Guide to Aluminum Construction in High-Wind Areas

The Florida Building Commission formally adopted the AAF Guide Book into the Florida Building Code implemented in 2005. This publication is listed in the Building Code as follows:

"2002.4.1 The following design guides shall be accepted as conforming to accepted engineering practices: AAF Guide to Aluminum Construction in High Wind Areas"

This complete guide details the construction of aluminum-framed patios and related structures in compliance with the new Florida Building Code. It covers pool enclosures, screened rooms, carports, patio covers, mobile home roof-overs, glass rooms, guardrails, screened walls with or without guardrails, and lumber-framed utility sheds. The information presented includes product characteristics, engineered (allowable) spans, and construction fastening and connection details.

• Review addendums/errata to the Guide.
  
• Download an order form.
  
• Special Message to Building Officials, Inspectors and Plan Examiners
  
• Submit questions or comments about the book to AAF's Technical Committee.
  
• Look up registered users of the Guide.
  
• Find out about CEU seminars on How To Use The Guide. (May 16 in Melbourne and August 24 in Orlando)
• Get the student edition of the Guide

Do you have the most recent version?
To see if you have the correct edition that is now listed in the Florida Building Code, check the number of pages in Chapter 1. You should have 72 pages. Also if you have the Exposure C supplement in the back of the book, you have the correct edition. If you don't have the correct edition, please download the order form or contact AAF at 407-896-1015.

Latest News about the Guide

2007 Construction Guide Approved

The 2007 edition of the AAF Guide to Construction in High Wind Areas has been approved by the Florida Building Commission and will become part of the 2007 Code on October 1st.

Because the Code does not go into effect until October 1, 2008, we cannot say with certainty when the new edition will be available for sale. However, it can be previewed as a draft (see the link below) and will be the same prescriptive document that the 2004 edition now represents.

Until such time as the new code becomes effective, the 2004 edition will continue to be the singular prescriptive document that may be used by contractors working in the aluminum industry.

The Association would like to thank the many engineers and contractors who invested hours of their time and talent to the complete revision of the Guide. During the last 18 months, a series of meetings were held throughout the State for engineers and contractors interested in contributing to this important revision for our industry.

The Association is also extremely pleased that the Florida Board of Professional Engineers has agreed to withdraw their proposed rule that would have eliminated master file design manuals from our industry. There are many entities that played a role in bringing this issue to a successful conclusion and the AAF particularly appreciates the work of our General Counsel and Chief Lobbyist, Fred Dudley. Fred will be a guest of the Association at the Convention in Orlando.

USING THE AAF DESIGN MANUAL THROUGH 2007

The 2006 Supplement to the Florida Building Code, which went into effect on 12/08/06, has created some concern about the use of the AAF Design Manual.  To clarify that issue for both users of the manual and building departments throughout the State, the Building Commission has addressed the issue in their letter dated 12/12/06.  Please click here to view that letter.

GUIDE REVISION FOR 2007 EDITION COMPLETED

After a series of meetings with engineers and contractors from all areas of the State, and following the 45-day public comment period, AAF has completed an updated revision of the 2004 edition of the Guide to Aluminum Construction in High Wind Areas. This proposed revision has been submitted to the Florida Building Commission and was reviewed and approved by their Structural Technical Advisory Committee. It is anticipated that the 2007 Building Code will be released in October 2008.

The current edition (2004) is still the prescriptive document for use under the current Code and will remain so until the official release of the 2007 edition.

For those interested in reviewing the proposed draft submission for 2007, a copy may be downloaded here (be aware that this is a very large PDF file, approximately 23 megabytes - so the download may take some time). The AAF Revision Committee will continue in operation and will appreciate your comments and suggestions.

GOOGLE GROUP

There is a new Google Group created specifically for the revision process. In case you don't know, a Google Group is an online discussion -- carried mostly by email but also online -- about a specific topic.

Go to the revision Google Group.

2006 SUPPLEMENT

For site specific engineering, the following synopsis deals with 2006 Building Code changes.Download the Synopsis.

Mathematical Models Available

In the development of the AAF construction guide, many mathematical models were created, these are in the form of computer spreadsheets. As guide updates are developed and prepared, additional mathematical models will have to be added to the collection. If you have an interest in the purchase of any of these spreadsheets, please send an email to .

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