Understanding Hurricane Product Approvals - Window Anchors.
Understanding Hurricane Product Approvals - Window Anchors. Your windows and doors may have a Miami Dade NOA (or FPA) to be rated for hurricanes but if they are not installed according to the product approval they may blow right out of the opening. I have seen this after many storms, sometimes fully intact windows laying on the floor inside.
Depending on the required wind pressures specified by the structural engineer for your project, the number of anchors may vary.
Shim spacing, edge distance, embedment, type of anchors, and spacing are all critical factors in securing the window properly.
Clusters of 3-4 Tapcons into 3,000 psi concrete with not more than 1/4" to 3/8" shim thickness with 1-1/2" minimum embedment and 2" edge distance is very typical.
If 1x bucks are used they must be anchored structurally to the opening 6" from ends and 16" on center in a staggered pattern (or as specified by your engineer). The window anchors then need to penetrate the masonry to the specified embedment depth.
Everything is about transferring the hurricane force wind pressure stresses from the windows and doors to the structure and that structure needs to be designed to meet that load.
I help architects, builders, and owners select, specify, and detail luxury residential hurricane glazing systems without manufacturer or dealer biases. I also give classes in all aspects of hurricane windows and doors on glass aesthetics and energy performance, manufacturer product overviews, detailed installation planning and best practices, and understanding hurricane product approvals.
#construction #architecture #design #luxurymiamirealestate #caribbeanrealestate #miamirealestate #luxurydesign #luxuryarchitecture #windowsanddoors #architecturedesign #coastalhomes #builders #beachhomes #coastalliving #designers #luxuryhomes #architectureanddesign #contemporarydesign #architecturelovers
