Bob reviews the progress in the apartment renovation and discusses changes to the final project with the contractor and architect.

Bob is joined by Wayne Sallade, the emergency manager for Charlotte County, Florida. They stand before a residential property that has been condemned since the strike by hurricane Charley. Sallade explains that buildings built in the 60s, 70s, or early 80s -- prior to the Florida Unified Building Code -- were destined to fail in those winds. Roof failure with gable roofs that catch wind like a sail, lap siding that was ripped from the sides of homes, and failure of stick-frame construction to hold together through wind and wind uplift caused these buildings to fail. With another hurricane season looming, it is critical to remove these damaged buildings before they become wind-borne missiles threatening other structures. Sallade explains that demolition takes time and skilled, certified contractors. With so much devasatation in areas of Florida, there are not enough demolition contractors to complete all the work. He adds that a 50/50 rule specifies that any building damaged beyond 50 percent must be torn down and rebuilt. With zoning changes, it is often difficult for owners to rebuild in accordance with required materials and practices. Sallade then looks with Bob at older homes that survived unscathed, largely because they had hip roofs to deflect the wind, wind protection for doors and windows, and traditional Florida construction.

Bob talks with Bill York and Rob Davis of FLASH (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes) about the construction of a storm-resistant roof system built with roof trusses. Bob reviews specifications for how to secure a wooden rootruss system to a steel structure. With the addition of steel fasteners, the building's roof will have an uplift resistance of about 850 pounds, making it capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 140 mph. To secure the wooden structure to the steel shipping container, a steel piece or angle iron is welded to the top of the box and a threaded bolt is welded on to it. The bolt sticks through the wood, where it is secured by a nut and washer, transferring the load back to the steel box. In high winds the ends of the roof experience much greater force, so the first six feet of each end of the roof is secured by steel straps, giving the ends 1200 pounds of uplift resistance. Plywood sheathing that is 5/8-inch thick or 1 1/2 times thicker than sheathing specified by the Florida Building Code. Construction adhesives are also used to secure the sheathing, again going beyond code to make a stronger roof. Building codes require the use of eight-penny nails (2 1/2 inch nails) to secure the plywood to the roof framing, but FLASH's Blueprint for Safety specifies ten-penny nails to give 50 percent greater uplift resistance. With the use of ten-pennny nails and adhesive to secure the roof, the roof probably has twice as much uplift resistance as a roof built to code.

Bob is joined by Florida's Lieutenant Governor, Toni Jennings, and Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs Thaddeus Cohen to discuss the aftermath of the four hurricanes in 2004 and Florida's efforts to build back better. Lt. Governor Jennings briefs Bob on the destruction since Charley hit on August 13, 2004, followed by Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. In Florida, more than 700,000 homes were damaged, 9.4 million residents were evacuated, and the state sustained 42 billion dollars in property damage. As Jennings points out, hurricane season is again upon the state and they have yet to repair from last year's storms. Still, she adds, it is evident that improved building codes -- in place after hurricane Andrew hit in 1992 -- have dramatically increased the storm-resistance of Florida's built environment. Bob asks about Florida's commitment to preparedness for upcoming storms. Secretary Thaddeus Cohen, himself a practicing architect, talks about the determination to use the $100 million in block grants to build back better, to put federal dollars to work to improve housing, and to build sustainable communities throughout Florida.

…and overhangs, custom-fit replacement windows and entry doors or kitchen cabinet remodeling…
…consultation! Sears Custom-Fit Replacement Windows and Entry Doors Custom-Fit Replacement Windows from Sears: · Are custom fit to your…

…Outside: it helps protect areas around windows and vents where water can seep in to places…
…Sealing around foundations, steps, doors, windows, vents, plumbing connections, wiring…
… For better energy savings, caulk windows & doors on the inside AND outside. …

…the South Florida Building Code required that every…
…or impact resistant windows. Also, according…
…conditions. The windows are marked and graded…
…to the South Florida Building Code to ensure that you are…
…buying impact-resistant windows that the product will…

…temporary plywood covers to protect windows. These are things that skilled…
…can easily break unprotected windows and then enter your house. Once inside, wind and debris can cause more damage. Protecting windows not only helps you avoid damage…

…damaging force of wind-borne debris…
…resistant windows. Protecting…
…South Florida Building Code, which has…
…protection from wind and wind-borne debris…
…International Building Code, the following…
…resistant windows in new construction…

…approved for wind load and wind borne debris. Unprotected standard glass windows can be penetrated easily by wind borne debris in severe windstorms…
…be protected during a severe wind storm. Shutter Your Windows Installing storm shutters…