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Frequently Asked Questions of Questions Regarding Product Evaluations

FAQ Index

General

  1. Is there a fee for having building products evaluated by TDI?TDI does not charge a fee for evaluating a product.
  2. Does TDI accept products that have been evaluated by the ICC evaluation service, the Florida Product Approval System, or by Dade County, FL?
    TDI has a third-party evaluation report listing program to list evaluation reports developed by recognized third-party agencies.
  3. Will TDI evaluate products that have been evaluated by the ICC evaluation service, by the Florida Product Approval System, or by Dade County, FL? TDI will not develop an evaluation report for products with a third-party evaluation report from one of the recognized agencies.
  4. Are Texas licensed professional engineers who are appointed by TDI as qualified inspectors required to use product evaluation reports developed by the TDI on structures they are certifying?
    The engineer appointed as a qualified inspector may use information, such as test reports and design drawings provided by the product manufacturer or code evaluation reports, to determine if a product meets the required adopted building specifications and the design requirements for the structure.
  5. What design pressure should I test my product to resist?
    Please refer to Tables R301.2(2) and R301.2(3) of the IRC or ASCE 7-16. Products tested in accordance with ASTM E 330-14 must be tested to 1.5 times the design pressure.
  6. In areas that require windborne debris protection, do you require that we test exterior wall coverings, such as vinyl siding, for windborne debris resistance?
    Windborne debris protection is only required for exterior opening products such as windows, exterior doors, garage doors, skylights. Please refer to section R301.2.1.2 of the IRC for specific windborne debris requirements.
  7. Where can I have my building products tested?
    Building products must be tested at independent testing facilities recognized by either (1) the International Code Council; (2) the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA); (3) the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA); (4) Dade County, FL; (5) Underwriters Laboratories (UL); (6) Factory Mutual (FM); or (7) TDI.
  8. If I test a product windborne debris resistance, does it also need to be tested for uniform static pressure resistance?
    Refer to FAQs for windows, doors, garage doors, skylights, and impact protective systems for specific requirements.
  9. What standards for windborne debris will TDI accept?
    TDI will accept, for review, test reports for building products that have been tested in accordance with either: (1) ASTM E 1886-13a and ASTM E 1996-14a; (2) AAMA 506-16; or (3) ANSI/DASMA 115-2016 for garage doors, or (4) Dade County, FL TAS-201, TAS-202, and TAS-203 (except for windows and glass doors that must comply with the testing and labeling criteria specified in Section R609.3 and R609.6.1 of the IRC and Section 1709.5.1 of the IBC and for skylights that must comply with the testing and labeling criteria specified in Section R308.6.9of the IRC and Section 2405.5 of the IBC).
  10. When testing windows, doors, and garage doors in accordance with ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996, what large missile criteria must I use?
    If you want the product to be acceptable in all wind zones as defined in ASTM E 1996-14a, then Missile Level D from that standard shall be used (9 lb (+/- 0.25 lb) 2x4, 8 ft (+/- 4 in.) long, with an impact speed of 50 ft/s). This criteria applies to basic protection located at a height of 30 feet or less on a structure as defined in ASTM E 1996-14a. For other criteria, please consult with TDI.
  11. When testing skylights in accordance with ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996, what large missile criteria must I use?
    If you want the product to be acceptable in all wind zones as defined in ASTM E 1996-14a, then Missile Level C from that standard shall be used (4.5 lb (+/-0.25lb) 2x4, 4 ft (+/-4 in.) long, with an impact speed of 40 ft/s. This criteria applies to basic protection located at a height of 30 feet or less on a structure as defined in ASTM E 1996-14a. For other criteria, please consult with the TDI.
  12. Is windborne debris protection required above 60 ft on a building?
    In accordance with Section 1609.2 of the IBC, windborne debris protection is not required for exterior openings located above 60 feet in Category II, III, or IV Buildings.
  13. If a building product is not listed on TDI's product evaluation index, then does that mean that the product is not acceptable?
    It may only mean that TDI has not evaluated the product because we have not received any information from the product manufacturer. It's possible that the product meets the building specifications TDI adopted. If you are interested in using a product that is not listed on our index, and the product installation will be inspected by a TDI windstorm field inspector, please contact the TDI prior to purchasing the product. We may be able to obtain the appropriate test data from the product manufacturer and provide it to our inspectors. If a Texas licensed professional engineer who is appointed by the TDI as a qualified inspector will be inspecting the product installation, then the engineer can obtain the appropriate test data directly from the product manufacturer and can determine if the product complies with the building specifications TDI adopted.
  14. Are building products that are installed on commercial buildings required to meet TDI's requirements?
    If the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) will insure the commercial structure for windstorm and hail insurance, then all of the commercial structure's installed building products subject to wind loads should comply with the building specifications TDI adopted.
  15. When is the small missile impact test required?
    Please refer to ASTM E 1886-13a and ASTM E 1996-14a. For impact protective systems (shutters), the test is required if there are openings greater than 3/16 inch projected horizontally. For exterior opening systems (windows, doors, skylights), the test is required when the products will be installed greater than 30 feet above grade (Note: for exterior opening systems, the small missile test is not required if the exterior opening product has passed the large missile test).
  16. If I am testing my product for windborne debris resistance, how many specimens must I test?
    Please refer to ASTM E 1886-13a and ASTM E 1996-14a. You must test three specimens. All three must pass the test criteria.
  17. If I am testing my product for windborne debris resistance, how many specimens must I test for uniform static pressure?
    You must test one specimen for uniform static pressure resistance. You may also use the specimen tested for uniform static pressure for the windborne debris testing.
  18. Are products required to be labeled indicating that they have been accepted by TDI?
    TDI does require that certain products bear a label. Such products include windows, doors, garage doors, skylights, and shutters. The label must include information such as the product name, the product manufacturer, the series/model number, and the design pressure rating. If the product is windborne debris resistant, it must indicate the missile criteria it passed and the cyclic wind pressure rating. Note: TDI does require labels for windows and glass doors in accordance with Sections R609.3 and R609.6.1 of the IRC and Section 1709.5.1 of the IBC. Skylights shall comply with the labeling criteria specified in Sections R308.6.9 and Section 2405.5 of the IBC.
  19. I reviewed ASTM E 1996, and it does not provide the guidance I need for impacting my product. What should I do?
    Contact the engineering section of TDI prior to testing your product. TDI will provide recommendations for impacting the products.

