Component selection and design pressure requirements for Florida NOA-approved door assemblies
This guide answers: How Hurricane-Rated Assembly Configuration Affects Florida NOA Approval
How Hurricane Assembly Ratings Work
Hurricane-rated door assemblies are tested and approved as complete systems under Florida's Testing Application Standards (TAS). The assembly rating reflects the performance of the entire unit — door, frame, hardware, glazing, and anchorage — tested together under simulated hurricane conditions.
The critical principle is that an assembly's rating equals its lowest-rated component. A door rated for +/- 75 PSF design pressure installed in a frame rated for only +/- 50 PSF results in a +/- 50 PSF assembly. Every component must meet or exceed the required design pressure for the specific opening location.
Design Pressure and Component Selection
Design pressure requirements vary by building location, height above grade, and exposure category. The structural engineer of record specifies the required design pressure for each opening. Door assembly components must then be selected to meet or exceed that specification.
Matching Components to Design Pressure
When configuring a hurricane-rated assembly, start with the required design pressure and select components that are all tested to that level or higher. The door panel, frame profile, hinge gauge, lockset, closer, and anchoring system must all appear in the same Florida Product Approval (NOA) documentation.
FL21194 and FL46851 Requirements
These Florida Product Approvals (NOAs) define specific tested configurations for hurricane-rated commercial door assemblies. Each NOA lists approved door sizes, frame profiles, hardware, glazing options, and anchorage methods. Specifiers must reference the specific NOA that covers their required configuration.
TAS Testing Standards
Florida's Testing Application Standards establish the test protocols for hurricane-rated products:
- TAS 201: Large and small missile impact testing — verifies the assembly can withstand debris impact during a hurricane without breach
- TAS 202: Uniform static air pressure — tests the assembly's resistance to sustained wind pressure in both positive and negative directions
- TAS 203: Cyclic pressure loading — subjects the assembly to thousands of pressure cycles simulating sustained hurricane conditions after impact
An assembly must pass all applicable TAS tests to receive Florida Product Approval. Test reports are filed with the Florida Building Commission and are publicly accessible through the product approval database.
DLF Order Qualification Checklist
Before ordering a hurricane-rated assembly, confirm the following items are documented and verified:
- Required design pressure for the opening (from structural engineer of record)
- Applicable Florida Product Approval number (NOA) that covers the required configuration
- Door size and configuration within the approved NOA limits
- Frame profile and gauge as specified in the NOA
- Hardware (hinges, lockset, closer) all listed in the same NOA
- Anchorage method and fastener specification per the NOA
- Glazing type and size (if applicable) within NOA parameters
Missing any of these items can result in an assembly that does not carry valid product approval for the installation location.
Configure Your Door Assembly
CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors and facility managers to configure complete door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. ProBuilder displays compatible options and provides instant pricing.
For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What determines an assembly's hurricane rating?
A hurricane-rated assembly's overall rating equals the lowest-rated component in the assembly. If a door is rated for a higher design pressure than its frame or hardware, the assembly's rating defaults to the weakest component. Every component must meet or exceed the required design pressure for the opening.
What are FL21194 and FL46851?
These are Florida product approval numbers (NOA numbers) for specific hurricane-rated door assembly configurations. FL21194 and FL46851 designate tested and approved assemblies that meet Miami-Dade County and Florida Building Code requirements for impact-rated openings.
What TAS standards apply to hurricane-rated doors?
TAS 201 covers impact resistance testing (large and small missile), TAS 202 covers uniform static air pressure, and TAS 203 covers cyclic pressure loading. Assemblies must pass all applicable TAS tests to receive Florida product approval for hurricane zones.
Can I mix components from different hurricane-rated assemblies?
No. Hurricane-rated assemblies are tested and approved as complete systems. The door, frame, hardware, and anchorage must all be part of the same tested configuration. Substituting components from a different approved assembly creates an untested combination that does not carry product approval.
Do hurricane-rated assemblies also need to be fire-rated?
In some openings, yes. Where building codes require both hurricane resistance and fire ratings, the assembly must carry both certifications. These dual-rated assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute fire ratings with hurricane impact resistance. Component selection is more restrictive for dual-rated openings.
About CDF Distributors
CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.
