Technical Requirements Summary HURRICANE

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FORTIFIED is a program of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

Technical

Requirements

Summary

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FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL: Hurricane™

Technical Requirements

FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL: Hurricane

TM

INTRODUCTION

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety’s (IBHS) FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL program addresses specific natural hazard risks, and provides recommendations for reducing damage particular to that risk. FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL: Hurricane™ Technical Requirements help owners improve their COMMERCIAL structure’s ability to resist damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. Incorporating FORTIFIED features when building or retrofitting will transform a COMMERCIAL building into a more resilient and durable asset. FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL employs an incremental approach toward making new and existing COMMERCIAL buildings more resistant to damage from severe weather. With three levels of FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL designation available – Bronze, Silver and Gold – builders can work with owners to choose a desired level of protection that best suits their budgets and resilience goals.

For more detailed information about how to make your COMMERCIAL building stronger, please visit www.DisasterSafety.org/FORTIFIED. You also can contact:

• Chuck Miccolis, Senior Engineering Manager, COMMERCIAL Lines, at (813) 675-1056 or [email protected]

• Fred Malik, Director of FORTIFIED Programs, at (813) 675-1037 or [email protected]

Hazard: Hurricane

Hurricane-Prone Regions: Areas vulnerable to hurricanes as defined in ASCE 7. • ASCE 7-05 – locations along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts

where the design wind speed is greater than 90 mph, plus Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, Hawaii, and American Samoa.

• ASCE 7-10 – locations along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts where the wind speed for Risk Category II buildings is greater than 115 mph, plus Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

For areas NOT located in a hurricane-prone regions as defined in ASCE 7, see the IBHS FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL: High Wind and Hail Standard.

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Eligibility

Use and Occupancy: Classifications are based on Chapter 3, Section 302 of the International Building Code. Buildings that are eligible include: Assembly, Business, Educational, Factory, Institutional, Mercantile, Residential (when not regulated by the International Residential Code), Storage Groups, Utility and Miscellaneous. Excluded are High-Hazard Group classifications.

FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL standards are to be applied in conjunction with Federal, State, and local codes, ordinances and regulations. In case of conflict use whichever regulation is more stringent.

Land Use:

FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL is not intended to supersede local and municipal policy concerning where it is deemed safe to build COMMERCIAL structures. Additionally, IBHS believes that it is unwise to construct any building in areas that are especially prone to natural hazards. These include low-lying barrier islands and coastal regions, close proximity to known seismic fault lines, close proximity to major levees, and steep slopes potentially subject to erosion. Building a FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL: Hurricane building in the aforementioned areas will reduce the risk of damage, but the improved building may still be more vulnerable than buildings located in less risk-prone areas.

Flood: While whole building flood protection is not a requirement, FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL includes recommendations for whole building flood protection since rising water, riverine flooding, and storm surge often accompany tropical and other severe weather events. In order to reduce business interruption, these standards include flood protection requirements specifically for electrical and mechanical equipment.

DESIGNATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Term Limit: IBHS recommends that FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL buildings be re-evaluated every five (5) years. The re-evaluation should focus primarily on the condition of the roof cover, roof-related items, Exterior Insulating Finishing Systems (EIFS), and any damages/repairs from storms, significant changes, renovations or additions to the building.

Designation/Re-Designation: A FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL designation program should limit the initial and each subsequent designation to 5 years. A re-designation audit of the building should be required.

A re-designation audit should include an inspection of the building envelope to ensure that materials, components, and cladding have retained their

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performance integrity. The primary focus should be on the condition of the roof system and any walls that include EIFS. Building owners should be responsible for providing documentation of post-storm inspections of their building by qualified personnel or contractors. It is expected that building owners continue proper maintenance, complete necessary repairs in a timely manner, and retain documentation for future evaluations.

