One of the most common problems found in the aftermath of hurricanes Frances, Charley, and Ivan was failure of the roofing system. The tile industry responded to the problem with new design criteria and installation details, which have since been added to the Florida Building Code. Charles Wardell...
Rose-Covered Cottages
Stainless-Steel Wiring Staples - Insulating Fire-Block - Site Shop Setup - Premium Sliders - Rust-Resistant Post Mount - Clear Storm Panels - Soundproofing Solution
Regardless of what the flood maps say today, the statistics show that flood zones will likely change during the service life of a home, making flooding an often inevitable consequence of coastal living. The answer, says building scientist Joseph Lstiburek, is to use drainable, dryable assemblies...
You can now get a prefabricated sunroom that will satisfy nearly every design and budget. But you have to work with the manufacturer to make sure you get what you and your customers want. Our guide to systems, glazing, and current codes will help you select sunrooms for the long run, leaving...
Durable Wood-Floor Finishes
Section R602.10 of the International Residential Code calls for "braced wall lines" composed of "braced wall panels." The location, width, and construction details of these braced wall panels, as well as the materials that can be used to build them, are spelled out in the code's text, tables, and...
In the hot, humid South, it's not enough to install high-efficiency air conditioning. Dedicated dehumidification, along with impeccable attention to sealing the building enclosure, is required. Researchers at LSU exhibit three practical systems that balance performance and cost in the "LaHouse"...
Architectural Shutters - Fail-Safe Decks - High-Tech Wood Preservative - Ladder Attachment - Foundation Straps - Flexible Perm Rating - Straw Structural Panels - Garage-Door Brace
Done well, traditional three-coat stucco should be impervious to water, but the demands of schedule and budget have pushed many builders to opt for less durable one-coat stucco claddings and have enticed applicators to take shortcuts that compromise the integrity of otherwise good stucco. To remedy...
Clear finishes that preserve the natural look of exterior woodwork take a beating in any climate but have an even harder time withstanding the onslaught of sun, salt, and moisture in coastal climes. In this article, we go to boatbuilders, paint chemists, door-finishing specialists, and marine...
All windows worth buying should carry a valid warranty and meet basic structural and thermal performance measures. On the coast, however, strong winds and blowing rain make it imperative that windows meet even more stringent performance requirements. Editor Clayton DeKorne sorts through the...
Building scientists Jeff and John Tooley have been a committed father-and-son team diagnosing homes for moisture and energy problems for decades. In their combined experience, they have come to understand that the difference between a home that works and one laden with moisture and energy problems...
While curb appeal still holds some cachet with buyers, it's what lies beneath a beautiful facade that really counts in the long run. Ted Cushman reports on the hard-won experience of Smokey Saduk, who has pioneered the use of low-maintenance synthetics backed by an impeccable weather barrier to...
Installing Ipe Decking - Latent Cooling Loads
Wherever wind speeds are likely to reach over 110 mph, coastal codes are now requiring an engineering analysis of the plans. In addition to shear, sliding, and overturning forces, the wind imparts intense uplift pressures. Ted Cushman examines how one Long Island architect has managed to meet the...
Ductless mini-splits offer efficient cooling and outstanding dehumidification, making them an increasingly popular option for coastal homes. Charles Wardell investigates the pros and cons, including cost, cooling performance, ease of installation, efficiency, corrosion resistance, and more.
Plastic trim is maintenance-free, even in unforgiving coastal climates ... assuming it’s installed correctly. Project Manager Jeff Kent explains how to achieve durable exterior details, and vows that once you learn how to use PVC, you’ll never go back to wood.
Sun Block for Windows - Critical Control Joints
Coastal homes are prime targets for termite destruction. While builders and remodelers aren’t exterminators, they do play a key role in long-term termite control. Mitch Buroker reviews traditional deterrents and control strategies, and gives the scoop on new termite barriers, bait systems, and...