Rules Regarding Window Installation in Monroe and Dade Co. Florida

[sdave]

I thought I understood rules regarding impact resistant windows and shutter/covering alternatives for Monroe and Dade county construction, but now think I may be wrong. Are the use of shutter and plywood coverings as an alternative to impact resistant windows now NOT allowed by Dade protocol in these counties? Where you are allowed to use coverings for large missile impacts, do windows still need to meet the pressure requirements calculated for location, building geometry, etc.?

 

[Ron]

In general, shutters/covers are used for retrofit unless approved by the building official. Check with Miami-Dade on whether they will allow plywood covering, but I doubt it.

Yes, the windows must still meet the pressure requirements.

 

[structuresguy]

The Florida Building Code allows impact resistant coverings over glazing. There is no restriction to their use, that I can see, other than limiting plywood to 1- and 2-story buildings. Hurricane shutters can be used over any window/door, so long as they are properly tested according to Section 1609.1.2. This includes Miami-Dade county. In Miami-Dade county, the shutters need to be tested in accordance with Section 1626 of the Code.

The requirements of Miami-Dade County (high velocity hurricane zone) do not apply to Monroe county by Code. It is possible that Monroe county has adopted some of these requirements by local ammendment. You should check with the county building department to verify.

I do not see any reason why new construction would not be allowed to use shutters, so long as they are specified by the design team, and installed by the contractor prior to CO.