Current Selection
Wind Pressure Factor
1.00
Exposure Category
B
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Broward County Contractors

Where You Build Matters

The land around your building site changes everything. Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the beach have completely different wind requirements. Move the slider to see how terrain affects your project.

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Drag to Change Terrain Exposure B
YOU
Design Pressure
-35 psf
Urban (B) Suburban (C) Coastal (D)

The Three Exposure Categories

Think of it like wind having different "running room" before hitting your building

B
Urban / Suburban
Buildings and trees everywhere. Wind has to slow down going around obstacles. Like running through a crowded room.
Pressure Multiplier
1.00x
C
Open Terrain
Flat land with scattered trees or small buildings. Wind picks up speed. Like jogging across an empty parking lot.
Pressure Multiplier
1.40x
D
Coastal / Flat
Nothing to slow the wind down. Water or flat mud flats for over a mile. Like a sprinter on an empty track.
Pressure Multiplier
1.66x

Same Building, Different Pressures

A 30-foot tall building with 180 mph wind speed in each exposure

Exposure B
-42 psf
Lower pressure = cheaper products
Exposure C
-59 psf
Middle ground - most common
Exposure D
-70 psf
Highest pressure = premium products

Quick Exposure Estimator

Estimated Exposure Category
C
Based on typical Broward County interpretations

Common Questions

What contractors ask about exposure categories

What are wind exposure categories in Broward County?
Exposure categories (B, C, D) describe the terrain around your building site. Exposure B is urban areas with buildings and trees. Exposure C is open terrain with scattered obstructions. Exposure D is flat, unobstructed coastal areas. Most of eastern Broward County along the coast is Exposure D, while inland areas may qualify for B or C.
How does exposure category affect my wind load requirements?
Higher exposure categories mean higher wind loads. Exposure D can increase wind pressures by 40-60% compared to Exposure B for the same building. This affects window ratings, shutter requirements, and structural connections. A window rated for Exposure B may fail in Exposure D conditions.
Is my Broward County project Exposure B, C, or D?
Properties within 600 feet of the coastline or Intracoastal are typically Exposure D. Properties 600-1500 feet from water with open terrain are usually Exposure C. Inland properties in developed areas like Coral Springs or Pembroke Pines may qualify for Exposure B. Your specific exposure depends on surrounding terrain in all directions.
Can I use Exposure B products in an Exposure D location?
No. Using products rated for lower exposure categories in higher exposure locations violates building codes and will fail permit inspection. More importantly, under-rated products may fail during a hurricane, causing property damage and potential injury. Always use products rated for your actual exposure category or higher.
Who determines my exposure category in Broward County?
The building official has final authority, but wind load calculations submitted with permit applications typically propose the exposure category based on ASCE 7 criteria. The engineer or designer analyzes terrain within 1 mile upwind of the site. Broward County building departments may require Exposure D for any property east of I-95 regardless of surrounding buildings.

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Enter your Broward County address and get the correct exposure category with proper wind load calculations

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