Local Rules & Regulations

The Florida Building Code that went into effect on March 1, 2002, means stricter requirements for homeowners and builders. Builders in coastal counties will be required to strengthen houses to withstand winds of 110 to 150 miles per hour depending on location. This translates to the requirement of approved impact-resistant windows and doors such as Loewen StormForce™ Series Windows and Doors offered by Engler Window and Door, Inc..

Significant Changes to Florida Building Codes Include: Click for a larger picture

  • Wind-borne debris protection shall be required seaward of the 120 mph wind line (see ASCE 7-98 wind map).


  • Wind-borne debris protection will be required for all areas one mile inland within 110-mile wind line (Except Panhandle exclusion zone — one mile inland regardless of wind speed).


  • Miami-Dade County will adopt 146 mph countywide (Exposure "C").
    Monroe County (Florida Keys) will remain 150 mph.


  • All coastal areas will revert from Exposure "D" to Exposure "C".


  • Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will only accept Miami-Dade approvals.

  • The rest of the state will accept either Miami-Dade approval or ASTM E1886 and E1996 or SSTD-12.


  • Mull bars will require anchorage to the substrate.


  • All building plans require the architect or engineer of record to specify design pressures for all openings
  • .

  • Manufacturers shall be required to provide installation and attachment requirements.
    AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97 has been included as testing requirements for windows and doors.
    Manufacturers will be required to provide test reports or engineering calculations for mull bars.

ENHANCED DESIGN PRESSURE PERFORMANCE

Your home is a haven, designed to keep you safe and protected. StormForceTM DP withstands high winds and driving rain while delivering uncompromising beauty, style and function.

The StormForceTM DP Series from Loewen takes the performance of our standard product line a step further, offering you windows and doors that have been structurally enhanced for coastal environments and lakefront applications. These windows and doors meet – and exceed – the requirements outlined by the International Residential Code for safer coastal living and are proven to protect.

STORM PROTECTION FOR THE LUXURY HOME

Loewen offers 3 superior glazing options designed to withstand mother natures harshest elements. Engineered with resilient, beautiful standard Douglas Fir, this Series offers an aesthetic that will work to enhance your projects design.
Series DP provides design pressure ratings that meet - and exceed - International Residential Code requirements. Series IP delivers impact resistance, and superior thermal performance in an insulated glazing configuration, and Series MP is the maximum impact protection; a monolithic, laminated glass product tested and certified to withstand - "Category 5" hurricane forces.
StormForce Series offers windows and doors that incorporate intelligent design; unseen structural upgrades (no unsightly brackets/ locks), traditional styling (standard Douglas fir interior with the choice of extruded aluminum cladding, primed wood, or clear fir exterior), superb energy efficiency performance, and maximum coastal protection against mother natures harshest elements - Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, High Winds, Driving Rain, etc.

Series DP - Enhanced Design Pressure Performance
Delivers superb design pressure ratings (DP +50) that meet - and exceed - International Residential Code requirements.

Series IP - Impact Resistant Insulated Glazing
Delivers hurricane impact resistance, and superior thermal performance in an insulated glazing configuration.

Series MP - Maximum Protection From Hurricane Forces
Delivers maximum impact protection; a monolithic, laminated glass product tested and certified to withstand - "Category 5" hurricane forces.


HIGHLIGHTS

• Unseen structural upgrades- no unsightly brackets and/ or locks commonly seen on competitors coastal products
• Traditional styling - standard Douglas fir wood interior standard with the choice of extruded aluminum cladding, primed wood, or clear fir exterior*
• Optimal thermal performance - Heat Smart (Low E) insulated glazing*, double strength, laminated, and reflective glazing options which provide comfort, shading, and peace of mind
• Maximum coastal protection - purposely designed against mother natures harshest elements - Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, High Winds, Driving Rain, etc.
*Available on DP & IP Series Only.


DADE COUNTY CERTIFICATION

Keep your peace of mind during hurricane season. Engler Window and Door, Inc. will assist you in protecting your home by ensuring that you order the safest windows and doors offered by Loewen's guaranteed product performance.

This Loewen French Terrace door has been struck multiple times by a 2x4 at 50 ft/ second. Like auto glass, it remains intact despite the tremendous force.