Compliance Process

Generally, an application for FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL designation can be submitted by a representative of the building such as the owner, general contractor, or building engineer. A compliance process should include the following steps:

o Submission of an application for FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL

designation to the FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL Program Administrator (FCPA), the primary person or entity that oversees the program o Review of the compliance documentation by a FORTIFIED

COMMERCIAL Examiner (FCE), which includes design drawings, plans, and subsequent site inspection reports

o Accumulation and retention of compliance documentation o Approval of the compliance documentation by the FCPA In order to be eligible to use the FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL branded

designation, IBHS requires that that the FPCA utilize an IBHS-accredited FCE to ensure that the design and construction/installation criteria meet the

FORTIFIED standards.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Individuals Verifying

Designs and Construction for FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL

Designation

Qualifications of FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL Examiner (FCE): FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL Examiners (FCE) must provide unbiased services and should be required to uphold strict ethical standards. They must verify that the

information contained in the application is accurate to the best of their

knowledge, based on a site visit to the building, their technical expertise, and a good faith effort to comply with the FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL building

standards.

In order to be eligible to verify applications for FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL designation, a FCPA requires a FCE who meets the following minimum qualifications:

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• Active in design, construction, and/or providing inspection services within the past three years;

• Working knowledge of building construction and design practices; • Able to review plans, inspection reports and other submittals; • Experience in calculating ASCE 7 Component and Cladding loads for

roofs and walls;

• Working knowledge of FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL Building Standards; and • No financial or construction interest in the property being submitted,

OR if the FCE does have a financial interest or construction interest conflict, the conflict must be disclosed to the FCPA.

FCEs that possess a current state license as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) must be in good standing and understand all

applicable state engineering and architectural licensure laws, professional ethics requirements, and regulations, prior to offering or performing services in a jurisdiction.

Note: FCEs do not need to hold a PE or RA license in the state in which the building he/she is verifying is located.

In some cases, the FCE may be involved with the FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL designation application from inception to award, such as with some insurance company-based programs. Another option is for the FCE to just perform site visit(s) (as required) and verify applications. Third party inspectors or other qualified professionals also can be involved in the process if appropriate for the program, and can prepare inspection reports, calculations and other submittals for review by the FCE. Refer to the “Supporting Documentation” and

“Qualifications ofThird Party Inspectors” sections below.

Qualifications of Third Party Inspectors: Inspectors preparing compliance documentation to be submitted with the FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL application should have one of the following qualifications:

• Three or more years of verifiable experience in commercial consultative and/or inspection services with an in-depth knowledge of commercial roof systems and construction;

• For plan reviewers and roof inspectors, recognition as a Registered Roof Consultant (RRC) and/or Registered Building Envelope Consultant (RBEC) per RCI, Inc.;

• For roof inspectors, recognition as a Registered Roof Observer (RRO); • Three years of design, construction and/or inspection experience in the

commercial construction industry as a registered, certified, or licensed engineer or architect, or as a licensed building code official or building contractor;

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• A combination of post-secondary education and experience totaling a minimum of three years, three of which must be working as a

commercial or general contractor in a supervisory capacity (team leader, project manager or supervisor); or

• Three years of experience in site-specific windstorm loss prevention evaluations with experience reviewing architectural and structural plans; reviewing roof system and other building component submittals; and/or conducting field visits during the construction process to verify proper installation.

Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation to be reviewed by a FCE is needed for each

FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL Requirement and may include any one or a

combination of the following:

• For roof-related installation items, reporting information from a

qualified roofing professional that maintains a professional certification and continuing education, such as a Registered Building Envelope Consultant (RBEC), Registered Roof Consultant (RRC), or Registered Roof Observer (RRO) by RCI, Inc. or one that is with a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and has completed a Roofing Contractor Qualification Form found at:

www.nrca.net/consumer/qualstatement.pdf

• Design and installation documentation as shown on final As-Built construction drawings signed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE);

• A confirmation letter with supporting documentation that may include photos, from a licensed PE stating that the installation meets a specific requirement. The PE should have a license from the state where the referenced building is located;

• Completion of a FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL ™ Compliance Form by a licensed PE;

• A report by a third-party inspector as described above in the compliance process.

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Program Overview

•

Bronze Level – Enhanced roof performance and improved

business continuity

o

Roof-related components must meet ASCE 7 wind load

requirements with a factor of safety of 2.0 on Allowable Strength

Design (ASD) design.



