CBUCK Engineering is a Third Party Evaluation Firm that can help you Navigate Building Codes and Product Approvals:

Building codes in the United States are gradually being consolidated under the International Code Council’s (ICC) model International Building Codes (IBC).  Most states and many local jurisdictions modify these model codes for their own locations.  The Florida Building Code (FBC) is based on the IBC but with many Florida specific modifications. In addition to the code volumes (ICC has 14 Volumes, FBC has 9 Volumes) over 800 reference standards and testing protocols are included in "The Building Code" These standards and test protocols establish performance criteria for building products, assemblies and methods. Also, many of the reference standards include further standards that are included in the code. Codes and standards are revised in uncoordinated one to five year cycles. It is not surprising that all these documents can result in conflicting interpretations, by the various affected parties, depending on the intended use and application.

Florida and International Building Codes

CBUCK Evaluation Reports

Designing for Extreme Winds

Florida statutes require components and cladding products to have Mandatory Envelope Product Approvals based on the structural requirements of the unified Florida Building Code.  All non-envelope products and envelope non-structural code properties are required to meet code standards for approval by local permit jurisdictions. Research reports, such as Code Evaluation Research Reports (CERR), are independent third party validations that products or assemblies have been tested and/or evaluated to building code test / standards. These reports are used to market products and to expedite local approvals.   

Building permitting is a two step process.  The product Manufacturer is responsible for meeting code test standards.  The permit applicant is required to demonstrate that the proposed use of a product complies with the code and meets the design loads /requirements for that specific project.

CBUCK is experienced in providing to manufacturers Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance), Florida Product Approvals (Evaluations or Validations), International Building Code ICC-ES Reports and FBC & IBC Code Evaluation Research Reports (CERR)

Services also offered by CBUCK Engineering include Florida Department of Education (DOE) roof approvals, Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) evaluations, National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) evaluations, Code Private Label Listing, and Green Building Energy Star Roof Product Qualifications.

James L. “Jimmy” Buckner, P.E., SECB,  President of CBUCK Engineering, combines marketing knowledge with engineering expertise of complex code requirements to assist national and international manufacturers achieve their marketing goals.