A high-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ) is a special section of the Florida Building Code that requires building materials used in the zone to be tested and approved for performance under extreme weather. If you live in Miami-Dane County, Broward County or Palm Beach, you are in an HVHZ. The HVHZ is necessary to protect you and your property during hurricane season.
The Need for the HVHZ Code
Areas in the high-velocity hurricane zone often experience Category 3 to 5 hurricanes, which can cause serious damage to homes and buildings. There has been an increase in the frequency, intensity and duration of hurricanes in the North Atlantic since the 1980s. Hurricane Andrew devasted Southern Florida in 1992 with high levels of damage that brought the need for a change in Florida’s building codes.
The code was established to protect properties and homeowners by subjecting building materials to intense testing. Exterior windows and doors now have to be wind-resistant and impact-rated before they are installed in homes. The tests simulate hurricanes and wind-borne debris impact to ensure that products have the ability to withstand extreme weather events.
Meeting HVHZ and Florida Building Code Standards
For building products to meet HVHZ standards, they have to be put through a series of rigorous tests. These include product testing, laboratory tests, large and small missile tests.
During testing for windows, a six-foot-long 2×4 lumber weighing nine pounds is initially fired at the center of the glass at 50 feet per second. Then it is fired again at the sides and at the window frames. The glass will also be tested for its pressure resistance. An additional test is done, which involves pellets fired at the window at 80 feet per second.
For garage doors, a 2-by-4 piece of lumber is shot out of a cannon three different times to ensure the door can withstand heavy impact. If you are planning on installing a new garage door or windows in Miami-Dade and Broward County, you have to ensure you choose building materials that meet HVHZ standards.
The Doorman Is Here to Help Protect Your Property
Whether you live in HVHZ or any other part of Florida, it’s always best to be prepared, especially during hurricane season. At The Doorman, we provide garage door installations using the highest quality building materials that have been tested and approved for impact and wind resistance.
If you want to learn more about protection systems for your property, fill out our online form to get in touch with us.
