10-03-2006, 05:50 AM
No offense intended Cat! I know you know your stuff.
Oink, When upgrading the structural design of a home the cost effect can actually be relatively minor. Taking a roof design from an 80 mph wind load to a 120 mph wind load might (depending on design) involve merely more frequent Simpson connectors or upticking from a #8 screw to a #10 screw in a tighter pattern.
My personal experience in disaster recovery is with earthquakes and firestorms. The most evident failing I observed in the Northridge Earthquake was simply workmanship. The codes don't matter much if they are ignored and inspectors can't find the weak links.
Generally speaking the most consistant loss of property and life is from fire - not major natural disasters. Fire resistance is generally not required in residential building except for attached garages and under stairwells.
I think you are wise to take a serious approach to your home's structural design.
Punaweb moderator
Oink, When upgrading the structural design of a home the cost effect can actually be relatively minor. Taking a roof design from an 80 mph wind load to a 120 mph wind load might (depending on design) involve merely more frequent Simpson connectors or upticking from a #8 screw to a #10 screw in a tighter pattern.
My personal experience in disaster recovery is with earthquakes and firestorms. The most evident failing I observed in the Northridge Earthquake was simply workmanship. The codes don't matter much if they are ignored and inspectors can't find the weak links.
Generally speaking the most consistant loss of property and life is from fire - not major natural disasters. Fire resistance is generally not required in residential building except for attached garages and under stairwells.
I think you are wise to take a serious approach to your home's structural design.
Punaweb moderator
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Punaweb moderator