For ASCE 7-05 based design, appropriate Risk Category and

Importance Factor should be used, with minimum Risk

Category II being required.



For ASCE 7-10 based design, appropriate Risk Category design

wind speed is required with Minimum Risk Category II being

required.

o

Roof-related components that must be considered include:



New or re-roof cover condition/suitability/anchorage



Roof cover edge flashing suitability/attachment



Roof deck attachment and anchorage of cantilever overhangs



Gutter strength/attachment



Anchorage of rooftop structures and equipment



Skylight pressure rating and impact resistance

o

Enhanced continuity of electrical utilities for critical systems to

maintain/quickly restore business operations

•

Silver Level - Bronze requirements plus building envelope

protection and continuity of business operations

o

Protection of all glazed openings to minimize water and

wind/wind pressure intrusion

o

Wall systems with code-specified wind pressure resistance and

impact resistance similar to that for protected glazed openings

o

Exterior entry doors that are rated for the code-specified wind

pressure resistance and either are impact-rated or protected by a

qualified impact-rated system

o

Large exterior COMMERCIAL doors that are rated for the

code-specified wind pressure resistance

o

Adequately braced/anchored parapets and false fronts

o

Electrical and mechanical equipment and connections protected

from flood/water damage

o

On-site back-up power

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•

Gold Level - Silver Requirements plus enhanced structural

performance

o

Continuous load path verified/enhanced/developed from roof to

ground to resist both uplift and lateral loads

o

Adequately anchored/supported canopies

NOTE: Other Considerations – Flood and Hail

Flood:

While protecting electrical and mechanical systems from flood is a requirement of the Silver Level, whole building protection against the flood hazard is not required to be mitigated under FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL.

However, IBHS strongly recommends the following mitigation steps be taken for FEMA-designated flood zones including V, A, B, D, and X-shaded:

• Elevate the building’s first finished floor above the 500-year flood level if known or 3 ft. above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for the property. If the building is not sufficiently elevated as described above, it is recommended that dry flood protection such as flood gates, walls, doors, inflatable barriers, sand bags or similar devices be used to prevent water intrusion to the heights described above. Flood depth, duration, velocity, and condition of water should be considered (including floating debris).

• Buildings should have a check valve or similar backflow device installed at the point of entry into the building on the sanitary line to prevent sewage from potentially flowing back into the building during a flood.

Hail:

The hail hazard is NOT required to be mitigated under FORTIFIED

COMMERCIAL: Hurricane. However, if located in a hail-prone area as shown in Figure 1, IBHS recommends a hail-resistant roof cover that meets the standards listed under the Hail-Related Performance Criteria for Roofing below.

Figure1: The hail-prone counties shown here are based on hail reports compiled by the Storm Prediction Center. Counties in blue are subject to a high frequency of damaging hail storms with

a maximum hail stone size of 1 in. or larger. Source: IBHS

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Hail-Related Performance Criteria for Roofing:

Roof covers for low sloped (≤10° or less than 2/12 pitch) roofs: • FM Approvals Standard 4470 with a Class 1-SH

• UL 2218 Class 4

Roof covers for steep sloped roof:

• UL 2218 Class 4

• FM Approvals Test Standard 4473 Class 4

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FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL ™ REQUIREMENTS

Hurricane – Bronze:

Roof System

Eligible roof cover systems include new roofs that are part of new construction or replacement roof covers when an existing roof cover system is completely removed and stripped down to the roof deck.

• Exception #1: Existing roof cover systems that receive an initial satisfactory FORTIFIED evaluation within 10 years of the completed installation of the roof cover system may qualify. An evaluation includes a physical inspection and review of all design and installation

documentation. An evaluator may require in-situ tests such as a moisture survey, uplift testing, or similar test, if sufficient documentation of records is not available.

