envelope. Currently, the
code allows buildings to be designed for these higher internal pressures which
would require the building to be design as “partially enclosed.” In addition to the
higher pressures, the opening created by the failure of the glazing allows wind and
wind-driven rain to enter the building potentially causing significant damage to the
interior finishes and contents. Designing buildings as partially enclosed without
protecting windows does not provide any protection for the interior of the building.
It is our belief, through talking with many people throughout the state, that most
homeowners do not understand the true implications when their homes are
designed this way. They believe that a building built to the Florida Building Code
will have a high probability of surviving a hurricane. This partially enclosed option
ensures that the building shell (walls, roofs, etc.) will remain intact, but does not
provide any protection for the interior finishes or contents of the building. What
would be considered a success by the building code may be considered a total loss
by the homeowner. Removing this “loophole” will provide the level of safety that
homeowners expect when they purchase a home that is built to the Florida Building
Code.
Please explain how the proposed modification meets the following requirements:
1. Has a reasonable and substantial connection with the health, safety, and
welfare of the general public:
This proposed code change will reduce the potential for damage to homes from the
impact of hurricanes, which will in turn contribute to the protection of life and
property. Therefore the proposed code change will substantially benefit the health,
safety and welfare of the general public.
2.
Strengthens or improves the code, and provides equivalent or better products,
methods, or systems of construction:
This proposal strengthens and improves the code by requiring by requiring windows
in wind-borne debris regions be protected from impact by wind-borne debris.
3.
Does not discriminate against materials, products, methods, or systems of
construction of demonstrated capabilities:
The proposed language is performance based and therefore does not discriminate
against any other material, product, method, or system of construction.
4.
Does not degrade the effectiveness of the code:
This proposal strengthens and improves the code by requiring by requiring windows
in wind-borne debris regions be protected from impact by wind-borne debris.
Official Form 9B-3.047-2004
493748379
Section for DCA Only
Committee Action:
Committee Reason:
Commission Action:
Commission Reason:
Official Form 9B-3.047-2004
493748379