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Proposed Rule to Implement Alternate Design Method for Screen Enclosures

Chapter XX-X

Screen Enclosures

XX-X.001 Scope.

(1) This purpose of this rule is to provide an alternate method for designing 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.

XX-X.002 Design Requirements.

(1) Engineering criteria shall conform to the following.

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.

b. Designs shall comply with Florida Building Code, Building, Section 2002.4 and Table 2002.4 using the 110 mph column and as modified by Table 2002.4A.

c. Designs using strength design or load and resistance factor design in accordance with the Florida Building Code, Building Section 1605.2, or allowable stress design methods of the Florida Building Code, Building, Section 1605.5.3.1 shall be permitted.

d. The design shall be by rational analysis. In addition, 3D Finite Element Analysis may be used as an analytical method but is not required for the determination of forces and moments.

(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, and screen designated in the design to be cut shall 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, 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 with highly visible permanent labels 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) Actual wall thickness of extruded structural aluminum members shall be not less than 0.040 inch (1mm).

(8) 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.

(9) Where screen enclosures are designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this rule, the contractor shall provide notice to the homeowner and the local building code enforcement department that the homeowner 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.