Building to Resist Heavy Storms
New products and building techniques can give a house a fighting chance when extreme storms hit land.
Lateral Strength. Brackets can add lateral strength to resist wind near key areas above rim joists.
No Toe Nails. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for number of nails to use in thes fasteners,
Header Reinforcement. Hurricane straps should completely cross headers to avoid leaving weak points in wall assemblies. (FEMA)
Key Connection. Properly spaced steel tie-downs embedded in the slab or foundation wall should be a familiar detail to most builders.. (FEMA) (Download this and other free disaster guides HERE)
PRO TIP: Soffits often become an entry point for windblown rain in a storm. Caulk them in place by squeezing the caulk into the v groove where it connects with the building. In this photo, black caulk is shown simply to illustrate the caulking placement. More Info.
When it comes to building in storm-prone areas, you not only build for comfort, but for protection. A high-performance roof deck can be your home's first line of defense against high winds and wind-driven rain.
