Understanding hurricane-rated door assemblies, wind zone classifications, and Florida Building Code certification requirements.
This guide answers: How Hurricane Ratings Differ Between HVHZ and Standard Wind Zones
Understanding Design Pressure Ratings
Design pressure (DP) is the measure of wind load resistance for door and window assemblies. It is expressed in pounds per square foot (psf) and represents the maximum positive and negative air pressure a product can withstand. Design pressure ratings are established through laboratory testing conducted by accredited testing agencies.
Higher design pressure ratings indicate greater wind load resistance. The required DP rating for a specific project depends on the building location, height, exposure category, and the applicable building code. Architects and engineers specify the required DP rating based on these factors.
HVHZ vs. Non-HVHZ Wind Zones
High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)
The High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) is a designation within the Florida Building Code that applies to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. HVHZ areas have the most stringent wind resistance requirements in the United States. Products installed in the HVHZ must hold a valid Notice of Acceptance (NOA) issued by Miami-Dade County.
Non-HVHZ Wind Zones
Areas outside the HVHZ but still within hurricane-prone regions are classified as non-HVHZ wind zones. These areas follow the Florida Building Code or the International Building Code (IBC) for wind resistance requirements. Products in non-HVHZ areas must be tested and approved per the applicable code but do not require an NOA from Miami-Dade County.
Key Differences
- HVHZ requires a Miami-Dade NOA; non-HVHZ requires Florida Product Approval or code-compliant test reports.
- HVHZ testing includes large and small missile impact testing (TAS 201 and TAS 202).
- HVHZ products must pass cyclic pressure testing per TAS 203.
- Non-HVHZ wind-rated products are typically tested per ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996.
Florida Building Code Requirements
The Florida Building Code (FBC) requires all products used in the Wind-Borne Debris Region to be impact-rated or protected by impact-rated shutters or screens. The Wind-Borne Debris Region includes all areas within one mile of the coast where the basic wind speed is 130 mph or greater, and all of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
TAS Testing Standards
- TAS 201 — Large Missile Impact Test: A 2x4 lumber projectile is fired at the assembly at a specified velocity to simulate windborne debris impact.
- TAS 202 — Uniform Static Air Pressure Test: The assembly is subjected to positive and negative static air pressures to verify structural performance.
- TAS 203 — Cyclic Wind Pressure Test: The assembly undergoes thousands of pressure cycles simulating sustained hurricane wind conditions.
CDF Hurricane-Rated Certifications
CDF offers hurricane-rated hollow metal door and frame assemblies. These assemblies carry Florida Product Approvals. Please contact CDF with your questions regarding hurricane ratings and Florida Product Approvals.
These approvals are issued through the Florida Building Commission's product approval system. Contractors and specifiers can verify approval status on the Florida Building Commission's Product Approval.
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 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.
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.
