
The Requirements for Building an Elevated Homes
Building Elevated Homes in St. Petersburg: Materials and Code Standards You Need to Know
In St. Petersburg, Florida, elevated homes are a common solution to mitigate flood risks in coastal areas. These homes are designed to withstand challenging weather conditions and comply with stringent building codes to ensure safety and longevity. Here’s an overview of the materials used and the code standards governing their construction.
Pilings and Stilts
The foundation of any elevated home starts with pilings or stilts, which raise the structure above potential floodwaters. Pilings are often made from pressure-treated timber, reinforced concrete, or steel. In St. Petersburg, homes must adhere to the Florida Building Code (FBC) and FEMA Flood Zone Regulations, which mandate that the foundation can withstand base flood elevations (BFEs) specific to the area. For example, Pinellas County requires that new or substantially improved buildings be constructed at least 1 foot above the BFE. For example, if the BFE is 9 feet, the minimum elevation for compliance would be 10 feet.
Siding
The siding of an elevated home must be resilient to salt air, wind, and moisture while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Common materials include:
- Fiber Cement Siding: Known for its fire resistance and ability to withstand high winds.
- Vinyl Siding: Lightweight and cost-effective, though less durable in extreme conditions.
- Engineered Wood Siding: A sustainable option offering a natural look with enhanced durability.
The siding must comply with FBC standards for wind resistance, particularly in hurricane-prone areas. Materials are tested to withstand wind speeds of up to 140 mph or higher, depending on the location.
Roofing
Roofing materials play a crucial role in protecting elevated homes from harsh weather. Florida Building Code for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) specifies that roofing systems must be anchored securely and capable of withstanding high wind loads. Roofs in HVHZ must be designed to withstand high wind speeds, which can reach up to 170 mph in the Tampa/St. Pete region, depending on the location and exposure category. These wind speeds are determined based on the American Society of Civil Engineers. Metal roofing, asphalt shingles, and clay tiles are popular in St. Petersburg. Metal roofs are particularly favored for their durability and resistance to wind and water damage. The
Flooring Systems
Flooring in elevated homes must be designed to handle moisture, especially in areas prone to flooding. Engineered wood, ceramic tiles, and luxury vinyl planks are excellent choices for their water resistance and durability. Additionally, subfloor materials often include pressure-treated plywood or concrete slabs. The flooring system must comply with FEMA’s Technical Bulletin 2, which outlines standards for flood-damage-resistant materials.
Design Elements
Designing elevated homes goes beyond functionality; aesthetics and practicality must blend seamlessly. Features such as breakaway walls, open decks, and staircases are integral to these homes. Breakaway walls, for instance, are non-load-bearing walls designed to collapse under storm surge pressure, reducing structural damage.
- Flood Openings: All breakaway walls below the Design Flood Elevation (DFE) must have flood openings to allow water to flow through and equalize hydrostatic pressure. The openings must provide at least 1 square inch of net open area per square foot of enclosed area, with the bottom of the openings no more than 1 foot above grade
- Structural Integrity: The collapse of breakaway walls must occur under a water load less than that associated with the base flood event. This ensures that the elevated portion of the building remains intact and undamaged
- Limitations on Use: Enclosed areas with breakaway walls can only be used for parking, building access, or storage. Living spaces below the DFE are not permitted.
Building Codes in Focus
The construction of elevated homes in St. Petersburg is governed by a combination of local, state, and federal codes, including:
- Florida Building Code: Ensures homes meet wind resistance and structural integrity requirements.
- FEMA Flood Zone Regulations: Addresses minimum elevation and flood-resistance standards.
- ASCE 7: Specifies design loads for wind, flood, and seismic activity.
Winway Homes has been building elevated homes for more than 25 years. If you would like to learn more about building your dream home in the St. Petersburg area, contact Winway Homes.