Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q.   If I want to edit data for an opening and recalculate, how do I do it?

A.   Locate the opening you wish to modify, click at the left end of that line of calculation, modify the data as you wish, and click on “update”.

Q.   If I have questions while using the program, is there a help menu or wizard I can consult?

A.   The program features “real-time” help windows.  Simply position your mouse over the input area for a second and the help window will automatically appear.  If you require additional explanation beyond that supplied within the help window, please consult the appropriate section of the building code.  You may also click on the “FAQ” button on the right side of the program which will link you to this page of our website.  If the answer to your question is not listed on the FAQ page, please click on the link at the bottom the FAQ page and submit your question to us via e-mail.  We will respond in a timely manner.

Q.   I inserted the CD-ROM into my CD-ROM drive, but the install wizard does not start. What do I do?

A.   With your mouse, click Start, Run, Browse, then select your CD-ROM drive from the drop down menu.  Double click on the .exe file and follow the prompts to install the program.

Q.   I have installed the program, but it will not run. What do I do?

A.   This program requires Windows 2000 or XP.  If this requirement is not met, the program will not run on your machine.

Q.   When I change the opening elevation, the pressures do not change. Why?

A.   In the wall opening module, if the mean roof height of your building is less than 60 feet, then the opening elevation is irrelevant in determining the pressures.

Q.   I skipped the column for the location zone and the program still calculated pressures. Why?

A.   If the location zone is left empty for a wall component, the program automatically defaults to zone 5.

Q.   When I save a calculation, the file has an “.sid” extension, when I export a report, the file has an “.html” extension, and when I export to AutoCAD, the file has a “.txt” extension.  What are the differences between the files?

A.   The calculation data is saved an “.sid” or Structures International data file.  These files can only be opened within the “4 WIND” program.  The printable output is saved in the “.html” file.  This file type is universally understood by almost all printers and systems.  These files can not be opened within the program.  The “.txt” files are basic files that can be imported into most versions of AutoCAD.

Q.   What do I do when I have an opening above the mean roof height?

A.   Enter the window information, i.e., window elevation and dimensions, as you normally would. The program will still calculate that maximum positive and negative pressures, but will warn you to verify your opening elevation.

Q.   If I have an L-shaped, U-shaped, or T-shaped building, what building dimensions should I enter into the program?

A.   Unfortunately, the building code does not specifically address how to calculate the end zone width (“a”) for non-rectilinear buildings. The most conservative approach is to enter the overall dimensions of the building for the length and width in the appropriate cells.

Q.   I tried calculating the pressures by hand and came up with values that are different? Why?

A.   The program will automatically give you all of the allowed reductions per the building code. For example, if the roof of the building you are analyzing has a slope less than 10 degrees and a mean roof height that is less than 60 feet, the values for GCp may be reduced by 10%. Also, the program uses the “effective area” for each component that is entered. The definition of “effective area” is the larger of length times width (L x W) or length squared divided by three (L2 / 3). Consult ASCE 7 for more information.

Q.   What am I required to submit with my drawings in addition to the calculations I prepare with “4WIND” when I go for permitting?

A.   Permitting requirements vary from county to county and even city to city.  Specific information may be obtained by contacting the city’s building department.

Q.   How can I import the calculations into my AutoCAD drawing?

A.   Click Here to Download AutoCAD Template

Q.   I have your program “Design Pressures for Openings, Version 1.02”.  How is “4WIND” different?

A.   While both programs are based on ASCE-7, the new “4WIND” programs comply with the Florida Building Code 2004 and have been enhanced in many ways.  The “4WIND” programs do not require Microsoft Excel; data files can be saved, e-mailed to other users, and recalled n future updates; and your calculations can be exported to your AutoCAD drawings, just to name a few.

Q.   I have your program 4WIND, Version 1.00 or Version 2.00.  How are 4WIND, Versions 3.00 and 3.1 different? How is 4WIND, Version 3.2 different?