Mike Silvers, CPRC, Owner, Silvers Systems Inc. and FRSA Director of Technical Services
In late June, the Florida Building Commission held the first round of Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings to review potential modifications to incorporate in the upcoming 2023 Florida Building Code 8th Edition (effective date 12/31/2023). It was the first of two Phase 2 meetings before the TACs present their recommendations to the Commission for approval. FRSA developed 29 code modifications and took positions on 87 others. Our position prevailed in nearly every case. The decisions made by the TACs will not be finalized until after the next 45-day comment period with the final set of TAC meetings taking place from October 11-14 at a to-be-determined location.
A number of the modifications involved underlayment. Underlayment for all roof types is involved. A group of changes submitted by FRSA is meant to simplify the current language used for underlayment for all steep slope roof systems except tile. It makes the description for the two-ply nailed underlayment application much simpler and consistent for most material. It also minimizes material waste at synthetic headlaps. Our underlayment modifications are attempting, for the most part, to standardize underlayment application methods throughout the state. This includes changes to the requirements in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). These changes would bring the region’s currently less storm-resistant underlayment standards up to those used in the rest of the state. This would include the option, for the first time in the HVHZ, to use self-adhering underlayment applied directly to the deck. The term “option” is important here – nothing would mandate its use; it would just allow it as an option for those who choose to use it.
The changes would also standardize the required resistance against wind uplift for all tile underlayment. The goal is to adopt the standard test methods already used for product approval by most underlayment manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with the code. FRSA’s position on these modifications were supported during the TAC meetings by several industry groups including Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA), Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRI), Owens Corning (OC) and others. Read more.
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