Elevating a Home for Flooding

Elevating a structure can help protect it from flooding by raising it above the base flood elevation (BFE) and the flood protection elevation (FPE). Homes can be raised through various methods including lifting the house with hydraulic jacks while a new foundation is built, building an elevated floor within the existing home, adding a new upper story, abandoning the lowest interior floor and moving living quarters to the upstairs. FEMA recommends elevating a home to at least one foot above the 100-year flood.

Learn more about elevating a home

Dry Floodproofing

Dry floodproofing is a method to protect commercial buildings from floods by sealing the building and installing barriers to prevent water from entering. It's often used for non-residential structures like offices, stores, and restaurants. 

Learn more about dry floodproofing

Hurricane Impact Windows

Hurricane impact windows are designed to withstand high winds, flying debris, and other severe weather conditions. They are made with a laminated pane of glass that is reinforced with a flexible polymer layer. This helps keep the glass from breaking into large, sharp pieces. These windows can provide storm protection, reduce noise, conserve more energy, and may provide a discount on your insurance. 

Roof Strap Tie Downs

Hurricane ties, also known as hurricane strips or hurricane straps are metal connectors that attach a building's roof to its walls. Roofers use hurricane ties to reinforce the connection between the roof truss and the wall plate. Hurricane ties work by creating a more direct load path from the roof to the foundation of the home. The tie provides more resistance against uplift forces that can pull the roof truss away from the wall. 

Opening Protections

Opening protections refers to hurricane resistant material covers or protections along the openings in your home. These can include impact rated windows, doors, garage doors, skylights. If all the openings are properly protected and are verified to meet Florida Building Code requirements, you may qualify for a discount on your home insurance. 

Elevating or Floodproofing Electrical Systems

Elevating or floodproofing electrical or mechanical systems include installing or locating utility systems and components at or above flood protection levels, the installation of flood-resistant barriers to protect vulnerable components, and system component mitigation initiatives that are resistant and/or reduce flood damage. 

Electric Vehicle Charger Installation

An electric vehicle (EV) charger is a device that supplies electricity to charge the battery of an electric vehicle. EV chargers are also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

Electrification of New Appliances

Switching from fuel-powered appliances to electrified energy efficient appliances is beneficial for both the environment and your wallet. Examples include electric heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, stoves, and clothing dryers.

Storm Resilient Landscaping

Storm resilient landscaping includes Florida native plants with a diverse range of plant species to increase resilience and minimize the risk of total loss. Mix low-growing shrubs with taller trees and vines to create layers of vegetation that provide natural windbreakers and protection. Implement efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and smart controllers to strengthen plant roots. Design outdoor living spaces with wind-resistant hardscaping materials and implement a tree maintenance program. 

Living Shorelines

Protected and stabilized shorelines are made of natural materials such as plants, sand, or rock. Living shorelines are a green infrastructure technique using native vegetation alone or in combination with low sills to stabilize the shoreline. Living shorelines provide a natural alternative to 'hard' shoreline stabilization methods like rip rap and bulkhead, and provide numerous ecological benefits such as nutrient pollution remediation, essential fish habitat structure, and buffering of shorelines from waves and storms. Research indicates that living shorelines are more resilient than bulkheads in protecting against the effects of hurricanes.

Weatherization Initiatives

Weatherization is a set of home improvements that make a building more energy efficient and comfortable to live in. Weatherization can include adding insulation, air sealing, repairing, tuning, or replacing inefficient systems, installing mechanical ventilation, reducing moisture levels, installing smoke or carbon dioxide alarms, and testing heating and combustion appliances for safety. Weatherization can help reduce energy usage and utility bills, prevent damage from water, moisture, and sunlight. A professional energy audit can help identify the most cost-effective improvements for your home.