Cape Cod Custom Builder | REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder

Hurricane Safe Rooms

Written by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder | Fri, Sep 08, 2017

Over the last 10 years, we have seen the intensity and frequency of major weather events increase. In response to these increased risks, we have seen building codes change, specifically with regard to structural design and wind resistance. However, given the increasing intensity of weather events, you may want to consider designing a Hurricane Safe Room as part of your custom home or renovation project.

Hurricane safe rooms are designed as hardened structures or rooms that meet FEMA design guidelines and provide life safety protection in extreme wind events such as a hurricane or tornado.

 

These rooms are generally small, and constructed of concrete, or concrete block and reinforced to resist the highest levels of wind and structural loading that one may expect in a major weather event. Often times, these rooms are located in a basement area, except in documented flood zones.

Here's a link to some Frequently Asked Questions about Hurricane Rooms from Fema's Website with some great information.

FEMA also provides a basic design guideline that shows how a basic room might be constructed

Hurricane Safe Room Design

 

If you are considering a new custom home or renovation  project on Cape Cod, let the team at REEF Builders design and build your Cape Cod Home. 

If you want to know what your Cape Cod home project  might cost click here to download our Construction Cost Guide