Florida Window & Door Contractor EXAM with
Questions and Answers/Plus a Rationale Updated 2026
A+/Instant Download PDF
EXAM COVERAGE
1. Florida Building Code (FBC) Requirements
2. High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Standards
3. Structural Loads and Wind Resistance
4. Material Selection and Compatibility
5. Installation Procedures and Flashings
6. Water Resistance and Air Infiltration
7. Safety Regulations and OSHA Compliance
8. Licensing, Contracts, and Liens
9. Glass and Glazing Standards
10. Florida Energy Code Compliance
1. A contractor is installing a series of large-span fixed glass windows in a project located within an
HVHZ designated area. Which of the following is the most critical requirement for ensuring the
installation complies with the Florida Building Code for missile impact protection?
A. Verification of the glass thickness alone being at least 1/4 inch.
B. Installation of a system that has passed TAS 201, 202, and 203 testing.
, C. Application of high-strength structural silicone on the interior perimeter only.
D. Utilization of standard tempered glass to ensure maximum shatter resistance.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: HVHZ requirements specifically mandate compliance with TAS 201 (Impact), 202
(Static), and 203 (Cyclic) testing for missile impact. Option A is incorrect because thickness
alone does not guarantee impact resistance; C is incorrect because interior-only silicone is
insufficient for structural wind loads; D is incorrect because tempered glass is not impact-
resistant.
2. During the installation of an exterior aluminum-framed window in a coastal Florida jurisdiction,
what is the mandatory requirement for fasteners used to attach the frame to a concrete substrate
to prevent galvanic corrosion?
A. Use of hot-dipped galvanized steel screws exclusively.
B. Use of stainless steel or approved coated fasteners compatible with aluminum.
C. Wrapping all fasteners in electrical tape before insertion into the concrete.
D. Application of excessive amounts of polyurethane sealant to isolate the screw head.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Dissimilar metals, such as standard steel fasteners in aluminum frames in a coastal
environment, create a galvanic cell leading to corrosion; therefore, compatible stainless steel or
properly coated fasteners are required. Option A is often insufficient for coastal environments; C
and D are not recognized professional installation methods to prevent corrosion.
3. You are reviewing a shop drawing for a storefront system. Which component is specifically
responsible for the primary water drainage path in a "weep" system?
A. The head flashing.
B. The interior trim casing.
C. The sill member and its associated baffle system.
D. The perimeter sealant joint between the frame and the building.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
, Rationale: The sill member is engineered to capture water that infiltrates the system and direct it
outward through weep holes, often utilizing baffles to prevent reverse air/water pressure.
Options A, B, and D do not constitute the primary drainage path for a standard weep system.
4. When installing windows in a wood-frame structure, what is the correct sequence for applying
flexible flashing membrane to ensure a "weather-board" effect?
A. Head flashing, then sides, then the sill flashing.
B. Side flashings, then the head flashing, then the sill flashing.
C. Sill flashing, then side flashings, then the head flashing.
D. The head flashing and sill flashing simultaneously, then sides.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
Rationale: This sequence ensures that each successive layer of flashing overlaps the one below
it, directing water away from the wall cavity rather than into it. Other sequences would create
"reverse laps," trapping water behind the flashing.
5. A client requests a window replacement that requires reducing the existing rough opening size by
4 inches on the sides. What is the most important structural consideration when framing this
change?
A. Ensuring the new studs match the color of the old framing lumber.
B. Ensuring the new framing carries the header load and is properly fastened to the
structure.
C. Using only pressure-treated lumber for the entire interior wall cavity.
D. Simply screwing 2x4 blocking into the existing studs without additional structural support.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Any reduction in opening size must ensure the structural integrity of the wall,
specifically that the header load is properly transferred to the foundation. Option A is aesthetic,
C is not universally required for interior framing, and D ignores load-bearing requirements.
6. A window replacement project involves a masonry substrate. What is the minimum required
edge distance for a masonry screw fastener to prevent spalling of the concrete or block material?
A. 0.5 inches from the edge.
B. 1.0 inch from the edge.
, C. The manufacturer's published requirements, typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
D. No minimum distance is required if the fastener is galvanized.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
Rationale: Masonry fasteners exert high localized stress; failure to respect the manufacturer’s
minimum edge distance results in material blowouts and reduced pull-out capacity. Options A
and B are arbitrary, and D ignores basic physics of anchoring.
7. In a high-velocity wind event, what is the primary function of the "pressure-equalization" design
in modern curtain wall systems?
A. To increase the speed of air infiltration.
B. To reduce the pressure differential across the glass by allowing the air cavity to equalize
with exterior pressure.
C. To prevent the glass from becoming too cold in winter.
D. To eliminate the need for any perimeter seals.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Pressure equalization minimizes the forces acting on the window seal by balancing
the air pressure inside the frame cavity with the exterior, significantly reducing water
infiltration. Options A, C, and D describe incorrect or irrelevant functions.
8. When determining the "Design Pressure" (DP) rating for a specific opening, which factor is NOT
required?
A. The building's mean roof height.
B. The wind speed map classification for the specific site.
C. The interior color and finish of the window frames.
D. The building's occupancy category.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
Rationale: DP ratings are calculated based on structural load requirements (wind speed, height,
exposure); the color/finish of the frame is an aesthetic concern, not a structural one. Options A,
B, and D are all integral variables in the FBC wind load equations.
