[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by BigDawgInLakeDenham

So your saying we're all screwed and just don't move to Florida....problem solved by the insurance agent. Or are you saying don't move here because I need my Tee Time? The guy seems to want to be part of TV but you offer doom and gloom? Why?

I got the opposite impression. He seemed to know what he was speaking about. It made a lot of sense that if the roof goes, then there are the same amount of problems even if the walls are still there. It seems to me that Florida would be a great candidate for DOME houses. Since I am NOT an expert, there must be good reasons WHY Dome houses are not POPULAR here.

[ton80]

[QUOTE=MandoMan;2299963]They are all good and will withstand a hurricane so long as the roof trusses are properly attached and the roof sheathing is properly nailed down and the shingles are properly attached.


Hurricane Andrew happened in 1992. Many studies were done to find the causes of failure and how to eliminate those causes. The result was the major building code rewrite that issued in 2002. Mandoman's sentence is a good explanation of what the key consideration is.
So today, All construction methods have the same design criteria and are "equal" in principle.

Obviously 1992 houses were designed to a lower criteria with less effective structural integrity. Consequently any opening led to more damage and often to complete destruction. Anecdotally, block construction had some inherent advantages that reduced total destruction During Hurricane Andrew and 2007 Tornado.

The comments regarding high velocity zones and construction methods are interesting but are not pertinent to building in The Villages. High velocity zones are basically coastal areas subject to potential waves from large bodies of water such as the Gulf or Atlantic. Basically NO construction method can withstand the force of high velocity waves. As pointed out in #41 by Greatlawn, The building Code now requires buildings in high velocity zones to be built on anchored concrete pillars 14 ft high (above high tide?). Stick built is the normal building method for private residences.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by Normal

It certainly depends. If you were in an earthquake you certainly would want to be in a stick home. You certainly would not want to be in a tilt wall constructed house.

In a significant earthquake, you don't want to be anywhere near it.

That said, I'd much rather be in a stick built home, than any other kind, if the event of an earthquake. When a precast wall falls on you, it smarts. Dry wall? No big deal.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

Good to know! Ours was reverse. We owned a vinyl CYV then block with same square footage. The difference in HVAC was $6 a month. The lower was the vinyl sided. Perhaps, there are other factors that come into play? Amount of shade from trees? Amount of sunlight and when? North vrs West facing? East vrs South? Ceiling height? The color of the home?.... Who knows? Interesting!

Not sure if I like the idea of not being able to hear a hurricane in a precast home. Sometimes, a roaring sound may be your only warning that a tornado has formed. Or, the hurricane has strengthened.

If you hear that roaring sound, too late…….sit tight.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

I got the opposite impression. He seemed to know what he was speaking about. It made a lot of sense that if the roof goes, then there are the same amount of problems even if the walls are still there. It seems to me that Florida would be a great candidate for DOME houses. Since I am NOT an expert, there must be good reasons WHY Dome houses are not POPULAR here.

Domes have their own complications, not the least of which, is structural cost and it's a linear world. If you just bought a new 65" Flat Screen ... what would you do with it? Mounting in on a wall of a "dome house", would used up tons of space ... takes the fun out of a "flat screen".

[Justputt]

Originally Posted by Will.S

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ...
Thanks for your inputs, Will

Depending on the model, you may not have an option. Our floorplan was PC only (block option was discontinued).

[Randall55]

Originally Posted by Edgewater2

We were hit with the 2007 tornado that went through here. Our roof was damaged, broken windows, and the patio screen was blown away. A portion of the cement wall surrounding our villa was blown away. We were told it weighed 2000 pounds. We were in a block villa. Many frame-built homes were flattened.

The 2007 tornado spawned 2 smaller tornadoes. Homes struck by the large tornado saw the most damage. (Framed Homes) Those that were struck by the smaller tornados suffered minimal damage. Again, it is NOT the type of construction. It is the intensity and size of the storm along with the amount and duration of rainfall. Everyone seems to understand homes hit along the coast during a hurricane will suffer the most damage. Frame or concrete, large or small, ALL crumble. The hurricane loses intensity as it makes its way through Florida. Homes inland suffer minimal damage. The same is true of tornadoes. A large intensive storm leaves behind more damage than smaller storms. The type of construction has very little to do with that equation.

[Will.S]

Thinking about your response.. and with energy costs what they are, are the newer home attic's insulated sufficiently to retain cooling & stop the suns heat from heating the home ? We watch about every YouTube TV video we can find & someone mentioned the extra insulation in the garage to keep the garage cooler.. Just got me thinking if that practice is common to TV home construction. Is it a non issue or is that an upgrade people should do. Thanks. Will

Originally Posted by BigDawgInLakeDenham

I wouldn't think that the block proponents are living in precast solid concrete with rebar reinforcement. I've laid enough block in my day to know that every mortar joint is a potential crack, leak, weakness. I've seen low speed cars on a parking lot bust holes in block. In TV Block is now a luxury item for those willing to build their dream home of a bigger size, but I find it hard to say it's necessary because a pre-built home isn't good enough. It's only necessary if you think you can't make it through without that bigger room you need to warehouse your junk until you die.

My precast home is plenty big for retired people and I call it a vault because all winter the temp inside ranged from 68 to 70 with no heating or AC. That said....stick built is not an option unless that's your only option.

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by Will.S

Thinking about your response.. and with energy costs what they are, are the newer home attic's insulated sufficiently to retain cooling & stop the suns heat from heating the home ? We watch about every YouTube TV video we can find & someone mentioned the extra insulation in the garage to keep the garage cooler.. Just got me thinking if that practice is common to TV home construction. Is it a non issue or is that an upgrade people should do. Thanks. Will

I think most of the houses, not just newer, are sufficiently insulated. The garage gets hot, even if it faces north, & lanais can get hot. Both can have mitigations added.

[Wayne Mudge]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

The opposite. Wood is better for insulation and the structural strength is the same as block.

There are pluses and minuses to both kinds of construction. Google is your friend.

That is not true, CBS construction is far superior. Look at the wind load calculations.

[eyc234]

Originally Posted by Randall55

I an a contractor. I'm saying, the story of the three little pigs does not hold true in real life. If a major tornado or hurricane comes through, it will cause major damage to ALL STRUCTURES, large or small. I would hate to see anyone trying to ride out a storm because they believe the "Big Bad Wolf" cannot do any harm to their concrete structure. We are adults, put down you fantasy books and live in reality.

Totally correct, lived in Texas for 30 years and when a tornado hit a wood home or a brick home the result was the same, bye-bye. Trailers were a different story.

[eyc234]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

Domes have their own complications, not the least of which, is structural cost and it's a linear world. If you just bought a new 65" Flat Screen ... what would you do with it? Mounting in on a wall of a "dome house", would used up tons of space ... takes the fun out of a "flat screen".

So what you are saying is you cannot put up a flat surface in a dome home? Looked at them extensively and there are great homes that are domes and they have flat walls. Cost is higher up front but long term cost the dome wins. If you are going to an area with weather or fire issues it makes huge sense. Not so much in the interior of FL.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by Wayne Mudge

That is not true, CBS construction is far superior. Look at the wind load calculations.

Don't let the facts get in your way.


2024 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) | ICC DIGITAL CODES

[Bill32]

The one with a hip style roof system will give you significant insurance savings over a gable one...

[Normal]

Originally Posted by Bill32

The one with a hip style roof system will give you significant insurance savings over a gable one...

Yes, homeowners is only about a thousand a year on our designer. Just paid the bill in fact.