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All along the Gulf Coast, homeowners are realizing that a home on a raised floor
foundation system makes more sense.
Since the post-World War II building boom, slab construction has been the norm
throughout the region, offering an affordable, quickly built solution to new
homes. Overlooked were the days when new homes were built on piers or perimeter
stem walls, raised from direct contact with the ground. With the prevailing
trend moving to slab construction, tradition took root. Both builders and
homeowners became complacent, accepting slab construction as the one and only
way to build their home.
Today, raised floor systems are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Growing demand for raised homes has been apparent in markets stretching from
Houston to Mobile, Ala. Considering today’s high cost of concrete along with wide variations in soil conditions and flood
risks, a new home on a raised floor foundation is often the most practical
solution. With a raised floor design, homeowners can realize lifelong benefits,
including enhanced curb appeal, comfort and lower flood insurance premiums. And
in the years to come, remodeling is a breeze, with easy access to plumbing,
electrical and HVAC connections under the floor. Also, landscaping is enhanced,
as the raised floor permits root systems of nearby trees to thrive.
In the aftermath of recent hurricanes, homebuyers and builders are reconsidering
this proven construction technique, offering many advantages including added
protection in flood-prone areas. In hindsight, simply raising homes two to
three feet higher would have spared thousands from flooding.
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In 2005, the city of Bellaire, Texas, passed a “No Net Fill” ordinance in an effort to improve drainage and mitigate flooding. The ordinance
prohibits dirt fill on properties for new structures or improvements. Because no net increase in the volume of soil is allowed, building homes with a
pier-and-beam raised floor foundation is the ideal solution. Raised floor
systems do not displace floodwaters like built-up concrete slabs; the result is
improved drainage. By raising the home at or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), homes remain
high and dry. Communities all along the Gulf Coast are giving serious
consideration to enforcing similar “No Net Fill” ordinances.
The raised floor provides a practical, livable and sustainable home for our
semi-tropical environment, while improving overall community survivability and
enabling a faster rate of recovery from storms.
More information about raised floor systems, including helpful publications and
case studies, is available online at www.RaisedFloorLiving.com
By KC Cox
Weyerhaeser Co.
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