61G20-1.002 Alternative Design Method for Screen Enclosure.

(1) The purpose of this Rule is to provide an alternate method for designing aluminum screen enclosures as defined by the Florida Building Code, permitting the loads of the structural frame to be based on portions of the screen in the screen walls removed, retracted, moved to the open position, or cut. The use of framing materials other than aluminum is allowed in accordance with Section 104.11 of the Florida Building Code, Building Volume, incorporated herein by reference, effective August 2011, as adopted in Rule 61G20-1.001, F.A.C. The method applies only to walls and roofs with 100% screen. The provisions of Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code, Building Volume, shall govern the administration and enforcement of this Rule.

(a) Screen enclosure frames designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this rule, shall be designed using signed and sealed site-specific engineering and shall be designed in accordance with the wind load provisions of the Florida Building Code, Section 1609.1.1, incorporated herein by reference, as adopted in Rule 61G20-1.001, F.A.C.

(b) Designs that consider these screen alternates shall comply with Florida Building Code, Building Volume, Section 2002.4 and Table 2002.4, incorporated herein by reference, as adopted in Rule 61G20-1.001, F.A.C., using the 110 mph column as modified by Table 2002.4A, incorporated herein by reference, as adopted in Rule 61G20-1.001, , F.A.C., with all screen panels in place.

(c) Designs using strength design or load and resistance factor design in accordance with the Florida Building Code, Building Volume, Section 1605.2, incorporated herein by reference, as adopted in Rule 61G20-1.001, F.A.C., or allowable stress design methods of the Florida Building Code, Building Volume, Section 1605.3.1 incorporated herein by reference, as adopted in Rule 61G20-1.001, F.A.C., shall be permitted.

(d) The design shall be by rational analysis or by 3D Finite Element Analysis. Either method will be acceptable.

(2) Where screen enclosures are designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this rule, removable screen may consist of removable panels, retractable panels, or by designating specific screen panels in the design in which the screen is to be removed by cutting the screen. Removable panels shall be removed, retractable panels shall be placed in the retracted position without increasing the load on the affected area. Screen designated in the design to be cut shall be completely cut when wind speeds are forecast to exceed 75 mph.

(3) Where screen enclosures designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this rule serve as the barrier required by the Florida Building Code at Sections 424.2.17 and R4101.17.1, incorporated herein by reference, as adopted in Rule 61G20-1.001, F.A.C., the required minimum height of the barrier shall be maintained when screen panels are retracted, removed, moved to the open position, or cut.

(4) Where screen enclosures are designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this rule, retractable screen panels, removable screen panels, and screen panels identified to be cut shall be clearly identified on adjacent structural members with highly visible permanent labels, at each panel, or by other means approved by the local building department.

(5) Where screen enclosures are designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this rule, the retraction of screen panels, removal of screen panels, or cutting of screen panels shall not require the use of ladders or scaffolding.

(6) Engineering documents submitted with building permit applications shall identify the panels to be removed, retracted, opened, or cut.

(7) Where screen enclosures are designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this rule based on removing screen panels by cutting the screen, the contractor shall provide replacement screen for a one-time replacement of all screen and spline designated by the design to be cut.

(8) Where screen enclosures are designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this rule, the contractor shall provide written notice to the owner and the local building code enforcement department that the owner must retract, remove, or cut a panel or panels of the screen enclosure in accordance with the project engineering design or the manufacturer’s instructions when wind speeds are expected to exceed 75 mph.

Rulemaking Authority Chapter 2012-13, Section 19, Laws of Florida, 553.76, 553.77 FS. Law Implemented Chapter 2012-13, Section 19, Laws of Florida, 553.76, 553.77 FS. History‒New 4-25-13.