BUILDING TO RESIST AND PERSIST

Mitigating disaster damage and increasing resilience through fortification.

Considering the recent major storms Helene and Milton… more and more people are scratching their heads as to WHAT TO DO?   How to protect oneself better?  How to mitigate the stressors of these events? Of course, this affects us from preparations to take the hit and hunker down, all the way to batten down the hatches and evacuating, to clean up and repairs afterward.

AND, whenever possible, adding in the option to prevent as much as we can from moving to a different area – (but who really knows where) to building “fortress monstrosities to defend” oneself!!!

This latter idea encompasses an ever-growing trend of “fortification”!!

Fortifying your building involves taking steps to strengthen it beyond the basic building code requirements, making it more resilient to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, high winds, and heavy rainfall. Here’s how you can fortify your home, business, or other structures:

1. Start with the Roof

The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of any building during severe weather. A fortified roof can help prevent catastrophic damage.

• Use Wind-Resistant Shingles or UL (uplift) rated steel sheeting with proper fastening : Install roofing materials rated for high winds, such as impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing.
• Add a Secondary Water Barrier: Install a secondary water barrier underneath the shingles/sheeting to prevent water intrusion in case the primary layer is damaged.
• Strengthen Roof Connections: Use hurricane straps or clips or special fasteners to secure the roof to the walls, preventing it from being lifted off during high winds.
• Reinforce Eaves and Soffits: If you can’t avoid putting on self-supporting overhangs, install reinforced soffits and eaves to prevent wind and water from entering the attic space.

2. Strengthen Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are entry points for debris and wind. Fortifying them will reduce the likelihood of breakage or blowout during a storm.

• Install Impact-Resistant Windows: Use windows now designed to withstand high wind speeds and impacts from flying debris.
• Install Storm Shutters: Add roll-down or accordion storm shutters to cover windows and glass doors during storms.
• Reinforce Entry Doors: Use solid core doors for entryways and ensure they have at least three hinges and a deadbolt for added security.
• Fortify Garage Doors: Replace your garage door with one that is wind-rated or reinforce your existing door with bracing kits.

3. Reinforce the Walls

A building’s walls should be able to withstand high winds and impacts from debris.

• Make sure your building is properly designed to meet the wind speed  you need to have.
• Upgrade to Reinforced Concrete or Brick: For new builds, consider using concrete, brick, or other reinforced materials as your outer envelope, that are more resistant to impact and high winds.
• Anchor Walls to Foundations: Make sure you use tie-downs or anchor bolts to securely fasten the walls to the foundation, reducing the risk of collapse.
• Fortify Interior Walls: Strengthen critical interior walls, such as those that create a safe room, by using materials like reinforced concrete or steel framing.

4. Secure the Foundation

A solid foundation is crucial to the stability of any structure during a storm or earthquake.

• Use Anchor Bolts: Secure the structure to the foundation with heavy-duty anchor bolts properly designed to prevent it from shifting during an earthquake or storm.
• Install a Water-Resistant Barrier: Use moisture barriers or flood-resistant materials for homes in flood-prone areas to prevent water intrusion and mold growth.

5. Elevate the Building (If in a Flood Zone)

If you live in a flood-prone area, consider elevating your home or business above the base flood elevation (BFE).

• Elevate Electrical Systems: Move electrical outlets, switches, and panels above the expected flood level.
• Install Flood Vents: Flood vents allow water to flow through the foundation walls, relieving pressure and reducing the risk of collapse.
• Using stem walls can not only lift your building “seem” up – but also give other advantages to the use value of your interior.

6. Fortify Exterior Features

Don’t overlook outdoor elements, as these can become weak points during severe weather.

• Use Impact-Resistant Siding: Consider impact-resistant siding materials such as higher gauged sheeting, fiber-cement, engineered wood, or reinforced vinyl.
• Secure Outdoor Structures: Ensure that carports, patios, or porches are anchored securely to the ground and the building.
• Strengthen Chimneys: If your building has a chimney, reinforce it to prevent collapse during high winds or earthquakes.

7. Create a Safe Room

A fortified safe room or storm shelter can be a lifesaver during a severe weather event.

• Build with Reinforced Materials: Use steel-reinforced concrete or thick, impact-resistant materials for walls and ceilings.
• Install a Sturdy Door: Ensure the safe room has a door that is both wind- and impact-resistant, designed to remain closed under extreme pressure.
• Locate the Safe Room Strategically: Safe rooms should ideally be located in a central, easily accessible area on the lowest floor of the building.

8. Improve Drainage and Flood Protection

Preventing water from accumulating around your building can reduce the risk of flooding.

• Install a Sump Pump: A sump pump can help remove water from a basement or crawl space.
• Improve Drainage Systems: Ensure gutters, downspouts, and storm drains direct water away from the building.
• Use Flood Barriers: Consider installing flood barriers or levees around the property if you’re in a high-risk flood zone.

9. Use FORTIFIED Standards

The FORTIFIED Home Program offers three levels of protection—FORTIFIED Roof, FORTIFIED Silver, and FORTIFIED Gold—that exceed standard building codes, particularly in hurricane-prone areas.

• FORTIFIED Roof: Reinforces the roof, ensuring it’s securely attached to the structure and providing a secondary water barrier.
• FORTIFIED Silver: Enhances the building envelope by reinforcing windows, doors, and attached structures.
• FORTIFIED Gold: Provides the highest level of protection by integrating reinforcements throughout the entire structure, including walls and foundation.

10. Work with Experienced Contractors

Choose contractors who are familiar with fortification techniques and have experience building to exceed local codes. Make sure your builder is well-versed in the FORTIFIED Standards if you’re aiming to fortify your building.

By taking these steps to fortify your home or business, you’ll enhance the safety, durability, use value, flexibility, and long-term resilience of your structure. Not only will you reduce potential damage during natural disasters, but you’ll also increase your ability to repair and “get back in the game” while having invaluable peace of mind, reduced stressors and potentially even lower insurance premiums.