Aug 22 2005
The first Fortified...for safer living(R) home in Lee County is complete, but more are already being built.
Fortified...for safer living(R) is a new-home construction designation program of the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a national nonprofit organization based in Tampa. "Fortified" techniques and materials raise a home's overall disaster- resistance above the minimum requirement of local building codes.
"Fortified" home buyers and builders may choose from a package of affordable upgrade options based on the home's location. RFB, Inc. has just completed its first "Fortified" home on 16th Street SW in Lehigh Acres. This home and two others in progress have added protection against hurricanes, flooding and wildfires -- the state's three most destructive natural elements.
Construction features include:
- An ICF (insulated concrete form) ECO-Block wall system 4" thick with steel reinforced concrete, which provides superior protection against wind- driven debris and offers greatly enhanced energy efficiency. The house has an Energy Star rating in addition to being "Fortified".
- Connections that securely tie the house together from roof to foundation, protecting the structure from winds with speeds up to 130 m.p.h.
- Stronger, thicker roof with an additional water barrier covered with materials that better withstand high winds and wildfire.
- A hip-style roof that lowers the silhouette and offers less of a target for hurricane winds, directing them over the top rather than providing something to push against.
- Energy efficient windows and doors with higher wind and water design pressure ratings. Storm panels will protect the windows. The garage door is rated for large missile impact.
- A sealed attic with 4" of Styrofoam insulation.
The HVAC unit is reduced 33% in size, runs 33% less and reduces electric expenses by 40-60% depending on owner usage. The Lehigh Acres home has already been sold and the owners will take possession in September. This Fortified...for safer living(R) Energy Star home sells for less than $300,000.
The Fortified...for safer living(R) program kicked off in October 2000 with three homes in Pinellas County, and has now expanded throughout the state and into North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa and Louisiana, with other projects underway. "Fortified" criteria can be included in any form of construction and the program requires an independent third-party inspector verify that every requirement has been built into the home. The "Fortified" designation is then registered with the Institute, and remains with the structure indefinitely provided major modifications or additions are not made to the home. IBHS is an initiative of the insurance industry to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters.
For information about IBHS or the Fortified...for safer living(R) program, visit http://www.ibhs.org.