Hurricane Seminar Preparedness

Due to Hurricane IRMA we plan on closing Friday, September 8th at 3pm.  We will reopen as soon as possible after the storm. 

Let's pray that IRMA does not hit us. 

We hope that you and your loved ones remain safe through the storm. 

Purpose: To educate the general public and contractors on effects of hurricanes on homes and building structures and how to upgrade existing structures and prepare for a hurricane wind impact.

Florida Building Code                                               

National Hurricane Center

Outline :

A. Introduction:

1. Hurricane wind forces effects on homes and buildings structures

2. History in South Florida

3. Case studies

B. Components of a structure ( Homes, Buildings, infrastructure )

1. Subsoil conditions and water table

2. Foundations

3. Retaining walls, sea walls, and bearing walls

4. Structural frame

5. Roofs, trusses

6. Building envelope cladding ( doors, windows, openings)

7. Hurricane wind forces and effects of water and flooding

C. Inspections:

1. Roof ( trusses, connectors, decking, tiles, underlayment, roof vents, fascia, eaves, overhangs, flat, slope roof, drainage, X-bracing, framing)

2. Walls ( CBS, vs. wood framing, reinforcement, filled cells, concrete columns, beams, slabs,  balconies, porch, connectors, stability, shear walls)

3. Foundations: ( monolithic footings, stem wall footing, deep pile and foundations, slabs, decks, pools, driveways, boat docks, sea walls)

D. Planning Retrofitting and upgrades :

1. Inspection evaluations and recommendations by a qualified inspector certified engineer

2. Preparing a modification structural plan and upgrades

3. Hiring qualified, general contractors, insured and licensed

4. In progress inspections by a licensed qualified engineer or building inspector

5. Filing for construction permits ( home owner vs. contractor)

6. Compliance with Florida Building Code

E. Budgeting:

1. Planning for financial expenditures for structural upgrades

2. Insurance credits and savings

3. Contractor bids and competitive prices

4. Planning Construction when market prices are low ( Labor and materials)

F. Starting and completing structural upgrades

Final inspections and permit closeout.