ICF Home Are Reliable: Surviving a Hurricane
On October 9, 2018, Hurricane Michael struck land as a powerful Category 5 Hurricane, wreaking havoc along its path. The devastation was especially severe in the areas from Panama City Beach to Mexico Beach to Cape San Blas. With wind speeds exceeding 150 MPH, the storm left a trail of destruction, with 54% of homes in Florida’s panhandle region destroyed and 23% severely damaged, particularly close to the shoreline.
In the midst of this catastrophe, there emerged a remarkable story of resilience. Amidst the destruction, one home located at ground zero miraculously survived the storm with minimal damage. What set this home apart was its unique construction using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). Situated just a few hundred feet from the water’s edge, this home became the focus of numerous news stories and articles during the aftermath of the hurricane.
The owner, Russell King, had a vision for a disaster-resistant home from the outset of the building process. After considering various options, he opted for ICF due to its versatility and strength. This choice allowed him to have a home that appeared conventional but had all aspects built to exceed building codes. The foundation, for example, was reinforced with concrete piles driven 28 feet into the ground, far deeper than the minimum requirement. Moreover, while local codes called for homes to withstand 120 mph winds, the Sand Palace (as the home came to be known) was designed to withstand winds of up to 250 mph. The home featured a simple hipped roof with minimal eaves to reduce wind uplift, and the windows and sliding glass doors, supplied by Custom Window Systems of Ocala, Fla., were engineered to withstand a Category Four storm.
The Sand Palace did experience some damage during the hurricane, including the loss of the ground floor, which was constructed with breakaway walls, and exterior stairs. A few windows’ outer panes cracked, although the inner panes remained intact. Additionally, some siding was ripped off, and a small amount of water made its way through an improperly installed sliding door. Fortunately, the damage was minimal compared to other buildings in the area.
Despite the minor damages, the Sand Palace emerged as a symbol of hope in the area. The damage was so limited compared to neighboring buildings that it became a vital staging area for news crews, search-and-rescue teams, and relief workers. To keep the home operational, a temporary solar panel array was set up in the yard, providing power when electricity was scarce. For weeks, the Sand Palace stood as the only functional home in the devastated region, a testament to the strength and foresight of its construction.
The remarkable achievement of this homeowner was made possible by the implementation of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction, as mentioned earlier. Through the use of reinforced concrete and continuous double insulation, they were able to create a home that not only offered protection but also evoked a sense of sanctuary. Completed in April 2018, just six months before being put to the ultimate test, this ICF home proved its mettle.
ICF homes are purposefully designed to endure the forces of storms, ensuring both safety and peace of mind for the inhabitants. The success of this particular home stands as a concrete testament to the resiliency of ICF construction. It provided irrefutable evidence that these homes excel in withstanding the most challenging circumstances and emerge as a stronghold of security and comfort.
Build a home proven to keep you safe.
