Interpretation #7723

Original Request

Code Version: 2014
Code: BUILDING
Code Description
Chapter
Section: 1609.1.2
Topic: Plywood as shutters for upper level

Question

Is it the intent of the "exceptions" paragraph which allows plywood for glazing protection for structures below a mean roof height of 45' to not allow approved plywood and fasteners for glazed openings on a second living level of a structure with a mean roof height of 34ft where the second living level roof drip edge is 30 ft above grade and this second living level has deck walkways and porch decks to access all glazed openings? It has been interpreted as requiring impact glass because the second living level has been identified as a third floor even though it is as described above and the ground level is a non-living level with no windows to be used for storage and auto parking and below base flood elevation, located within 1 mile of the coast.

Answer Published 02/08/2016 at 7:36 AM

To the question, Yes, that is the intent. The openings can
not be protected by the wood structural panels contemplated
by the Exception in the Code. Please see the attached
commentary.

Commentary

Designed panels out of plywood are not the same as the wood structural panels that may be permitted by the code and may be used when permitted. The APA document (Hurricane Shutter Design Considerations for Florida T460)includes the wood structural panel exception from the code and repeats the code limit to one- and two-story buildings. However, the document also contains designs which incorporate stiffeners and other features and there is no story limit set for those. The building as described by the requester is a three story building and the Exception contained in the code allowing the use of wood structural panels does not apply.