May 14 2007
Solar Innovations has received its Folding Glass Wall Notice of Approval (NOA) number. In addition to Solar Innovations' Folding Glass Walls already being certified as hurricane rated, Miami Dade certification now bumps Solar to the highest overall coastal rating achievable. This number (07-0326.07) allows Solar Innovations' folding glass walls to be installed in any county with Miami Dade requirements for hurricane compliance. These requirements are the most stringent in the country for hurricane compliant products, making this quite an accomplishment. Visit Solar Innovations' Folding Glass Wall webpage at http://www.solarinnovations.com/residential/fgw/ for details on this certified product.
Solar Innovations submitted 3' wide by 8' tall folding glass wall panels for the Miami Dade testing. This folding glass wall passed for up to 20 panels in length (60' wide). For detailed information on Solar Innovations' testing results, please visit their New Product News link at http://solarinnovations.com/prod-news.asp.
How does the approval process work? Products undergo 3 protocols for testing. These tests include Protocol TAS 201 (large missile impact testing), Protocol TAS 202 (air, water, and structural testing), and Protocol TAS 203 (cycle testing). Air, water, and structural testing are similar to AMAA (American Manufacturing Architectural Association) test references and are required for completion of Miami Dade certification. To learn more about Miami Dade Certifications or Florida Hurricane Rating visit Solar Innovations' website.
Which products are required to be Miami Dade certified? Any architectural products, including doors, windows, folding walls, skylights, greenhouses, conservatories, etc., manufactured for installation in Miami Dade County, Broward County, or West Palm Beach are required to be certified. It is predicted that this stringent requirement will begin to be utilized by other municipalities along the coast.
Why is this certification a benefit? Many states along the east coast are requiring impact rated products in hurricane prone areas. This requires Miami Dade Certified and/or Florida Hurricane Rated products to be installed. Having both certifications means, Solar Innovations is able to install Folding Glass Walls anywhere in the country.