Broward Commercial Glazing Guide

Storefront Glazing Standards for Broward HVHZ

Engineering specifications for hurricane-rated commercial storefront systems. Design pressures from +/-50 to +/-90 PSF based on zone location within Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone.

0
Max PSF (Zone 5)
0
MPH Wind Speed
0
FPS Impact Test
Interactive: Commercial Storefront System
COMMERCIAL STOREFRONT
+75 PSF
+65 PSF
+65 PSF
+75 PSF
+65 PSF
+55 PSF
+65 PSF
Zone 5: Corners
Zone 4: Edges
Field: Interior

HVHZ-Rated System Options

Commercial glazing systems engineered for Broward County hurricane requirements.

Stick-Built Storefront

+/-50-65 PSF

Field-assembled aluminum framing for standard commercial applications.

Frame Depth 2" - 2.5"
Sightline 2" typical
Best For 1-2 Story

Unitized Storefront

+/-65-80 PSF

Factory-assembled panels for faster installation and higher performance.

Frame Depth 4" - 6"
Panel Width Up to 6'
Best For 2-6 Story

Structural Glazing

+/-75-90 PSF

Four-sided silicone glazing for seamless aesthetic and maximum performance.

Frame Depth 5" - 8"
Sightline Flush
Best For High-Rise

Understanding Wind Pressure Zones

Design pressures vary based on location within the building facade.

Z5
Z4
Z4
Z4
Z5
Z4
F
F
F
Z4
Z4
F
F
F
Z4
Z5
Z4
Z4
Z4
Z5

Zone 5 - Corner Areas

Within 10% of building dimension from corners. Highest suction pressures due to wind acceleration.

+/-75 to +/-90 PSF

Zone 4 - Edge/Perimeter

Along roof edges and building perimeter. Moderate pressure increases from field areas.

+/-65 to +/-80 PSF

Field Areas - Interior

Central glazing areas away from edges and corners. Standard design pressure requirements.

+/-50 to +/-65 PSF

Storefront Specifications Matrix

HVHZ requirements by building height and application type.

Specification
1-2 Story
3-5 Story
6-10 Story
10+ Story
Field Design Pressure
+/-50 PSF
+/-55 PSF
+/-65 PSF
+/-75 PSF
Corner Zone Pressure
+/-65 PSF
+/-75 PSF
+/-85 PSF
+/-90 PSF
Glass Thickness (min)
7/16" Lam.
1/2" Lam.
9/16" Lam.
5/8" Lam.
Frame Depth (min)
2"
2.5"
4"
5"+
Impact Requirement
Large Missile
Large Missile
Large Missile
Large Missile

Aluminum Frame Systems

Frame profiles engineered for HVHZ storefront applications.

Standard Thermal Frame

Thermally broken aluminum with polyamide strut for energy efficiency and condensation resistance.

2" - 2.5" Depth U-0.45 Typical +/-50-65 PSF

Heavy-Duty Thermal Frame

Reinforced aluminum with larger thermal break for high-pressure applications and superior performance.

4" - 6" Depth U-0.35 Typical +/-65-90 PSF

Storefront Glazing FAQ

Answers to frequently asked questions about storefront systems in Broward County.

What design pressure is required for storefront glazing in Broward HVHZ?

Storefront systems in Broward County HVHZ typically require +/-50 to +/-65 PSF for field glazing and +/-75 to +/-90 PSF for corner zones. Requirements increase based on building height, exposure category, and proximity to building corners.

What is the difference between Zone 4 and Zone 5 pressures?

Zone 5 applies to corner areas within 10% of the building dimension from corners, requiring the highest pressures (+75 to +90 PSF). Zone 4 applies to perimeter/edge areas requiring moderate pressures (+65 to +80 PSF). Field areas have the lowest requirements.

Is stick-built storefront allowed in HVHZ?

Yes, stick-built storefront systems are allowed in Broward HVHZ but must have Miami-Dade NOA approval and meet required design pressures. Unitized systems are often preferred for higher-pressure applications due to superior structural performance.

What glass makeup is required for HVHZ storefront?

HVHZ storefront requires laminated impact glass meeting TAS 201, 202, and 203. Typical makeup is 1/4" glass + 0.090" PVB + 1/4" glass for large missile impact. Larger panels or higher pressures may require thicker glass or SGP interlayer.

Storefront Min. Rating
+/-50 PSF
Large Missile Impact Required