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FORECAST 2015 / STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION 17 5. Safety Factor. The safety factor (1.5) for testing of impact resistant covers is retained in the FBC Fifth Edition. 6. Energy. Possibly the greatest impact to the industry is in the changes to the code regarding fenestration. Changes to the Florida Building Code-Energy Conservation are of particular interest to those involved with impact resistant windows or window replacement. The current and former codes provided that renovations involving the building envelope were not required to comply with the current energy code where such work was valued at less than 30 percent of the assessed value of the structure. Generally, this was applied to replacement windows. While the FBC-EC 5th Edition still contains a 30 percent exemption, windows have been addressed specifically and all replacement windows will be required to meet the energy requirements of the code as for new construction. While there is no doubt these provisions apply to residential construction, there is some question as to whether they apply to replacement fenestration in commercial structures including residential structures greater than three stories in height. For commercial structures the code permits the use of ASHRAE 90.1 as a method of compliance. Reportedly, ASHRAE 90.1 is less stringent in the treatment of replacement windows. However, a Florida specific amendment specifically requires replacement fenestration to meet the minimum efficiencies allowed by the code. [FBC-EC, 5th Edition (2014) §C401.4.7] Further, there are provisions within the code that stipulate where there are differences or conflicts between the code and referenced standards, the provisions of the code will take precedence. (FBC-EC, 5th Edition (2014) §C106.1, §C106.2) Undoubtedly, the resolution of this question will be decided by the Florida Building Commission via the Declaratory Statement process once the new edition is implemented. In summary, the industry was able to retain the Florida-specific amendments in the new edition of the code. Perhaps the greatest impact of the code on the industry will be in the area of fenestration and the requirements of the energy code. Joe Belcher is owner and president of JDB Code Services Inc., and is code consultant for the International Hurricane Protection Association (IHPA). ® Did you know we also offer Impact Windows? ● Simonton ® Windows ● AmCra ® ● PGT ® ● Custom ® Windows & Doors ● CGI ® Impact Resistant Windows & Doors 400 West McNab Road ● Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 For more information, visit our website or contact your local branch. www.tc-alum.com STORM SECURITY P R O T E C T I O N & NEXT ISSUE: 2015 PEOPLE IN THE KNOW INDUSTRY LEADERS IN STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION Storm & Security Protection MAGAZINE • Advertising Rates • Editorial Schedules • Digital Edition Information Kerri Caldwell Publisher / National Sales (773) 775-9293 Publisher / National Sales kcaldwell@kasnicmedia.com stormsecuritymag.com