Alabama leads the nation in building the strongest hurricane-resilient homes

With our community in recovery mode from the aftermath of Hurricane Sally, we thought it timely to discuss why so many are opting for FORTIFIED in the design of their homes and businesses. Choosing FORTIFIED helps homes better withstand severe weather by keeping the roof on and keeping water out. Notably, AL.com recently stated that “Alabama leads the country by a long shot in FORTIFIED roof structures with more than 16,000."

In 2012, WAV designed our first FORTIFIED home - some which were the first in Baldwin County to be certified. According to WAV's Clay Adams, "working with a team of structural engineers, contractors and third-party certifiers, we have developed a smooth process that helps to achieve an optimum cost-benefit for our clients."

“FORTIFIED has become a staple part of our residential designs.”
— Clay Adams

The folks at FORTIFIED also developed a Commercial program that WAV has used on recent projects. The Colonial Inn Condominiums, located in Fairhope, AL, was recognized as the nation’s first commercial property FORTIFIED Commercial Gold. The development team was all Fairhope-based businesses including WAV principal Clay Adams, who developed the architectural plans. FORTIFIED Commercial Gold creates a strong continuous load path, which ties the entire structure together – enabling it to better stand firm against extreme winds during hurricanes. It also includes onsite power backup for important utilities.

We have seen first-hand the benefits for those who chose to go FORTIFIED which include the following: 

  • Significant reductions in property insurance costs 

  • Peace of mind regarding resilience to wind and water damage

  • Homes are more sustainable and energy-efficient 

  • Higher quality construction resulting from the third party inspections 

  • The certification is transferable and adds to resale

As we all begin the process of rebuilding, Walcott Adams Verneuille is committed to our community’s future and building back stronger than ever.

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Rebekah WebbComment