Moving right along in our discussion on hurricane resistant homes. Part 2
OK, so we are comfortable with the surface flood and storm surge risk discussed in Part 1. Now how about the house itself.
First, let’s look at when the building was constructed OR when major renovations like the roof, doors or windows replaced. The building codes changed across Florida when the 2001 Florida Building Code was implemented after March 1, 2002. Even though in Palm Beach County the loads to be resisted by the house did not change all that much the detailing of houses did. Most notably, prior to this, hurricane shutters or impact rated windows were NOT required IF the home was built to withstand the wind loads as if it had been breached. Looked good on paper but by then all that wind and water was inside. Insurance companies use basic construction date and building code information for determining rates. If your home, or major renovations (roof, impact protection, were constructed under a building permit issued based on the 2001 or later FBC you will get the preferred insurance rates and often without the need for an inspection.
So, 2002 or better construction and major renovations like roof and windows is preferred.
The next installment in this series. CBS or wood frame?