Exterior Doors

  1. What test criteria must doors comply with?
    Glass doors must be tested in accordance with either ASTM E 330-14. ANSI/DASMA 108-17. If you will also test the garage door for windborne debris resistance, refer to the General Questions section of this FAQ for the acceptable windborne debris test criteria.
  2. Do I have to test all size doors that I manufacturer to have them listed with TDI?
    In general, you should test the largest door slab size. If the door will contain glazing, you should test the largest glazing infill. TDI will accept smaller doors of the same construction at the design pressure rating for the tested assembly. Please consult with TDI's Engineering Services Program prior to testing the door products.
  3. If an OXX door configuration is tested, how many other door configurations can be accepted without additional testing?
    The following door configurations can be accepted without additional testing: O, X, OO, XX, XO, OOO, OOX, OXO.
  4. If my single door has glazing, where should the door be impacted?
    The glazing shall be impacted as specified in ASTM E 1886-13a and ASTM E 1996-14a. For the non-glazed portions of the door, each door shall be impacted once at the center of the thinnest portion.
  5. If I have double doors with glazing, where should the doors be impacted?
    The glass in one door of each specimen shall be impacted in accordance with ASTM E 1996-14a. For the non-glazed portions of the doors, one door of each specimen shall be impacted once at the center of the thinnest portion. Each double door assembly shall also be impacted at the center where they lock together.
  6. How should I consider hardware when I test my doors?
    You must test doors with the hardware that will be installed with the door. If you test the door as a non-impact resistant door, then a separate test is required for each type of hardware that will be used. If you test the door for windborne debris resistance, then a different hardware set can be used on each test specimen. If the doors pass the test, then TDI will accept the different hardware types.
  7. I tested a door that is an inswing configuration. Can I get acceptance for an outswing configuration?
    The door with the outswing configuration must also be tested.
  8. How can I secure the sill of an entry door to the test buck?
    If the sill is secured to a wood test buck with fasteners, then the product evaluation report will require that the sill be secured to wood framing. You may submit a fastener analysis for alternative fasteners that can be used to secure the sill to a concrete or concrete block. The door may also be tested with the sill secured to the test buck with silicone. In this manner, the sill can be secured to wood framing, concrete block, or concrete with silicone as a minimum.
  9. Can I submit my door components for acceptance by TDI?
    TDI does not develop product evaluation reports for building product components. You must test the product as a full-size assembly with all the components and hardware that will be used when the product is installed in the field.

