b'553.844Windstormlossmitigation;requirementsforroofs and opening protection.TheFloridalegislaturealso Foundation For Community Association Researchtook the opportunity to include Facing The Truth Aboutthe following section in SB 4-Dtoupdateroofsdamagedby Aging Infrastructureswindstorms.Thephrasenotwithstanding any provision As buildings and their internal sys- contractorsincommunityassocia-oftheFloridaBuilding tems and physical components age, tions across the U.S. responded in aCode essentially asserts pri- how can the community associations surveytosharetheirrecentmajormacy of this provision over all that own them best prepare to meet capital projects with the task force.other provisions of law relating theunexpectedbutnecessary Morethanthree-quarters(81%)to roofs. financial demands? Over many con- ofsurveyrespondentsreported(5)Notwithstandingany versations in recent years, members encounteringunanticipatedandprovisionintheFlorida of the Foundation for Community unplanned-forinfrastructureissuesBuilding Code to the contrary, AssociationResearch(FCAR)have over a recent three-year period.if an existing roofing system or identified aging infrastructuresthe The aggregated information androof section was built, repaired, physical structures and the compo- observationsoftheserespondentsor replaced in compliance with nents within them that community revealedempiricaldatathatcantherequirementsofthe2007 associationsrelyonforresidents enlightenthoughtfulassociationFlorida Building Code, or any safetyandwell-beingasacritical boards and committees, communitysubsequenteditionsofthe concernforassociationmanagers, managers,businesspartnersandFlorida Building Code, and 25 boards, homeowners, and residents.contractors,homeownersanyonepercent or more of such roofing Toooften,accordingto whoisresponsiblefortheinvest-system or roof section is being Foundationmembersanddespite mentofcommunityassets.Thisrepaired, replaced, or recovered, occasional inspections and regularly project represents several years of dis-onlytherepaired,replaced,or scheduledreservestudiesassocia- cussionandcountlesshourscon-recovered portion is required to tions fail to recognize serious struc- tributed from our volunteer leader-beconstructedinaccordance turalandsystemfailures.When ship.Wearegratefultothewith the Florida Building Code damage becomes so obvious that it FoundationThinkTank,whichineffect,asapplicable.The cannot be ignored, the tendency is to identified the need for the researchFloridaBuildingCommission makesuperficialortemporary and provided funding for this proj-shalladoptthisexceptionby repairsandpostponecomprehen- ect, and to the members of the Agingruleandincorporateitinthe sive, in-depth restoration. Infrastructures TaskForcefortheirFloridaBuildingCode. Toaddressthisgrowingprob- steadfast volunteer leadership. TheseNotwithstandings.553.73(4), lem, the Foundation convened a task industryleadersensuredthatwealocalgovernmentmaynot force in 2018, comprising attorneys, gatheredtherightdataandadopt by ordinance an adminis- reservespecialists,engineers,insur- completed the research project.trative or technical amendment anceproviders,managers,and Theoverwhelmingmajorityto this exception. ! bankers, to determine what issues are of issues reported by survey respon-the most prevalent in failing physical dentswater intrusion in windowsFor more information on the legislation components, andespeciallyhow andsiding,deterioratingbalconiesSB 4-D, click on the link below: associationscanpreparethemselves orfences,orfailingpipesorhttps://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022D/4D toaddressandresolvetheseissues roofing,amongavarietyofotherwhentheyinevitablyarise. problemswerenotasurprisetoSource: International Institute of Building CommunityAssociationsInstitute those who had to address them.Enclosure Consultants. managers,boardmembers,and Continued on page 14 FSpring 2023 Suncoast Review - 13'