The Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 4D (SB-4D) in May 2022, which creates new requirements for condominiums and buildings three or more stories tall. SB-4D establishes a statewide inspection program that requires associations to conduct milestone structure inspections and perform structural integrity reserve studies to ensure safety in these building types—roofs are included in these requirements. Since SB-4D is a new law and still open to interpretation and commentary through the end of 2023, additional work may be required to comply with changes to the law as new information becomes available.
Windows and doors
Hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors, adhering to the FBC, performed extremely well. Impact-resistant windows are especially effective since they do not need to be put in place in the hectic hours before the storm. Ian’s sudden southward track gave many people little time to prepare.
Conclusion
There has been significant progress in strengthening codes since Hurricane Andrew. According to the Institute for Home and Business Safety, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, new science may emerge and be translated into future code adoptions.7 As evidenced by the success in Babcock Ranch, architects and specifiers along the coasts can see the benefits of Florida’s tough building codes and what is possible when designing beyond the code.
Notes
1 See Florida’s Green Building Coalition’s certifications, www.floridagreenbuilding.org/certification.
2 Learn about the Home Energy Rating System (HERS), www.hersindex.com/hers-index/what-is-the-hers-index/.
3 Update on Ft. Myers after Hurricane Ian, weather.com/storms/hurricane/video/fort-myers-beach-still-recovering-from-ian.
4 Visit www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/hurricane-ians-path-of-destruction.
5 Read more at www.eenews.net/articles/weak-florida-planning-law-boosted-ians-destructive-power.
6 Consult www.census.gov/library/stories/2018/08/coastal-county-population-rises.html.
7 Visit The Insurance Institute for Business
& Home Safety (IBHS) to learn more, ibhs.org/.
Author
Civil engineer, Vinu J. Abraham, is one of the pioneers of the hurricane testing market. He began his 31-year career in a test lab at Texas Tech University, where this type of testing was in its initial stages of development. His expertise as a test engineer landed him as a site manager with Intertek.Today, Abraham is vice-president of products for Intertek’s building and construction business units and oversees more than 25 Intertek locations globally. His expertise helps clients address stringent windborne debris requirements and aid in the development of protective glazing products that safeguard homes, businesses, and communities from the effects of severe windstorms. Abraham holds a degree from Texas Tech in civil engineering, B.Sc. and M.Sc. He has appeared in numerous television and print news media outlets, discussing how properly certified products can help save lives and protect property during severe windstorms.
