Some thoughts on doors.
Sorry if this runs on, but this is non-trivial research and there is lots of stuff to plow thru:
I) On the issue of “Exclusive territories” wherein only a certain Contractor can operate.
This is absurd. If any Contractor says to you that only they or another contractor may install a door in CV, This is collusion in restraint of trade and should be reported to the Florida Attorney General.
REF: http://myfloridalegal.com/
Specifically Consumer Protection
REF: http://myfloridalegal.com/consumer
II) Now for the matter of Louvered/Jalousie doors,
I have looked at the Florida Building Codes and The Fire Codes at first scan there appears to be no prohibition against Louvered/Jalousie windows or doors.
But the fire code search is totally inadequate as noted below:
REF: http://myfloridalegal.com/
Specifically Consumer Protection
REF: http://myfloridalegal.com/consumer
II) Now for the matter of Louvered/Jalousie doors,
I have looked at the Florida Building Codes and The Fire Codes at first scan there appears to be no prohibition against Louvered/Jalousie windows or doors.
But the fire code search is totally inadequate as noted below:
This is the State Code and it is essentially unsearchable, because they want you to buy it; 4 point type and no Find, Search, Print, or Copy allowed; just plain criminal.
REF: http://www.fldfs.com/sfm/bfpr/localamend/PalmBeach_county_2006-0206.pdf
The PBC local amendments make no mention of Louvered/Jalousie doors
Next I looked at the Building Codes:
The results follow.
Florida Building Code
http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/2004_florida_codes/
Primary Level Ref:
http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/Florida2007FinalDraft/residential/Residential07_Frameset.htm
R308.2 Louvered windows or jalousies. Regular, float, wired
or patterned glass in jalousies and louvered windows shall be
no thinner than nominal 3/16 inch (5 mm) and no longer than 48
inches (1219 mm). Exposed glass edges shall be smooth.
R308.2.1 Wired glass prohibited. Wired glass with wire
exposed on longitudinal edges shall not be used in jalousies
or louvered windows.
R308.3 Human impact loads. Individual glazed areas, including
glass mirrors in hazardous locations such as those indicated
as defined in Section R308.4, shall pass the test requirements of
CPSC 16 CFR, Part 1201. Glazing shall comply with CPSC 16
CFR, Part 1201 criteria for Category I or Category II as indicated
in Table R308.3.
Exception: Louvered windows and jalousies shall comply
with Section R308.2.
Top Level Ref:
REF: http://www.fldfs.com/sfm/bfpr/localamend/PalmBeach_county_2006-0206.pdf
The PBC local amendments make no mention of Louvered/Jalousie doors
Next I looked at the Building Codes:
The results follow.
Florida Building Code
http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/2004_florida_codes/
Primary Level Ref:
http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/Florida2007FinalDraft/residential/Residential07_Frameset.htm
R308.2 Louvered windows or jalousies. Regular, float, wired
or patterned glass in jalousies and louvered windows shall be
no thinner than nominal 3/16 inch (5 mm) and no longer than 48
inches (1219 mm). Exposed glass edges shall be smooth.
R308.2.1 Wired glass prohibited. Wired glass with wire
exposed on longitudinal edges shall not be used in jalousies
or louvered windows.
R308.3 Human impact loads. Individual glazed areas, including
glass mirrors in hazardous locations such as those indicated
as defined in Section R308.4, shall pass the test requirements of
CPSC 16 CFR, Part 1201. Glazing shall comply with CPSC 16
CFR, Part 1201 criteria for Category I or Category II as indicated
in Table R308.3.
Exception: Louvered windows and jalousies shall comply
with Section R308.2.
Top Level Ref:
http://ecodes.iccsafe.org/icce/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=icc:florida_residential
Second Level Ref:
http://ecodes.iccsafe.org/icce/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=icc:florida_residential
SECTION R308 GLAZING
R308.1 Identification.
Each pane shall bear the manufacturer’s label designating the type and thickness of glass or glazing material. Except as indicated in Section R308.1.1 , each pane of glazing installed in hazardous locations as defined in Section R308.4 shall be provided with a manufacturer’s or installer’s label, designating the type and thickness of glass and the safety glazing standard with which it complies, which is visible in the final installation. The safety glazing label shall be acid etched, sandblasted, ceramic-fired, embossed mark, or shall be of a type which once applied cannot be removed without being destroyed.
Exceptions:
1. For other than tempered glass, labels may be omitted provided the building official approves the use of a certificate, affidavit or other evidence furnished by the glazing contractor certifying that each light is glazed in accordance with approved construction documents that comply with the provisions of this chapter confirming compliance with this code.
2. Tempered spandrel glass may be identified by the manufacturer with a removable paper label.
R308.1.1 Identification of multipane assemblies.