Re-Evaluation: To ensure a roof system continues to retain its durability and

that the building continues to remain eligible for a designation using the IBHS-branded FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL: Hurricane program, a re-evaluation must occur every 5 years, as part of the required re-designation audit. The evaluation will be similar to an initial inspection that includes a physical inspection of the roof cover, roof edge securement, and any roof-related items that may affect the performance of the cover, as well as a review of roof cover design,

installation, and maintenance records, repairs, improvements, etc. An evaluator may require an in-situ test such as moisture survey, uplift testing, or similar test, if sufficient documentation of records is not available.

Since low-sloped (≤10⁰) roof systems can conceal performance issues due to undetected moisture, leaks and material degradation, and these issues worsen with age, these roof cover systems will ultimately require an in-situ test to maintain its FORTIFIED status. The age thresholds for testing of low sloped systems are shown in Table 1 on the next page.

Re-Roofing: If re-roofing, all roof decks should be evaluated for any rust, rotting

or any other condition that may reduce the integrity of the deck. If the deck includes lightweight insulating concrete, gypsum, cementitious wood fiber or similar materials, the deck also must be evaluated for moisture, cracks or brittleness. Insulation fastener pull tests should be conducted.

An option to fastening into the aforementioned decks is to through-fasten, so they penetrate through the bottom of the structural deck. For example, gypsum and cementitious wood fiber decks may include through-fastened toggle bolts. Lightweight insulating concrete on steel form may include through-fastened

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insulation fasteners that penetrate the steel form below the lightweight insulating concrete.

All necessary repairs to the roof deck must be completed prior to installation of a new roof cover system. If re-roofing, all remaining roof cover components from the previous system must be evaluated and inspected for moisture, and all wet insulation must be removed.

Table 1 - Low sloped (≤10⁰) roofing systems:

Roof Design Loads (Roof Decks and Covers)

For ASCE 7-05 based design, the appropriate Risk Category and Importance Factor should be used, with minimum Risk Category II being required. For ASCE 7-10 based design, appropriate Risk Category design wind speed is required with Minimum Risk Category II being required. Exposure Category should be

determined by the descriptions contained within the Commentary Section of ASCE 7.

The Minimum Required Factor of Safety is 2.0 unless a higher factor of safety is required for a particular assembly, system, element, fastener, or connection. The ultimate strength of the building assembly, element, fastener, or

Roof System Age threshold for testing (years) Built-Up Roof ₁₅ Metal Panels (Architectural / Non-structural - on substrate) 30 Metal Panels

(Structural - on open frames) 20

Modified Bitumen 15 Single Ply

(EPDM, PVC, TPO, KEE, Hypalon, PIB)

15

Sprayed Polyurethane

Foam-coated 10

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connection should meet or exceed the load on that assembly, element, fastener, or connection using one of the following calculated wind loads.

1. ASCE 7-05 Allowable Stress Design (ASD) Method: Calculated ASD wind load x 2 (Minimum Required Factor of Safety) used in FM Global Datasheet 1-28.

2. ASCE 7-05 Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Method:

Calculated LRFD wind load/1.6 x 2 (Minimum Required Factor of Safety) 3. ASCE 7-10 ASD Method: Calculated ASD wind load x 2 (Minimum

Required Factor of Safety)

4. ASCE 7-10 LRFD Method: Calculated LRFD wind load x 0.6 x 2 (Minimum Required Factor of Safety)

• Low Sloped Roof Systems (≤10⁰) with weather-proofing, continuous type membrane roof assemblies such as built-up roof, modified bitumen, single-ply, hybrids, as well as metal panel roofs, must be designed for the

appropriate cladding wind pressures of ASCE 7 for the field, perimeter, and corners with the adjustments outlined under the Roof Design Loads section. Low sloped continuous roof covers with any of the following product approvals may be used, provided adjustments are made in design/allowable pressures as outlined under Roof Design Loads section: FM Approvals 4470 or ANSI FM 4474; Miami-Dade County Approved (MDCA) with current Notice of Acceptance; Florida Product Approval that meets FM Approval Standard; and Texas Department of Insurance “Product Evaluation Index for Roof Coverings” that meets FM Approval Standard.

Systems that pass Florida Building Code TAS 114, Appendix J are eligible, provided adjustments are made in design/allowable pressures as outlined under Roof Design Loads.

