How to Build a House in Hurricane Country
We seem to be in a period of more violent storms than we've seen in a few generations. Building a home in an area along the ocean where hurricanes prowl is a challenging job. Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina provided ample proof that just building strong walls will not protect occupants when one of these monsters takes aim. But new building codes and products make the job a little easier. Here's how to build a house in hurricane-prone areas. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Check--and insist that you contractor follow--your local building codes. Most codes have been amended since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 to require particular materials, bracing and hardware that experts agree might have lessened the damage done across central Florida during that storm. Katrina taught builders and engineers new lessons in 2005. If your local code has not been updated since 1992, find one that has been. "X" bracing on gable ends, truss bracing and hurricane straps are some of the things that ought to be included in any coastal building code (see Resources below).
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Start with a smart design. Build as low to the ground as possible and avoid gables and other roofline details that might be attractive but provide a way for wind to take hold of a roof. Use curves instead of sharp angles and design windows so they can be protected. Work protective elements into your design. Include a gas-powered generator in your building plans. Study traditional tropical buildings for ideas.
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Invest in hurricane shutters. Windows and doors are where wind and water get in the house. Most codes require some type of protection for windows. Find the best shutters you can afford for all of the openings, from windows to doors to the garage door. Styles range from shutters that you can put up and take down to attractive permanent shutters in styles like "plantation shutters" or "Bahama shutters" that shade as well as protect. New materials that "coat" glass will simply control shards when the glass shatters--they will not protect the window and the fabric of the building the way shutters do.
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Use the right materials. Substitute sturdy engineered MF or MDI materials for wood on exteriors, decks and outbuildings--anywhere that splintering wood might create a hazard. Composite building materials are not only stronger than wood, they are greener because they use recycled wood. A wide variety of materials is available. Just make sure they're rated as exterior grade and waterproof.
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Think ahead when landscaping. Plant material can become guided missiles in a hurricane. Tropical plants like palms, shrubs and vines that can be trimmed before the storm hits have a better chance of surviving than varieties like oaks. When choosing trees, choose small-crowned rather than large crowned specimens to lessen wind resistance. Many nurseries sell "hurricane-proof plants." Ask what experience the rating is based upon--nursery owners have some amazing stories to share.
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Provide shelter for vehicles and things that can't be brought inside. Space for cars to be parked alongside a house and an area to "heel-in," or bury potted plants, should be part of your design. Imagine a car being picked up and moved and you can identify what sort of items you'll need to shelter. Tables, chairs and barbecues should all have a place inside so they can't do more damage than the wind itself.
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Tips & Warnings
If your local code isn't up to date, find a better one and use it. Then visit the mayor or your representative on the city council and encourage him to update your municipality's code. Since you're doing the research to build your home, volunteer to help.
If your builder thinks she knows better than the building code and says you don't need all that stuff, you may need to find a new builder. At the every least, keep a keen eye on the work and become best friends with the building inspector.
Resources
- Photo Credit Microsoft Office clip art, Scott Reynolds