Multi-pane assemblies having individual panes not exceeding 1 square foot (0.09 m 2 ) in exposed area shall have at least one pane in the assembly identified in accordance with Section R308.1 . All other panes in the assembly shall be labeled “16 CFR 1201.”
Louvered R308.2 Louvered windows or jalousies.
Regular, float, wired or patterned glass in jalousies and louvered windows shall be no thinner than nominal 3 / 16 inch (4.76 mm) and no longer than 48 inches (1219 mm). Exposed glass edges shall be smooth.
R308.2.1 Wired glass prohibited.
Wired glass with wire exposed on longitudinal edges shall not be used in jalousies or louvered windows.
R308.3 Human impact loads.
Individual glazed areas including glass mirrors in hazardous locations such as those indicated as defined in Section R308.4 shall pass the test requirements of CPSC 16 CFR, Part 1201. Glazing shall comply with the CPSC 16 CFR, Part 1201 criteria for Category I or Category II as indicated in Table R308.3 .
Exceptions:
1. Polished wired glass for use in fire doors and other fire resistant locations shall comply with ANSI Z97.1.
2. Louvered windows and jalousies shall comply with Section R308.2 .
TABLE R308.3 MINIMUM CATEGORY CLASSIFICATION OF GLAZING
EXPOSED SURFACE AREA OF ONE SIDE OF ONE LITE
GLAZING IN STORM OR COMBINATION DOORS (Category Class)
GLAZING IN DOORS (Category Class)
GLAZED PANELS REGULATED BY ITEM 7 OF SECTION R308.4 (Category Class)
GLAZED PANELS REGULATED BY ITEM 6 OF SECTION R308.4 (Category Class)
GLAZING IN DOORS AND ENCLOSURES REGULATED BY ITEM 5 OF SECTION R308.4 (Category Class)
SLIDING GLASS DOORS PATIO TYPE (Category Class)
9 sq. ft. or less II
More than 9 sq. ft II
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2 .
a NR means “No Requirement.”
R308.4 Hazardous locations.
The following shall be considered specific hazardous locations for the purposes of glazing:
1. Glazing in swinging doors except jalousies.
2. Glazing in fixed and sliding panels of sliding door assemblies and panels in sliding and bifold closet door assemblies.
3. Glazing in storm doors.
4. Glazing in all unframed swinging doors.
5. Glazing in doors and enclosures for hot tubs, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs and showers. Glazing in any part of a building wall enclosing these compartments where the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) measured vertically above any standing or walking surface.
6. Glazing, in an individual fixed or operable panel adjacent to a door where the nearest vertical edge is within a 24-inch (610 mm) arc of the door in a closed position and whose bottom edge is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above the floor or walking surface.
7. Glazing in an individual fixed or operable panel, other than those locations described in Items 5 and 6 above, that meets all of the following conditions:
7.1. Exposed area of an individual pane greater than 9 square feet (0.836 m 2 ).
7.2. Bottom edge less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor.
7.3. Top edge greater than 36 inches (914 mm) above the floor.
7.4. One or more walking surfaces within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally of the glazing.
8. All glazing in railings regardless of an area or height above a walking surface. Included are structural baluster panels and nonstructural in-fill panels.
9. Glazing in walls and fences enclosing indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs and spas where the bottom edge of the glazing is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above a walking surface and within 60 inches (1524 mm) horizontally of the water’s edge. This shall apply to single glazing and all panes in multiple glazing.
10. Glazing adjacent to stairways, landings and ramps within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally of a walking surface when the exposed surface of the glass is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above the plane of the adjacent walking surface.
11. Glazing adjacent to stairways within 60 inches (1524 mm) horizontally of the bottom tread of a stairway in any direction when the exposed surface of the glass is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above the nose of the tread.
Exception: The following products, materials and uses are exempt from the above hazardous locations:
1. Openings in doors through which a 3-inch (76 mm) sphere is unable to pass.
2. Decorative glass in Items 1, 6 or 7.
3. Glazing in Section R308.4 , Item 6, when there is an intervening wall or other permanent barrier between the door and the glazing.
4. Glazing in Section R308.4 , Item 6, in walls perpendicular to the plane of the door in a closed position or where access through the door is to a closet or storage area 3 feet (914 mm) or less in depth. Glazing in these applications shall comply with Section R308.4 , Item 7.
5. Glazing in Section R308.4 , Items 7 and 10, when a protective bar is installed on the accessible side(s) of the glazing 36 inches ± 2 inches (914 ± mm 51 mm) above the floor. The bar shall be capable of withstanding a horizontal load of 50 pounds per linear foot (74.5 kg/m) without contacting the glass and be a minimum of 1½ inches (38 mm) in height.