• Ballasted low sloped single-ply roof systems are NOT permitted in hurricane-prone areas. This includes loose-laid stone and pavers. • Edge flashing, coping, and counter flashing should be designed in

accordance with ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 for the ASCE 7 design wind pressures with the adjustments outlined under the Roof Design Loads section.

• Structural metal panel roof systems on spaced supports and nonstructural standing seam metal roof panels on solid wood sheathing, with any of the following product approvals may be used, provided adjustments are made in design/allowable pressures as outlined under the Roof Design Loads section: FM Approvals 4470 or FM 4471; Miami-Dade County Approved

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(MDCA) with current Notice of Acceptance; Florida Product Approval that meets FM Approval Standard; and Texas Department of Insurance “Product Evaluation Index for Roof Coverings” that meets FM Approval Standard. For structural panels, an acceptable alternative is testing in accordance with ASTM E 1592, provided similar adjustments are made in design/allowable pressures as outlined under the Roof Design Loads section.

• Gutter, downspouts, and hold downs should be designed in accordance with ANSI/SPRI GD-1 with the adjustments in design/allowable pressures outlined under the Roof Design Loads section.

• Structural roof deck attachments must be designed for field, perimeter, and corner component and cladding wind pressures requirements of ASCE 7 for the building location with the adjustments in design/allowable pressures outlined under the Roof Design Loads section.

• Structural members of cantilever overhangs must be adequately anchored and designed for the ASCE 7 design wind pressures with adjustments to the design/allowable pressures outlined under the Roof Design Loads section. • Steep sloped (≥10⁰) wood decks must be sealed with a qualified

system. There are three qualified methods for sealing from the top side when re-roofing or installing roof cover on a new building. The methods are described below and additional detailed installation information is available from IBHS:

o The entire roof deck can be covered with a full layer of self-adhering polymer modified bitumen membrane meeting ASTM D1970

requirements.

o A self-adhering polymer modified bitumen flashing tape can be applied that is at least 4 in. wide directly to the roof deck to seal the horizontal and vertical joints in the roof deck.

o A reinforced synthetic roof underlayment can be applied that has an ICC approval as an alternative to ASTM D226 Type II felt paper and tape seams at overlaps with compatible tape.

• A steep sloped roof deck also can meet the requirement for a sealed roof deck by using a qualified closed-cell polyurethane foam applied to all horizontal roof deck seams and along all roof framing members at the underside of the deck.

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• When re-roofing or installing a roof cover on a steep sloped roof, a drip edge must be installed (at eaves and rakes) with 3 in. laps. The drip edge must extend ½ in. below sheathing and extend back on the roof a minimum of 2 in. Drip edge at eaves must be permitted to be installed either over or under the underlayment. At gable ends, drip edge must be installed over the underlayment. The drip edge also must be mechanically fastened to the roof deck at a maximum of 4 in. o.c.

• Shingles must be high-wind rated based on design wind speed. See the following chart:

1_{Note: When used in Exposure D locations, shingles must pass both}

ASTM D3161 Class F and ASTM D7158 Class H testing standards.

• All other water-shedding discontinuous covers, such as concrete and clay tile systems and their attachment, must meet the requirements of the site design wind speed and exposure category.

• Skylights and their attachments must be designed and detailed for the ASCE 7 wind speed and provide an uplift resistance with a minimum factor of safety as described in the “Roof Design Loads” section above. Installation must meet the air and water infiltration requirements of ASTM E330 and E331. The curb installation must be confirmed by a licensed PE that it will meet the required uplift with a 2.0 safety factor.

o When the ASCE 7-05 design wind speed is ≥ 100 mph (ASCE 7-10 when appropriate Risk Cat design wind speed is ≥ 120 mph), large missile impact-resistant skylights are required. They must meet, at a minimum,

ASCE 7-05 Wind Speed (vasd) ASCE 7-10 Wind Speed (vult)

Shingle Wind Testing Standard/Classification 100 MPH 129 MPH _{ASTM D 7158 (Class G or H)}ASTM D3161 (Class F) or 1

