Broward County Skylight Wind Requirements

Hurricane-rated roof glazing calculations for HVHZ compliance. Flat, domed, and tubular skylights engineered to 180+ mph with impact protection.

180+

MPH Design Speed

±120

PSF Corner Zone

FPS Impact Test

Skylight Compliance Funnel

From 100 products → Qualified HVHZ systems

All Skylight Products 100% of products

↓

Impact Tested (TAS 201) ~35% pass

↓

Pressure Rated ±75+ PSF ~22% pass

↓

Cyclic Test Approved ~15% pass

↓

Miami-Dade NOA ~8% qualify

~8%

of skylights qualify for Broward County HVHZ

Skylight Types

Compare skylight configurations for Broward County HVHZ applications.

Flat Glass Skylight

Traditional rectangular skylights with laminated impact glass.

Max Size 4' × 4'
Glass Type Laminated
Pressure Rating ±85 PSF
Impact Test Large Missile

Dome Skylight

Curved acrylic or polycarbonate domes with enhanced impact resistance.

Max Size 6' × 6'
Material Polycarbonate
Pressure Rating ±95 PSF
Impact Test Large Missile

Tubular Skylight

Sun tunnels with small roof penetration and reflective tube.

Tube Diameter 10" - 21"
Dome Material Acrylic
Pressure Rating ±75 PSF
Impact Test Large Missile

Roof Pressure Zones

Skylight design pressure depends on location within the roof area.

Pressure by Zone

ASCE 7-22 defines roof zones based on distance from edges and corners. Skylights in corner zones require the highest pressure ratings.

Zone 3 - Corners

Highest suction pressures

±120 PSF

Zone 2 - Edges

Elevated suction pressures

±95 PSF

Zone 1 - Field

Standard roof pressures

±75 PSF

Technical Requirements

FBC 2024 and Miami-Dade specifications for impact-rated skylights.

Impact Testing

Large missile: 9-lb 2×4 at 50 fps
Strike both glazed and frame areas
No penetration of inner lite allowed
Subsequent pressure cycling required
4,500+ positive/negative cycles

Frame & Curb

Minimum 6" curb height above roofing
Aluminum or wood curb with flashing
Continuous perimeter anchorage
Weather seal at frame-to-curb joint
Weep system for drainage

Glazing Specs

Laminated glass: 0.090" PVB minimum
Polycarbonate: 1/4" minimum thickness
Double dome for insulation value
UV-resistant coating required
Safety glazing per ANSI Z97.1

Documentation

Miami-Dade NOA required for HVHZ
Florida Product Approval (FL#)
Installation per manufacturer specs
Flashing details sealed by contractor
Post-install inspection verification

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert guidance for architects and contractors.

What wind loads apply to skylights in Broward County?

Skylights in Broward County HVHZ must resist 180+ mph design wind speeds. Roof components experience higher negative (suction) pressures than wall elements, typically ±75 to ±120 PSF depending on location. Corner zones (Zone 3) require the highest ratings at ±120 PSF, edge zones (Zone 2) at ±95 PSF, and field areas (Zone 1) at ±75 PSF.

Are impact-rated skylights required in Broward County?

Yes, all skylights in Broward County HVHZ require impact resistance. They must pass large missile testing (9-lb 2x4 at 50 fps) and subsequent cyclic pressure testing per TAS 201, 202, 203. Products must have Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval. Only about 8% of skylight products on the market qualify for HVHZ installation.

What is the maximum size for impact-rated skylights?

Maximum sizes depend on the specific product approval and mounting zone. Typical residential skylights range from 2x2 to 4x4 feet for flat glass types. Dome skylights can be larger, up to 6x6 feet with reinforced curbs. Commercial applications can use multiple-unit configurations with structural mullions to create larger overall openings while maintaining HVHZ compliance.

Do tubular skylights have different requirements?

Tubular skylights (sun tunnels) must meet the same impact and pressure requirements as flat skylights. The dome at roof level requires large missile impact testing, and the entire assembly must maintain the roof's weather barrier. Flashing and curb construction are critical for HVHZ compliance. The smaller penetration size (10-21" diameter) typically allows for standard ±75 PSF field-of-roof ratings.

Can existing skylights be retrofitted for HVHZ compliance?

Generally, existing non-impact skylights cannot be simply retrofitted. The entire unit including frame and glazing must be designed together for impact resistance. Replacement with a compliant unit is typically required. Some manufacturers offer impact covers that can be installed over existing skylights, but these must have their own Miami-Dade NOA and may affect light transmission.