Know The Code
Are You Familiar with Local Building Requirements?
Most Gulf Coast counties in Alabama and Florida fall within the Wind-Borne Debris Zone, subjecting homes to specific building codes designed to protect against storm damage.
Key Florida Requirements:
- If you replace more than 25% of the total glazed area (windows and doors) in your home, the openings must have “Large Missile Level D” impact-rated protection, which means impact rated windows or hurricane shutters.
- “Openings” include all doors and windows.
- “Protection” means either impact-resistant windows or hurricane-rated shutters.
- Some local building departments allow the use of plywood, but it must meet strict state standards: precut panels with labels, specified plywood thickness, and preinstalled mounting hardware meeting exact fastener size and spacing requirements.
Alabama Requirements:
- In Mobile and Baldwin counties, all openings must be protected in cities such as Mobile, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, and Fairhope. Baldwin County requires all openings to be protected.
- Building codes may vary in other municipalities within these counties, so it’s important to check local regulations.
New Energy Efficiency Standards in Florida:
- Recent updates require all replacement windows and doors to meet a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.25 or less and a U-value of 0.40 or less. Folkers’ products standardize on these requirements so that all windows and doors meet the energy codes.
- Many aluminum-framed windows do not meet these new standards, but Folkers’ vinyl windows do.
At Folkers, we understand the local codes and regulations inside and out. We’ll guide you through the permitting process, manage all necessary permits, and assist with final inspections after installation. With over 40 years of experience, you can trust Folkers to help you stay compliant and protect your home.
