Point Five Windows (Point Five Windows)

Point Five Windows

Projects with Special Requirements

	Since Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida in 1994, the South Florida Building Code has been rewritten to establish the strictest performance requirements for unprotected fenestration anywhere in the world. Windows and doors intended to be installed without benefit of an approved shutter system, are required to pass the Large Missile Impact Test and receive certification for installation.
	The certification process set up by Dade County is extremely expensive to obtain for a standing product approval. Point Five has elected not to expend the approximately $100,000.00 required to certify two doors and two windows. Instead, Dade County has established precedent for the site specific certification of fenestration with equally stringent, but reduced sample of testing and Point Five Windows has the expertise, alliances and experience to guide you through this process.
	This is less costly overall, and given the problem of reconciling an existing, approved design under the Rational Analysis doctrine, custom designed, luxury residences may require great compromise in design or desired features to comply with the Dade County BCCO Product Control requirements.
	Point Five Windows has established relationships with engineers and consultants knowledgeable with the BCCO requirements and can assist you through the pitfalls of design, certification, manufacture and installation. Please note...any certification, whether side specific or blanket approval, will take six months, realistically, and there is the additional issue of mulling systems. So, if you are planning a project where either the insurance company or the local jurisdiction requires a Dade County Product Control Approval, or at least certification to these protocols, call us and we will assist any way we can.
	The large missile impact test requirement mentioned above requires special laminated glazing such as the HRG II glazing system from Viracon. These systems utilize special laminated glazing with Duping PVB interlayers to provide protection against penetration by airborne missiles and blowout of broken glass by cyclic wind loads. SBCCI standard FSTD 1294, which is very similar to the Dade County Standard, has been adopted in Palm Beach County, and is under consideration for adoption in many coastal areas governed by the SBCCI code. Familiarization with standards and expert assistance in meeting them will save you and your clients time and cost.
	Site specific requirements may not allow the use of a blanket approved product if the site location requires design pressures higher than those the blanket has been issued for. Accordingly, if your site has lower-design pressure requirements, you should not have to pay for meeting the higher requirements some blanket approvals have been issued for. Architects and engineers who need additional information should contact Mr. George Dotzler of Construction Testing Corporation (305) 685-6657 or the Dade County Building Code Compliance website.

Point Five Windows - Projects with Special Requirements