What is design pressure (DP) rating?
Design pressure is a measure of wind load resistance expressed in pounds per square foot (psf). It represents the maximum positive and negative air pressure a door or window assembly can withstand. The required DP rating for a project is determined by the building location, height, exposure category, and applicable building code.
What is the HVHZ?
HVHZ stands for High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. It is a Florida Building Code designation that applies to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The HVHZ has the most stringent wind resistance and impact testing requirements in the United States. All products installed in the HVHZ must hold a valid Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from Miami-Dade County.
What is a Notice of Acceptance (NOA)?
A Notice of Acceptance is a product approval document issued by Miami-Dade County for products installed in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). An NOA confirms that the product has been tested and approved for use in the HVHZ per the applicable testing standards (TAS 201, 202, and 203).
What TAS tests are required for HVHZ approval?
HVHZ approval requires passing three TAS tests: TAS 201 (large missile impact), TAS 202 (uniform static air pressure), and TAS 203 (cyclic wind pressure). These tests verify that the door assembly can withstand windborne debris impact and sustained hurricane wind pressures.
Does CDF offer hurricane-rated door assemblies?
Yes. CDF offers hurricane-rated hollow metal door and frame assemblies through its manufacturing partner De La Fontaine. These assemblies hold Florida Product Approvals FL21194 and FL46851. Hurricane-rated assemblies are available for both HVHZ and non-HVHZ applications.
Can a door assembly be both hurricane-rated and fire-rated?
Yes. Fire-rated hurricane assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. When an assembly requires both ratings, all components — door, frame, and hardware — must satisfy both the wind certification and the fire listing requirements.
What is the difference between Florida Product Approval and an NOA?
Florida Product Approval (FPA) is a statewide approval issued by the Florida Building Commission for products used in non-HVHZ areas of Florida. A Notice of Acceptance (NOA) is issued specifically by Miami-Dade County for products used in the HVHZ (Miami-Dade and Broward counties). HVHZ projects require an NOA; non-HVHZ projects require Florida Product Approval.
How do I determine the wind zone for my project?
The wind zone for a project is determined by the building location and the applicable building code. Architects and structural engineers calculate the required design pressure based on ASCE 7 wind speed maps, building height, exposure category, and building occupancy. CDF's sales team can help identify the appropriate hurricane-rated assembly for your project's requirements.
What is the Wind-Borne Debris Region?
The Wind-Borne Debris Region is defined by the Florida Building Code as areas within one mile of the coast where the basic wind speed is 130 mph or greater, plus all of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Products installed in the Wind-Borne Debris Region must be impact-rated or protected by impact-rated shutters or screens.
How do I verify CDF's Florida Product Approvals?
CDF's Florida Product Approvals (FL21194 and FL46851) can be verified on the Florida Building Commission's Product Approval website. Search by the FL number to view the approval details, testing reports, and covered configurations.