110 MPH 142 MPH _{ASTM D 7158 (Class G or H)}ASTM D3161 (Class F) or 1

120 MPH 155 MPH ASTM D 7158 (Class G or H)1 130 MPH 168 MPH ASTM D 7158 (Class H)1 140 MPH 180 MPH 150 MPH 194 MPH Page 13 of 18

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ASTM E1886 cyclic pressure test requirements and be ASTM E1996 large missile impact-rated.

o When the ASCE 7-05 wind speed is ≥ 130 mph (ASCE 7-10 when appropriate Risk Cat design wind speed is ≥ 165 mph), skylights must also meet AAMA 520-09.

o Options for approved skylight systems include:

 FM Approved per ANSI FM 4431, with large missile impact rating  Miami-Dade County Approved, with large missile impact rating  Texas Department of Insurance Approved, with large missile impact

rating

Gables End Walls and Overhangs

• Gable overhangs must not be vented.

• Gable overhangs using outlooker framing must have adequate connection at gable wall and at roof framing members. Connections must be designed by a licensed PE or developed using prescriptive connection details available from IBHS.

• Box type soffit overhangs (eave) and gable overhangs with a depth of greater than 12 in. (measured from the back of fascia to exterior wall surface) and covered with aluminum or vinyl material, must have a center brace installed mid-span.

• Gable walls must have a minimum of 7/16 in. structural sheathing (Plywood or OSB) or equivalent wall sheathing.

• Gable end walls on gables greater than 48 in. in height must be braced to withstand the ASCE 7 wind loads. A bracing design by a licensed PE is required. Bracing must be installed per design. As an alternate, bracing details provided in the International Existing Building Code Appendix or in the Florida Building Code may be used.

• Gable wall vents must be protected against water intrusion. Attic Ventilation System

• Roof-mounted vents including, but not limited to ridge vents, off ridge vents, and turbines, must meet the requirement of Florida Building Code TAS 100 (A).

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Rooftop Equipment

• Rooftop structures, equipment, and their attachments must be designed in accordance with ASCE 7-10 Section 29.5.1 “Rooftop Structures and

Equipment for Buildings with h≤ 60 ft.” and Equations 29.5-2 and 29.5-3 for the FORTIFIED design wind speed. A minimum factor of safety as described in the Roof Design Loads section is required.

• Photovoltaic (PV) systems and their attachments must be designed in accordance with proposed provisions for ASCE 7-16 approved by the wind load subcommittee. A copy is available from IBHS. Similar adjustments for factors of safety are required in design/allowable pressures as outlined above.

Also eligible are:

o Rigid PV modules that are FM Approved or meet Approval Standard 4478 (wind uplift, combustibility from above the deck).

o Flexible PV modules that are FM Approved or meet Approval Standard 4476.

RECOMMENDED (Not Required) - For PV system hail protection:

o Flexible PV modules that are FM Approved for hail or meet Approval Standard 4476 that include a Severe Hail rating.

o Rigid PV modules that are FM Approved for hail or meet Approval Standard 4478 that include a Class 4 rating.

o Rigid modules that meet UL 1703 Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels.

NOTE: Additional PV Building Risks Recommendations

While this document focuses on wind loads (and hail risk recommendations) for PV systems, IBHS strongly recommends that all additional building risks be addressed including: structural loading on the roof deck; increased combustibility from above the deck which may lead to re-classification of the exterior fire rating of the roof cover system; snow, hail, seismic, electrical and fire hazards; and firefighting hazards. Periodic inspection, maintenance, and repair should include the prevention of roof cover puncturing, debris accumulation, and proper water shedding of the roof cover to allow drainage, which will prevent overloading of the roof. The use of a cover board is recommended in new roof cover systems to increase puncture resistance.

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Electrical Back-Up Power

• Buildings are required to include necessary electrical connections, such as a transfer switch or docking station (sometimes referred to as a storm

switch), that will support connection of a generator capable of powering, at a minimum, the critical systems needed to provide continuity of operation. All connections should be located above the 500-year flood level if known, or at least 3 ft. above the known Base Flood Elevation (100-year flood level) or Advisory Base Flood Elevation.

