ENGINEERING BLOG

Blog

January 20, 2021

Glazing Consulting of Calculation Packages

Structural glazing is the use of glass as a main component to the building’s walls (or roofs). It is what comes to mind when thinking of a […]
November 10, 2020
Retrofit Existing Systems

Retrofit Existing Systems of Commercial Buildings

Retrofitting a commercial building is often a more economical option than designing and constructing a new building. The modifications from retrofitting brings the older building up […]
August 27, 2020

Consulting 101: We Communicate with Your Architects & Developers Every Step of the Way

When constructing a building, the professions of architects and engineers are integral to the design of the structure. Although they may overlap, the responsibilities of each […]
January 17, 2017
Curtain Walls

What are Curtain Walls?

The exterior of a building is important for the structural integrity of the building, while protecting the building’s interior. Curtain walls is one of the ways […]
December 23, 2016
Window Condensation

Window Condensation: What causes it and how to stop it

Window condensation is a common problem that you may have noticed affecting your doors and windows. But the cause of this condensation can be varied, and […]
September 27, 2016
Window Condensation

Why Waterproofing is Essential in South Florida

In South Florida, water is the most persistent and damaging of these elements, which makes waterproofing essential. For years, construction in South Florida has improved and […]
August 23, 2016
Property Damage Evaluation

Essential Types of Property Damage Evaluation

South Florida is a very attractive place to live for people all over the country, and even the world. There are a plethora of reasons why […]
August 10, 2016
Reduce construction Risks

Reduce Construction Risks that will Hinder Your Profitable Project

Building construction can be a profitable enterprise as long as you manage to keep your construction problems to a minimum. These risks can range from minor to […]

The South-East is right in the middle of hurricane season, making it the perfect time to discuss these dangerous storms and their effects on South Florida buildings. Thankfully, the building codes have vastly improved since Hurricane Andrew, a category 5, blasted ashore in August 1992, damaging 25,524 homes and killing 65 people. 

What is a hurricane?

A storm becomes a hurricane when its maximum sustained winds reach 74 miles per hour. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale gives a hurricane a category of 1 to 5 based on the hurricane’s potential for property damage. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, although hurricanes can, and have, occurred outside of this time frame. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center predicts and tracks these massive storm systems which occur 12 times a year on average in the Atlantic basin.

 

Building codes for hurricanes

The Florida Building Code is a set of codes and regulations that dictate how a home or commercial building must be constructed to mitigate damage from hurricanes and other natural disasters. Having buildings up to code reduces costly damage and saves lives.  

Florida has some of the strongest building codes in the nation, if not the world, to protect against damage from hurricanes. When the Florida Building Code Study Commission looked at the building codes after Hurricane Andrew in 1996, it found the codes were a “patchwork system of codes and regulations, developed, amended, administered and enforced differently by more than 400 local jurisdictions and state agencies with building code responsibilities,” according to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. That led to changes that gave us the more restrictive codes we have today. 

The Florida Building Code exists primarily to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public but it also serves to protect property investments and save insurers, the state and local governments money in mitigation costs linked to natural disasters. 

Is your project up to code?

Whether you are starting a project or renovating an existing structure, the glazing and cladding experts at Façade + Envelope provide inspections, field testing, engineering consultation to ensure your project is in compliance with the Florida Building Code.

August 25, 2021
satellite view of two hurricanes

Hurricanes and the Florida Building Code

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- Building envelope engineering firm Façade+Envelope announces the promotion of Cristina Moreno and John Delgado to vice presidents.The new positions are the result of expansion in the Façade+Envelope offices.
July 28, 2021
Facade + Envelope New VPs Christina & John

Façade+Envelope Announces New Vice Presidents

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- Building envelope engineering firm Façade+Envelope announces the promotion of Cristina Moreno and John Delgado to vice presidents.The new positions are the result of expansion in the Façade+Envelope offices.
June 9, 2021

Trends in Commercial Real Estate

We are often asked to advise on commercial real estate, including residential high-rise buildings, banks, hospitals, hotels, retail stores, office buildings and shopping centers.
May 12, 2021
Facade and envelope employee water testing building envelope

Improper waterproofing can cause building envelope failure

Even a small amount of moisture that penetrates a building envelope during construction or occupancy can cause extensive damage. Water penetration usually is a result of […]