miamidade.gov | Departments | Government
 
space
Building Code Compliance Office
Text Size:
  • Reset
  •   
  • Big
  •   
  • Bigger
  • Home | Product Control | Contractors | Building Officials | About Us | Contact Us | miamidade.gov
    space
    space
    Product Control space
  • Approved Product Search
  • Approval Process
  • Certificates of Competency
  • Product Control Forms
  • Notices
  • space
    Contractors space
  • Contractor Inquiry
  • Contractor License Renewal
  • File Contractor Complaints
  • Licensing
  • Examinations
  • Continuing Education
  • C.T. Qualifying Board
  • space
    Building Officials space
  • Building Officials
  • Announcements
  • Notices
  • Continuing Education
  • Alternative Plan Review & Inspection
  • Code Enforcement Personnel
  • The Unsafe Structures Board
  • Board of Rules and Appeals
  • BORA Certification Sub-Committee
  • more >  
    space
    About Us space
  • Calendar
  • News Releases
  • Our Director
  • Cornerstone Newsletter
  • space
    space space
    Print Print Email this page E-mail Page Contact Webmaster Contact Webmaster Bookmark and Share
    space
    space
    FAQ's Windows

    Is comparative analysis acceptable for windows?

    Yes, provided the largest window manufactured is tested.  All smaller windows having the same system can be approved through comparative analysis and always complying with FBC Sections 2411.3.2.5 and .6. This normally applies to non-impact resistant windows, for impact windows the highest pressures obtained through comparative analysis may not exceed the cycled pressure tested.


    How many times shall a single hung window be impacted when testing for large missile approval?

    Two (2) times as shown below for each required specimen.
    single hung window


    How many times shall a double hung window be impacted when testing for large missile approval?

    Two (2) times as shown below for each required specimen.
    double hung window


    Do I have to test three specimens of each of the following mounting conditions for the same series of windows?

    No, you may test one specimen of each of the above shown configurations to comply with the three specimens required.  Also, keep in mind that the fastening system used to anchor the window for the test is the anchoring system that will be approved for each of the configurations shown.  These anchoring systems must be specified in the set of approved drawings of the window, and verified by the certified laboratory conducting the test.
    window anchoring systems


    If I manufacture a line of windows that have the exact same extrusions but only vary in the thickness of glass and type of glass. What would be the minimum amount of testing I can do in order to qualify all the different glass if I am not qualifying for impact?

    For example, if all your extrusions are the same, and you provide a 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4" annealed glass thickness, the following is what you can do to qualify the window line. First, test three specimens using the thickest glass for air infiltration, 1/2 test load, design load, water at the maximum that the extrusion will take (this should be to the corresponding pressure of the highest design pressure obtained among all the different glass thickness), full test pressure, and forced entry. Second, you may test the specimen of 3/16" glass for structural loads only. Third, you may test the 1/8" glass specimen for structural loads only. Keep in mind that the maximum design pressure obtained from these two last series of tests must fall in range for the corresponding water test performed in the 1/4" glass. The following is the resultant testing.

     

    window anchoring systems

     

    Note that the only thing that can change is the thickness of glass or type of glass.


    When down-sizing a window, industry has been under the assumption that you only use the ASTM E1300 standard to determine which glass type or thickness to use. How is Miami Dade County addressing the glass type/thickness of windows when comparative analysis is used?

    The glass standard ASTM E1300 is the criteria to be used when designing the window and obtaining the minimum glass thickness to be used on a particular glass area.  This standard however, is not the only criteria to be used when downsizing a window to change the glass type or thickness without performing the required tests.

    Using a picture window as a simple example, the following will apply: 
    First, one type of extrusion, and glazing method/system is used to qualify this window; if components of the window system change, (other than the glass type / glass thickness) then the product shall be treated under a separate product approval.

    With respect to the testing for non-impact windows, TAS 201 and TAS 203 do not apply.  Only TAS 202 will be used.  Test three (3) samples of the largest size window with the required glass thickness per the ASTM E1300 standard, to the requirements of TAS 202. 

    Since in this example the unit is a fixed window, these units do not need to undergo the forced entry requirements.  If it were an operable unit, all three units must be tested for forced entry also.  These three samples will qualify this maximum size window with the glass tested.


    When testing a casement window which has three separate locks that are not activated by single action hardware, what is the test sequence in TAS202?

    First, engage all locks and perform the air infiltration test.

     Second, disengage all locks and only engage the center-most (main) lock.  Perform the 75-mph load test and water test as described in TAS202.

     Third, engage the other two locks and perform the remaining procedures in TAS202.  forced entry resistance test (F.E.R.) shall be done with all locks engaged.


    I have performed the air infiltration, ½ test loads, design loads, and water infiltration tests on a glazed product per TAS 202. While conducting the test loads (1.5 x design load) a light on the unit broke. Can I re-glaze the same unit and continue with the testing?

    Yes, you can re-glaze the light on the same specimen and perform the following structural loads: ½ test load, design load, and test load (both positive and negative).  Note, the re-glazing procedure will be allowed as many times as there are lights on the specimen, but in no case shall any light be replaced more than once on a given specimen.


    Where are the impact locations on a horizontal sliding window?

    They are basically the same as the locations on a sliding glass door. See below.

     

    window anchoring systems


    space
    space space
    space
    space
    Home  |  Privacy Statement  |  Disclaimer  |  Using Our Site  |  About Us  |  ADA Notice  |  Phone Directory  |  Contact Us
    © 2010 Miami-Dade County. All rights reserved.
    Miami-Dade County Logo

    You are now leaving the official website of Miami-Dade County government. Please be aware that when you exit this site, you are no longer protected by our privacy or security policies. Miami-Dade County is not responsible for the content provided on linked sites. The provision of links to these external sites does not constitute an endorsement.

    Please click 'OK' to be sent to the new site, or Click 'Cancel' to go back.