Hurricane - Silver:

• All Bronze requirements must be satisfied. Openings

• Commercial doors (roll-up, overhead, and sectional doors) and exterior personnel doors must be pressure-rated for pressures associated with the ASCE 7 design wind speed and exposure category.

• All glazed openings, including windows, sliding glass doors and exterior personnel doors with or without windows located within 30 ft. of grade, must be impact-rated or be protected with an impact-rated protection systems that, at a minimum, meets ASTM E 1886 cyclic pressure and E 1996 large missile impact requirements. Glazing 30 ft. or higher above grade must be rated for the design pressure and small missile impact.

Wall Systems

• Parapets and false fronts must be designed for the ASCE 7 wind speed and associated design pressure. Parapets and false fronts greater than 4 ft. must include internal or external bracing with supporting documentation.

• The wall structuremust be capable of resisting ASCE 7 wind loads for the appropriate wall wind pressure zone.

• Wall impact resistance must be adequate to meet the requirements of ASTM E 1886 and E 1996 for the impact of a 9 lb. 2x4 lumber missile impacting end-on at 34 mph (50 ft./second). Systems that meet the intent of this requirement include, but are not limited to: reinforced concrete block masonry; precast concrete; cast-in-place concrete; solid insulated concrete forms; reinforced brick; brick with concrete block backing; metal panel; insulated metal panels; ¾ in. plywood; ≥7/16 in. wood structural panel sheathing with one of the following finishes - brick veneer, ½ in.

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stucco, ½ in. thick wood, or ½ in. fiber cement-based planking; and ≥5/8 in. thick wood structural panel sheathing with vinyl or aluminum siding. o Exterior Insulating Finishing Systems (EIFS) installed on a metal or wood

frame are not permitted unless they are a Miami-Dade County Approved system. EIFS installed over masonry are acceptable. For existing EIFS that meets this criteria, a qualified professional must inspect the EIFS and provide supporting documentation regarding its condition. EIFS that are not visibly damaged, deteriorated, chipped, cracked, have structurally sound horizontal and vertical seals including around windows and penetrations, are free of leaks, and have at least five years of useful life remaining are eligible for a Silver designation. EIFS that do not meet these conditions and/or that do not have at least five years of useful life remaining will require repairs or replacement to be eligible for a Silver designation.

Standby Electrical System

• A permanent standby generator must be installed capable of powering vital electrical systems. All equipment must be installed in accordance with the requirements of Electrical Systems (Flood) described below.

Electrical and Mechanical Systems and Connections (Flood Protection) • All electrical and mechanical equipment and connections necessary to

operate critical systems must be elevated, at minimum, above the 500-year flood level, if known, or 3 ft. above the Base Flood Elevation

(

BFE) for the property. If the equipment cannot be sufficiently elevated as described above, it is recommended that permanent dry flood protection such as flood gates, walls, doors, or similar devices should be used to prevent water intrusion to the heights described above. Flood depth, duration, velocity, and condition of water should be considered (including floating debris).

Hurricane - Gold:

• All Bronze and Silver requirements must be satisfied. Continuous Load Path

• A continuous and adequate load path from the roof to the foundation of the building must exist. The building must have positive connections from the roof to foundation as a means to transmit wind uplift and lateral loads safely to the ground. This includes providing:

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o Roof-to-wall connection hardware (for example hurricane straps for wood) with the required roof uplift resistance as determined by the designer or specified in the prescriptive method being used.

o Continuous load path through the wall to the foundation on inter-story connections in multi-story structures.

The load path must be designed by a licensed PE and installed per design with supporting documentation verifying the installation.

Attached and Accessory Structures

• Convenience store canopies, car ports, porte-cocheres or any other vehicle type drive-through structures must have adequate load path members and connections to resist design uplift pressures based on site design wind speed and exposure category.

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Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety 4775 East Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33617

www.DisasterSafety.org/FORTIFIED

www.nrca.net/consumer/qualstatement.pdf