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Flood hardy constructions techniques for new construction, significant remodeling and minor restoration.
Homeowners can design their homes to be built so as to minimize damages caused by flooding. Learning as much information as possible before starting the building process is important. This article gives information on Flood Insurance Rate Maps, the National Flood Insurance Program, base flood elevations, and more.
As a homeowner, you need clear information about the options that are available to reduce flood damage to your home and straightforward guidance on selecting the option that is best for you. Quite often this is a difficult task. By knowing the basic questions to ask, you are guided toward the investment in retrofitting that is appropriate for you.
Find out your relative flood risk today. Simply enter your property information and FEMA will show you the relative flood risk to your property.
There is no single V-zone certificate used on a nationwide basis. Local communities and/or states have developed their own certification procedures and documents. This fact sheet contains information that explains the certification requirements for structural design and construction in V zones. SOURCE: FEMA 499 Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series Technical Fact Sheet 5.
Any home repair or remodeling work you do presents an opportunity to help your home fare better in the next storm. Whether you are just replacing siding or you have damage that's requiring you to completely remove all the wall coverings – inside or outside – you can work to minimize future storm damage at every stage of the project.
Homes in coastal areas must be designed and built to withstand higher loads and more extreme conditions. Homes in coastal areas will require more maintenance and more upkeep. Homes in coastal areas will cost more to design, construct, maintain, repair and insure. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA 499) Technical Fact Sheet 1.
In Louisiana, waters rise - from rain and tidal surge. It can happen anytime, anywhere, to anybody.
Whether you are just replacing a few shingles or have damage that requires you to strip your roof down to the rafters, you can take steps at every stage of work to minimize future storm damage. In addition, for new construction and substantial remodeling or repair, you’ll have to meet residential building codes designed to reduce potential roof damage from storms.
Definitions of terms used in flood protection.
Preventing wind damage involves strengthening areas where things could come apart. The walls, roof and foundation must be strong, and the attachments between them must be strong and secure.
Maps developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that show where flooding may occur, and in what depths, in the New Orleans and Plaquemines areas during future hurricanes.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC)coverage to pay up to $30,000 for the cost of compliance with State or local floodplain managementlaws or ordinances (II1.D of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP)). In the event the requiredmitigation measures are not completed within two years from the date of the state's or community'sdeclaration of substantial damage and order that mitigation measures be taken, the ICC claim cannotbe paid a
Louisiana homes are susceptible to damage from floods (rising water, including storm surge), wind (hurricanes, tornadoes and other strong winds) and water (heavy rains infiltrating the building. These hazards and coping with them, are explained more fully in this section.
In addition to designing for flood damage reduction, here are several techniques you can use in building the home to reduce the potential for flood damage.
Hip roofs (four-sided roof design) are more aerodynamic and inherently more resistant to uplift forces of high wind than gable end and other roof designs. If your home has a gable roof (two-sided pitched roof), the end wall takes a beating during a hurricane and typical framing methods create a vulnerable “hinge” line at the joint between levels. If not properly braced, it can collapse.
Louisiana floods - from excess rain and poor drainage; from overflow of rivers, streams and bayous; from drainage channels backing-up; from storm surge; from levee failures.
Flooding directly affects thousands of Louisiana citizens living in and near flood hazard areas.
The purpose of a safe room is to provide a space where you and your family can survive a tornado or hurricane with little or no injury. It is only safe when used wisely.
Our predecessors in Louisiana, the Indians and the early Europeans, avoided floods by vacating the floodplains during flood season or by building their homes on the higher ground and, even then, on piers.
With few exceptions, if you live in Louisiana you should have flood insurance. Flood damage is not covered under your homeowner's insurance policy. A flood without insurance is a terrible financial setback.
The durability of a coastal home relies on the types of materials used to construct it. Materials and construction methods should be resistant to flood and wind damage, driving rain, corrosion, moisture and decay. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction FEMA 499: Technical Fact Sheet 8.
