
Achieving Strength and Affordability with Top-of-the-Line Technology
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"My philosophy is that you can add granite countertops and change your lighting fixtures, but you can't rebuild the body of a house. That's why I'm putting money and energy into building a really strong envelope."
In addition to wind-resistant shingles, Beall used
concrete masonry block (CMU) for durable walls and foundations. The home also features a safe room, doors that swing out, impact-resistant windows, and emergency backup power.
"We used Owens Corning 40-year shingles in this project," says Beall. "Compared to traditional shingles, there is little difference in appearance. High wind-resistant shingles are heavier and thicker and require a different nailing pattern, but they take the same amount of time to install and they don't require a special level of expertise. Any builder can use them." |
"Besides quality, the only real difference is the price. While regular shingles cost $70 per square, these cost $97 per square. But for the strength and durability, they're worth it."
Depending on the frequency of storms, the homeowner's cost for a roof with high wind-resistant shingles could be less than the cost of replacing the roof--to say nothing of storm-damaged interior walls and furnishings. Some insurance companies may also offer a discount on homeowner's insurance for shingles meeting a UL 2218 Class 4 rating. |
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This project included the following PATH-profiled technology:
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To complement the strength of the shingles, Beall used a hip roof design, which is less vulnerable than a gable roof in a storm. The roof includes a ridge vent made from a heavier gauge metal that has a lip to prevent water from entering the structure. Beall says ridge vents are stronger than soffit vents and less likely to blow off in a storm. The home also features 5/8-inch roof decking, a tighter nailing pattern than required by code, a peel-and-stick water barrier on all seams of the roof deck, and 30-pound felt. Hurricane straps tie the roof trusses to the body of the house.
Beall's Storm Safe Homes project isn't just about storm-resistance; it's also about preparedness. Details like the safe room and back-up power offer buyers peace of mind. Doubling as a master bedroom closet, the safe room is made from 8-inch concrete block, poured solid with a 4-inch cap of concrete on the ceiling. This is reinforced with #5 rebar running every 8 inches in each direction.
"A lot of the damage we've seen in storms has been the result of trees falling through roofs. A poured concrete slab that is reinforced with rebar will be safe from a falling tree."
A pre-wired six-circuit breaker box plugs into a generator that runs to outlets in the safe room, the master bedroom, the refrigerator, and one set of lights in the living room.
"It won't be a totally functional home, but it gives you enough power to run a fan, cook, and live for a few weeks," says Beall. Generators also allow fans and dryers to dry out the home if the power goes out after a hurricane.
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Content updated on 9/27/2006
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