Innovating Florida Product Approval Compliance With Mapes Architectural Panels

Florida Product Approval is a certification that guarantees building materials are strong enough to withstand extreme weather like hurricanes. Building with materials that have this critical approval can ensure safety and protect investments by preventing damage from debris and high winds.

With extreme weather becoming the new normal for the coasts, it’s more important than ever that architects design buildings that can endure extreme weather events.

Understanding Florida Product Approval Compliance

Florida Product Approval was authorized by the 1998 Florida Legislature to ensure that building products meet exacting performance standards. 

Buildings designed and built with materials that have passed the stringent tests have a competitive edge. They are also safer and more likely to meet local building requirements, which is a significant selling point, especially in regions with high-impact requirements. 

Mapes Architectural Panels’ Approach to Compliance

Mapes has always been an industry leader in developing architectural panels that blend performance and beauty.

For example, Mapes’ MapeShield Impact-Resistant panels are Florida Product Approved and can withstand extreme impact without diminishing their strength or appearance. 

Compliance Processes and Procedures

The testing process for Florida Product Approval can take months, so manufacturers like Mapes ensure their product is as high performing as possible before submitting. There are three steps:

• Independent Third-Party Testing: The manufacturer must contact an independent testing agency to test mock-up pieces of the product in their lab. Independent labs conduct the necessary tests to verify that products meet the required performance standards. Their findings are crucial to the approval process, ensuring unbiased and accurate results.
• Engineering Review: After a third-party lab has tested the product, a Florida-licensed engineer reviews the test reports to confirm they meet Florida’s standards. 
• Approval and Maintenance: Once the product has passed the first two phases of the approval process, the product must maintain quality standards. Regular maintenance and retesting every three years are required.

You can find out more about the actual tests performed for Florida Product Approval and the criteria used for certification here.

Benefits of Mapes Architectural Panels’ Compliance

With the increased number of natural disasters, more buildings are made with tighter building codes to make the structures safer for longer. Architects and builders need to be extra careful in selecting the materials, ensuring they’ve been tested and certified. 

Architects and builders know the quality of Mapes architectural panels — Mapes has a well-known reputation for quality and is constantly reinventing processes to create panels that balance design with durability. Industry professionals choose MapeShield panels because they want to create buildings that will maintain their appearance and strength for years to come.

Because MapeShield architectural panels received Florida Product Approval, architects can rest assured that the Mapes products they use will be able to withstand the elements.

Learn More About MapeShield Architectural Panels

With the combination of strength, design and compliance, MapeShield panels are an excellent choice for any construction project. They can be customized to fit your signature style or to meet brand standards for building designs.

Reach out to Mapes to find the perfect panels to fit your project’s aesthetic and durability needs.