Garage Doors

  1. What test criteria must garage doors comply with?
    Garage doors must be tested in accordance with either ASTM E 330-14 or ANSI/DASMA 108-17. If you will test the garage door for windborne debris resistance, refer to the General Questions sections of this FAQ for the acceptable windborne debris test criteria.
  2. What is the maximum allowable cycle time for garage doors?
    If the surface area of the garage door is less than 75 sf, then the maximum allowable cycle time is three seconds. If the surface area of the garage door is greater than 75 sf, then the maximum allowable cycle time, in seconds, is determined by the following equation: (Area of garage door - 75) x F-3. Where F=0.6 for sectional doors and F=0.35 for roll-up doors.
  3. Where should a sectional garage door with glazing and without horizontal and vertical supports be impacted?
    You shall impact the non-glazed portions of the doors in accordance with ASTM E 1996-14a or ANSI/DASMA 115-2016. Impacts shall be to the door panel. You shall impact one glass panel from each door specimen in accordance with ASTM E 1996-14a or ANSI/DASMA 115-2016.
  4. Where should a sectional garage door without glazing and without horizontal and vertical supports be impacted?
    You shall impact the doors In accordance with ASTM E 1996-14a or ANSI/DASMA 115-2016. Impacts shall be to the door panels.
  5. Where should a sectional garage door with horizontal and vertical supports be impacted?
    You shall impact the doors in accordance with ASTM E 1996-14a or ANSI/DASMA 115-2016. Impacts shall be to the door panels and not to either the horizontal or vertical supports.
  6. If I test an 8' tall sectional garage door, can I gain acceptance for taller doors?
    The doors must not include any vertical supports.
  7. What wind pressures are garage doors required to resist?
    Refer to either Table R301.2(2) of the IRCor ASCE 7-16 for required wind pressures on garage doors.

Impact Protective Systems (Shutters, etc.)

  1. What test criteria must impact protective systems comply with for uniform static pressure?
    You must test Impact protective systems in accordance with ASTM E 330-14. For windborne debris resistance testing, refer to the General Questions sections of this FAQs for the acceptable windborne debris test criteria.
  2. Is there a maximum deflection limitation when testing impact protective systems?
    In accordance with Section 5.5 of ASTM E 1996-14a, you must measure and record the dynamic deflection and the residual deflection. In accordance with Section 8.3 of ASTM E 1996-14a, the impact protective system must be offset from the fenestration assembly based on the measured and recorded deflections. Please refer to Sections 5.5 and 8.3 of ASTM E 1996-14a.
  3. Do roll-up and accordion shutters have to be operable following the impact and cyclic wind pressure loading test?
    The shutters do have to be operable prior to the conduct of the test.
  4. Where should storm panels, such as aluminum or steel corrugated panels be impacted?
    The impacts shall be located in the valleys of the corrugations. Please refer to ASTM E 1996-14a for further impact testing requirements.
  5. If a shutter system is tested with lateral supports, are there any specific limitations?
    If a system is tested with lateral supports, then the product will be limited to the width (horizontal span) of the specimen tested. If a product is tested without lateral supports, then there is no limitation to the width (horizontal span).
  6. Where should accordion shutters with a center-locking device be impacted?
    Each specimen shall have a center impact at the location of the locking device. In addition, each specimen shall have one panel impacted at the locations specified in ASTM E 1996-14a.

