I've worked through the aftermath of major hurricanes on two different coastlines. Both storms were different. Both left the same lesson: the homes that held up were built — or rebuilt — right.
Here's what I've learned.
Elevation is everything.
In coastal flood zones, FEMA Base Flood Elevation requirements exist for a reason. Homes built even a foot above the minimum required elevation consistently outperform those built exactly at grade. When rebuilding after storm damage, don't just meet the code — exceed it. The cost difference is modest. The protection is significant.
The envelope comes first.
Before worrying about finishes, focus on the building envelope: the roof, windows, doors, and exterior walls. A house with an impact-rated roof assembly, properly flashed windows, and a sealed continuous air barrier will survive a storm that destroys a home with a beautiful kitchen but a compromised envelope.
Not all roofing systems are the same.
Roofs installed with staples instead of ring-shank nails, or underlayment that isn't fully adhered, don't survive serious storms. Proper roof-to-wall connections — hurricane straps, clips, and blocking — are the difference between a roof that lifts and one that stays.
Flood vents and breakaway walls belong in the design.
For homes in V-zones and coastal A-zones, flood vents and breakaway wall panels allow storm surge to flow through rather than push against your structure. They're code in many areas — and smart construction everywhere else.
After the storm: act fast, but act smart.
Mold begins to grow within 24 to 48 hours of water intrusion. Speed matters — but so does doing the remediation correctly. Rushing without a plan leads to incomplete drying, hidden mold, and expensive callbacks months later.
If your home sustained storm damage, or if you want to harden an existing waterfront property before the next season, contact Joe Shadel General Contracting, LLC for an assessment.