PATH - A Public Private Partnership for Advancing Housing Technology
PATH Case Study
Hurricane-Resistant Building Package Speeds Construction,
Attracts Homebuyers
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TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS This project included the following PATH-profiled technologies: |
"That's an important designation, not just because it assures people that our homes are everything we say they are, but there's also a financial benefit to the homebuyer," Romig says. "In Florida, you get an insurance discount if it's a Fortified Home. Those discounts can range up to 70 percent for wind insurance. IBHS is also putting together a program with additional breaks on mortgages." With R-16 insulation on exterior walls, R-30 roof insulation, and double pane, low-e glass throughout their homes, Tarpon Coast has also earned ENERGY STAR and FPL BuildSmart Certifications. "Besides hurricane-resistance, these quality methods also translate into a tighter, more energy efficient home," says Romig. A HOLISTIC APPROACH "We use a building system. It's nothing that another builder couldn't do, but it's a combination of approaches that, when taken together, create an incredibly strong structure." |
"First, we start out with precast concrete walls. When the manufacturer pours the walls, the concrete is guaranteed to test a minimum 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi). In comparison, the typical foundation slab is poured using 3,000 to 3,200 psi concrete. The walls themselves have been large-projectile wind tested to 235 mph. Basically, large 2x4s just bounce off them. At 5,000 psi, concrete is impermeable. So once that wall system goes up--even if you don't put an ounce of paint on it--you still won't get any water penetration through the walls. It eliminated the whole issue of mold build-up that we had after Charley."
"To top that incredibly strong wall system, the roof system consists of 5/8th-inch plywood that is both glued and connected with ring-shank nails in the strongest pattern possible. Then the roof itself is strapped to the wall system with hurricane ties to meet the 150-mph wind-zone requirement. Since the wall system is expansion-bolted to the foundation, in the end, you wind up with a single unit."
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Content updated on 9/27/2006
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