DOORS REDUX, HURRICANE RESISTANCE

Hi All,

In another Comment Stream, A Nony Mouse and Plcruise said:

Anonymous said...

Having been informed that Jalousie doors, did not meet "Miami-Dade"codes, adopted by Palm Beach County as well...how was this new purchase possible? Thanks for responding..

Bettie L

Apr 26, 2008 10:06:00 AM

Plcruise said...

Re: the previous comment. I too am interested if these type doors are still allowed by PBC code. I love my jalousie door, but I am not sure how safe it is in a hurricane.

Apr 26, 2008 10:50:00 AM

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Ok,
What we are getting to here is “Impact Resistance” and “Wind Pressure Cycles”. The answer is simple; if the Installer is reputable, and followed the code you are safe, if not, then you are at risk of breakage under the right conditions. In short, it is not about the door, it is about the glass or what protection is applied to the glass.

Ask the Contractor what standard the glass meets; because if there is no Permit and Inspection, this item might not come up.

There are two key tests; the Large Missile test and the Small Missile test.

The Large Missile test involves firing a 9 pound 2 x 4 into the glass at 50 FPS

the Small Missile test involves 2 Grams of Steel Shot at 130 FPS.

There are also issues of how high your Door or Window is above grade.

Both Tests require many Wind Pressure Cycles to pass the test. Please read the following Reference carefully, and check your glass for the standard marking:

http://www.pbcgov.com/PZB/building/bcab/docs/windowfilm011306.pdf

Dave