Skylights

What test criteria must skylights comply with?
Skylights shall be tested in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17. If the skylight is tested for windborne debris resistance, then it must be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1886-13a and ASTM E 1996-14a or AAMA 506-16.

Windows

  1. What test criteria must windows comply with?
    You must test windows in accordance with AAMA/WDMA.CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17 and bear a label as specified in Section R609.3 of the IRC or Section 1709.5.1 of the IBC. You should test windows that fall outside the scope of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17 in accordance with ASTM E 330-14. If you will also test the windows for windborne debris resistance, refer to the General Questions sections of this FAQ for the acceptance windborne debris test criteria.
  2. Where should single hung windows be impacted?
    If the fixed lite and the operable sash are glazed identically, then the impacts shall be to the glazing in the operable sash only. If the fixed lite is larger than the operable sash, then both the fixed lite and the operable sash shall be impacted. Impacts shall be in accordance with ASTM E 1996-14a.
  3. Where should horizontal slider windows be impacted?
    If the fixed lite and the operable sash are glazed identically, then the impacts shall be to the glazing in the operable sash only. If the fixed lite is larger than the operable sash, then both the fixed lite and the operable sash shall be impacted. Impacts shall be in accordance with ASTM E 1996-14a.
  4. Where should double hung windows be impacted?
    The impacts shall be to the larger of the operable sashes. Impacts shall be in accordance with ASTM E 1996-14a.
  5. Where should fixed, casement, and awning windows be impacted?
    The impacts shall be to the glazing and in accordance with ASTM E 1996-14a.
  6. I have my individual window products listed with TDI. Are my mulled window assemblies also included?
    In order to have your mulled window assemblies included with your individual windows, you must submit data to support the use of the mulled assemblies. Structural mullions must be evaluated in accordance with Section R609.3 of the IRC. Mullions may also be evaluated in accordance with AAMA 450-10. Contact the engineering section of TDI prior to evaluating the mulled assemblies for specific requirements.
  7. My window is labeled in accordance with Section R609.3 of the IRC. Can I submit a comparative analysis to TDI to gain acceptance for smaller windows at a higher design pressure?
    The TDI will only accept the smaller window if the window's test is in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17, and bears a label as specified in Section R609.3 of the IRC or Section 1709.5.1 of the IBC.
  8. My window is labeled in accordance with Section R609.3 of the IRC. I had an identical smaller window tested to ASTM E 330 to achieve a higher design pressure than indicated on the label. Can I submit this test report to TDI to gain acceptance for the higher design pressure?
    The TDI will only accept the smaller window if the window's test is in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17, and bears a label as specified in Section R609.3 of the IRC or Section 1709.5.1 of the IBC.
  9. My window was tested as a new construction window. I also market the window as a replacement window. Will the TDI accept a fastener analysis to permit alternative fasteners to be used to for installing the replacement window?
    A Texas licensed professional engineer must seal the analysis. The engineer must be independent from the manufacturer of the product. The engineer shall submit the analysis to TDI. Contact TDI's Engineering Services Program prior to performing the analysis.
  10. Will the TDI accept a fastener analysis to permit alternative fasteners to be used to for installing windows?
    A Texas Licensed professional engineer must seal the analysis. The engineer must be independent from the manufacturer of the product. The engineer shall submit the analysis to TDI. The shear capacity and the withdrawal capacity for the alternative fasteners shall not be less than the shear capacity and the withdrawals capacity for the fasteners used with the tested assembly. In addition, the spacing of the alternative fasteners shall not exceed the spacing of the fasteners used with the tested assembly. Contact TDI's Engineering Services Program prior to performing the analysis.

For more information, contact: Windstorm@tdi.texas.gov

Last updated: 2/20/2024