Earthquakes. Hurricanes. Floods. Tornadoes. Fire. Natural disasters are a fact of life in some locations in the U.S. While the U.S. declares certain times of the year “Hurricane Season” or “Fire Season,” there’s no fool-proof way to plan for it.
Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans, and residents in North Carolina are still waiting for aid to fix damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Maui is still rebuilding from the wildfires that decimated historic structures. Los Angeles residents are also dealing with the destruction caused by the multiple wildfires still raging. People have returned to piles of rubble and ash where their home or business used to stand.
Tornadoes whip through Tornado Alley and other areas prone to the storms, leaving a trail of destruction. Floods can be their own natural disaster, or brought in the wake of another.
Various regions around the U.S. are vulnerable to these natural disasters, but there are ways to plan and protect yourself and your property in order to minimize damage.
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Follow Local Building Codes and Zoning Regulations
The old saying “rules are meant to be broken” isn’t always the best advice. When it comes to protecting your property and yourself when you’re inside it, following the rules can be a lifesaver. Building codes and zoning regulations have been formulated after years of experience and knowledge of the region’s strengths and weaknesses, in order to minimize risk.
California and other earthquake-prone areas have special rules regarding the types and strength of building materials used in an effort to minimize damage. Coastal areas may regulate how close to the coastline you can build in an effort to combat losses from erosion or hurricanes.
Other measures like raised foundations, impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofing, and more are all items that may be written into codes in an effort to build structures that can withstand the unpredictable scale of natural disasters.
Choose “Resistant” Materials
Some of these materials may be listed in the codes and regulations you’re using during your build. If you’re building in a hurricane-prone area, you’ll need to choose impact-resistant glass. You’ll also be advised to choose thick woods, steel, brick, and other strong structural elements. In areas where fires are a concern, use fire-resistant roofing materials including asphalt shingles (with a Class A rating), clay, and metal. Fiber cement and stucco are beautiful exterior finishes as well as non-combustible. There are even options like ember-resistant vents and fireproof insulation.
Defensible Space Landscaping
This is particular to fire-prone regions, but can also make for a beautiful picture wherever you live. The U.S. Forest Service defines defensible space as “the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been modified to reduce the wildfire threat and to provide an opportunity for firefighters to effectively defend the house.”
Not only does it create a beautiful landscape around your home, it adds a layer of protection through fire-resistant, native plants. Experts recommend at least 30 feet of this space all along the home to slow down fires and reduce the possibility of embers igniting your home.
Elevated Foundations & Flood-Resistant Materials
Typically found in flood zones, an elevated foundation assists not only in delaying flood damage but also works toward achieving ample drainage when flooding is not present.
The elevated foundation and drainage alone won’t completely minimize your problem. Consider using flood-resistant materials like concrete, pressure-treated woods, gympsum board, stone, and more.
Final Thoughts
Even if you stick to the bare minimum in the code, there are a number of home designs that can fit your needs and stand up against the natural disaster(s) of the area. We can help you find yours! We at Acipe Design know everyone has their own personality, desires, and needs. When you consult with us on your custom home build, we can help you navigate the codes and requirements, and use them to create your dream home no matter the natural disaster it may have to stand up against.
Contact us today!