Hurricane Retrofit During Roof Recovering in Florida

[flgulfcoasteng]

I am currently preparing plans for a small renovation and water intrusion repairs to a residential structure (wood frame) that will include roof tile replacement. In the process of reviewing hurricane retrofit requirements during roof replacements I have ended up with more questions than answers. Specifically, I am trying to determine if it is still required to investigate and add roof truss uplift strapping.

Previously, under Florida rule 9B-3.0475, I would require through my plans the investigation and addition of uplift straps (truss to wall), beginning within 6’ of the roof corners, for a scope limited to 15% of the roof replacement cost.

Now to my confusion. I realized today that rule 9B-3.0475 was repealed (contained the prescriptive retrofit requirements during reroofing). Presumably this is because the requirements were incorporated into the revised 2007 Florida Building Code, Existing Building volume, 2nd set of 2009 amendments (which don’t go into effect until Oct 1st). The revisions, however, are only to the work compliance method (Ch 4 to 12). If I use the new Ch 3, prescriptive compliance method, for repairs, alterations, and additions, it does not appear to require any hurricane retrofits unless load paths change. This might sound nice to the contractor, but I am suspicious. Florida statutes 553.844 requires the building commission to incorporate the retrofit requirements into the code, and I wonder if this is an omission or loophole? More than likely I have erred in my interpretation. Any thoughts or comments?

 

[flgulfcoasteng]

In researching this issue further I can add the following:

1.I called the Florida Building Commission. Their prompt and helpful verbal response was that they intented the retrofit rules to apply to all reroofing. It may be an inadvertant loophole, although statute 553.844 interpretations probably still require retrofitting even if the code loop hole may not.

2. I am am going to add the reroofing requirements of the "Work Area Compliance Method" to my plans prepared using the "Prescriptive Compliance Method". I beleive this most nearly meets the intent.