6. Outboard panes in insulating glass units and other multiple glazed panels in Section R308.4 , Item 7, when the bottom edge of the glass is 25 feet (7620 mm) or more above grade, a roof, walking surface, or other horizontal [within 45 degrees (0.79 rad) of horizontal] surface adjacent to the glass exterior.
8. Mirrors and other glass panels mounted or hung on a surface that provides a continuous backing support.
9. Safety glazing in Section R308.4 , Items 10 and 11 is not required where:
9.1. The side of a stairway, landing or ramp has a guardrail or handrail, including balusters or in-fill panels, complying with the provisions of Sections 1012 and 1607.7 of the Florida Building Code, Building; and
9.2. The plane of the glass is greater than 18 inches (457 mm) from the railing.
III) Escape Route
The Florida Building Code requires an Escape Route as noted below; this could be a real issue as regards installation of Louvers/Jalousies on a Patio:
1025.1 General.
In addition to the means of egress required by this chapter, provisions shall be made for emergency escape and rescue in Group R as applicable in Section 101.2 and Group I-1 occupancies.
Basements and sleeping rooms below the fourth story above grade plane shall have at least one exterior emergency escape and rescue opening in accordance with this section.
Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, emergency egress and rescue openings shall be required in each sleeping room, but shall not be required in adjoining areas of the basement.
Such opening shall open directly into a public street, public alley, yard or court. The emergency escape and rescue opening shall be permitted to open into a screen enclosure, open to the atmosphere, where a screen door is provided leading away from the residence.
Such opening shall be operational from the inside without the use of special knowledge, keys or tools.
Exceptions:
1. In other than Group R-3 occupancies as applicable in Section 101.2 , buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 .
2. In other than Group R-3 occupancies as applicable in Section 101.2 , sleeping rooms provided with a door to a fire-resistance-rated corridor having access to two remote exits in opposite directions.
3. The emergency escape and rescue opening is permitted to open onto a balcony within an atrium in accordance with the requirements of Section 404 , provided the balcony provides access to an exit and the dwelling unit or sleeping unit has a means of egress that is not open to the atrium.
4. Basements with a ceiling height of less than 80 inches (2032 mm) shall not be required to have emergency escape and rescue windows.
5. High-rise buildings in accordance with Section 403 .
6. Emergency escape and rescue openings are not required from basements or sleeping rooms which have an exit door or exit access door that opens directly into a public street, public alley, yard, egress court or to an exterior exit balcony that opens to a public street, public alley, yard or egress court.
7. Basements without habitable spaces and having no more than 200 square feet (18.6 square meters) in floor area shall not be required to have emergency escape windows.
8. Security and hurricane devices installed in accordance with Section 1008.1.3.6 .
1025.2 Minimum size.
Emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.53 m 2 ).
Exception: The minimum net clear opening for emergency escape and rescue grade-floor openings shall be 5 square feet (0.46 m 2 ).
1025.2.1 Minimum dimensions.
The minimum net clear opening height dimension shall be 24 inches (610 mm). The minimum net clear opening width dimension shall be 20 inches (508 mm). The net clear opening dimensions shall be the result of normal operation of the opening.
1025.3 Maximum height from floor.
Emergency escape and rescue openings shall have the bottom of the clear opening not greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) measured from the floor.
1025.4 Operational constraints.
Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with Section 1025.2 and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening. See Section 1008.1.3.6 for provisions related to hurricane protection devices. Where such bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are installed in existing buildings, smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.2.10 regardless of the valuation of the alteration.
1025.4.1
Every room or space greater than 250 square feet (23.2 m 2 ) in educational occupancies used for classroom or other educational purposes or normally subject to student occupancy and every room or space normally subject to client occupancy, other than bathrooms, in Group D occupancies shall have not less than one outside window for emergency rescue that complies with the following:
1. Such windows shall be openable from the inside without the use of tools and shall provide a clear opening of not less than 20 inches (508 mm) in width, 24 inches (610 mm) in height, and 5.7 square feet (0.53 m 2 ) in area.
2. The bottom of the opening shall be not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor, and any latching device shall be capable of being operated from not more than 54 inches (1372 mm) above the finished floor.
1025.5 Window wells.
An emergency escape and rescue opening with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground level shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Sections 1025.5.1 and 1025.5.2 .
1025.5.1 Minimum size.
The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet (0.84 m 2 ), with a minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm). The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened.
1025.5.2 Ladders or steps.
Window wells with a vertical depth of more than 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be equipped with an approved permanently affixed ladder or steps. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches (305 mm), shall project at least 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on center (o.c.) vertically for the full height of the window well. The ladder or steps shall not encroach into the required dimensions of the window well by more than 6 inches (152 mm). The ladder or steps shall not be obstructed by the emergency escape and rescue opening. Ladders or steps required by this section are exempt from the stairway requirements of Section 1009 .
and so on Ad-Infinitum
Dave
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