Questions and Answers/Plus a Rationale Updated 2026
A+/Instant Download PDF
EXAM COVERAGE
1. Florida Building Code (FBC) Requirements
2. High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Standards
3. Structural Loads and Wind Resistance
4. Material Selection and Compatibility
5. Installation Procedures and Flashings
6. Water Resistance and Air Infiltration
7. Safety Regulations and OSHA Compliance
8. Licensing, Contracts, and Liens
9. Glass and Glazing Standards
10. Florida Energy Code Compliance
1. A contractor is installing a series of large-span fixed glass windows in a project located within an
HVHZ designated area. Which of the following is the most critical requirement for ensuring the
installation complies with the Florida Building Code for missile impact protection?
A. Verification of the glass thickness alone being at least 1/4 inch.
B. Installation of a system that has passed TAS 201, 202, and 203 testing.
, C. Application of high-strength structural silicone on the interior perimeter only.
D. Utilization of standard tempered glass to ensure maximum shatter resistance.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: HVHZ requirements specifically mandate compliance with TAS 201 (Impact), 202
(Static), and 203 (Cyclic) testing for missile impact. Option A is incorrect because thickness
alone does not guarantee impact resistance; C is incorrect because interior-only silicone is
insufficient for structural wind loads; D is incorrect because tempered glass is not impact-
resistant.
2. During the installation of an exterior aluminum-framed window in a coastal Florida jurisdiction,
what is the mandatory requirement for fasteners used to attach the frame to a concrete substrate
to prevent galvanic corrosion?
A. Use of hot-dipped galvanized steel screws exclusively.
B. Use of stainless steel or approved coated fasteners compatible with aluminum.
C. Wrapping all fasteners in electrical tape before insertion into the concrete.
D. Application of excessive amounts of polyurethane sealant to isolate the screw head.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Dissimilar metals, such as standard steel fasteners in aluminum frames in a coastal
environment, create a galvanic cell leading to corrosion; therefore, compatible stainless steel or
properly coated fasteners are required. Option A is often insufficient for coastal environments; C
and D are not recognized professional installation methods to prevent corrosion.
3. You are reviewing a shop drawing for a storefront system. Which component is specifically
responsible for the primary water drainage path in a "weep" system?
A. The head flashing.
B. The interior trim casing.
C. The sill member and its associated baffle system.
D. The perimeter sealant joint between the frame and the building.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
, Rationale: The sill member is engineered to capture water that infiltrates the system and direct it
outward through weep holes, often utilizing baffles to prevent reverse air/water pressure.
Options A, B, and D do not constitute the primary drainage path for a standard weep system.
4. When installing windows in a wood-frame structure, what is the correct sequence for applying
flexible flashing membrane to ensure a "weather-board" effect?
A. Head flashing, then sides, then the sill flashing.
B. Side flashings, then the head flashing, then the sill flashing.
C. Sill flashing, then side flashings, then the head flashing.
D. The head flashing and sill flashing simultaneously, then sides.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
Rationale: This sequence ensures that each successive layer of flashing overlaps the one below
it, directing water away from the wall cavity rather than into it. Other sequences would create
"reverse laps," trapping water behind the flashing.
5. A client requests a window replacement that requires reducing the existing rough opening size by
4 inches on the sides. What is the most important structural consideration when framing this
change?
A. Ensuring the new studs match the color of the old framing lumber.
B. Ensuring the new framing carries the header load and is properly fastened to the
structure.
C. Using only pressure-treated lumber for the entire interior wall cavity.
D. Simply screwing 2x4 blocking into the existing studs without additional structural support.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Any reduction in opening size must ensure the structural integrity of the wall,
specifically that the header load is properly transferred to the foundation. Option A is aesthetic,
C is not universally required for interior framing, and D ignores load-bearing requirements.
6. A window replacement project involves a masonry substrate. What is the minimum required
edge distance for a masonry screw fastener to prevent spalling of the concrete or block material?
A. 0.5 inches from the edge.
B. 1.0 inch from the edge.
, C. The manufacturer's published requirements, typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
D. No minimum distance is required if the fastener is galvanized.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
Rationale: Masonry fasteners exert high localized stress; failure to respect the manufacturer’s
minimum edge distance results in material blowouts and reduced pull-out capacity. Options A
and B are arbitrary, and D ignores basic physics of anchoring.
7. In a high-velocity wind event, what is the primary function of the "pressure-equalization" design
in modern curtain wall systems?
A. To increase the speed of air infiltration.
B. To reduce the pressure differential across the glass by allowing the air cavity to equalize
with exterior pressure.
C. To prevent the glass from becoming too cold in winter.
D. To eliminate the need for any perimeter seals.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Pressure equalization minimizes the forces acting on the window seal by balancing
the air pressure inside the frame cavity with the exterior, significantly reducing water
infiltration. Options A, C, and D describe incorrect or irrelevant functions.
8. When determining the "Design Pressure" (DP) rating for a specific opening, which factor is NOT
required?
A. The building's mean roof height.
B. The wind speed map classification for the specific site.
C. The interior color and finish of the window frames.
D. The building's occupancy category.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
Rationale: DP ratings are calculated based on structural load requirements (wind speed, height,
exposure); the color/finish of the frame is an aesthetic concern, not a structural one. Options A,
B, and D are all integral variables in the FBC wind load equations.
