What does FBC Approved mean?
In case it is not obvious ,”FBC,” stands for Florida Building Code. Why does this matter for hurricane clips or other RTW connectors? Once a product has been approved it can be used state wide without further documentation. It is a formal state approval that shows builders, architects, engineers and building officials/ inspectors that the product has completed rigorous testing and meets the standards specified in the FBC. The Florida Building Code Product Approval system only applies to products and systems which make up the building envelope and structural frame and is broken down into categories. Applications for state approval by the Florida Building Commission must be made online at www.floridabuilding.org. Once the Commission approves a product, it must be accepted by local jurisdictions. This is to ensure uniformity state wide.
We explain all this to highlight the importance of using an FBC approved product. We can’t state enough, details matter, and using the correct product for a proper application is vital. It also shows that there really is no question whether or not a product can be used if it has an FBC approval and is being used in the manner for which it was intended.
Here at MPC of Tallahassee, we don’t have a one size fits all mentality; we look at each house and decide what fits best, while meeting the criteria needed. When we file for permits we include all the connectors that will be used on the home, along with the FBC approval documentation. Below are some examples of the common RTW connectors we use.
Here is a very common and expensive option to use in the retrofitting business, the Simpson HGA10 clip. This is the clip of choice when there’s attic access, but no exposed top plate.
An HGA10 retrofit hurricane clip installed in a home in Tallahassee, FL. This is really the only clip that can be installed from inside the attic with no exposed top plates.
A pair of Simpson H 2.5 hurricane clips. One of the common clips we use during retrofits when there is an exposed double top plate and we have attic access.
Simpson H2.5 hurricane clips installed at a recent retrofit in Tallahassee, FL.
Simpson H3 hurricane clips have a Right and Left orientation. A common choice for hurricane clip installations where there’s only a single top plate.
Simpson H3 clips used due to a single top plate at a wind mitigation retrofit in Madison, FL.
Simpson SDWC15600 truss screw. This is a great product that has predominately been used in new construction in this area going back to 2017-18. The majority of new homes in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas use this as the RTW connector of choice.
A simpson SDWC Truss Screw used during a retrofit in Tallahassee, FL. This can be a great option in some retrofit applications.
A simpson truss screw that was installed in a home under construction in the Fallschase neighborhood in Tallahassee. You can see the orange screw head in the bottom of the double top plate.