Below is a list of some of the key points of the Cokesbury model we have built at 112 Runnels Ave., Long Beach, MS. While size may vary, these amazing construction methods do not (costs quoted are specific to this home at time of construction):
1. 1,538 square feet ICF home.
2. Raised on concrete/steel piers above the FEMA flood base elevation.
3. Integral concrete and steel from below grade to the roof trusses so that steels "ties" entire home together from foundation through the roof ($17,000 of rebar and $25,000 of concrete used to build home).
4. Piers have No. 6 rebar vertically every 16 inches and horizontally every 18 inches to gives the piers toughness. The piers will be able to take powerful hits from debris in moving water without any detremental affect.
5. The geometry of piers (arches, T-shaped, L-shaped, and X-shaped piers) greatly increases strength.
6. Full slab around piers is isolated from (does not contract) piers to avoid washing into piers and potentially damaging piers during extreme wave action.
7. Grade beams (steel reinforced footers) allow entire home to be undercut by water washing underneath exposing up to 49% of the foundation before causing potential cave-in damage
8. Insulated concrete forms used to pour concrete. This allows home to be fully insulated with up to an R51 insulative factor all around which will reduce utility bills significantly
9. Exterior floor built using 12" thick foam forms with 10" tall steel C-Channel to greatly increase the strength of the floor. This allows to floor to "feel" like a concrete slab on grade though it is elevated approximately 12'.
10. Raised floor contains 4" "beams" of poured concrete and No. 5 (5/8" diameter) rebar. This keeps wave action under the home from raising up quickly and buckling the floor from underneath.
11. The floor galvanized steel C-channel and concrete "beams" run North-South to ensure water flow will have a minimum effect on these as the water comes on shore.
12. The floor has approximately 10" of insulation underneath to stay warm in winter and cool in summer.
13. The insulating foam in the walls and floor greatly decrease noise from outside.
14. Because the piers, walls, and floors are all made from foam, concrete, and steel completely surrounding the exterior of the home there is not a need for termite protection or concern for mold.
15. The windows and doors are hurricane rated for at least 120 mph winds and 60 pounds per square foot of pressure inside and outside. These are PGT brand windows that have been tested to withstand a 2x4 fired from a cannon.
16. Because the windows are so well made to resist hurricanes the cost of theft insurance is lowered.
17. Since all walls and the floor are constructed of 6" thick concrete the home meets the insurance industry's "Semi-Wind Resistive" codes. This reduces the overall insurance rates up to 65%.
18. The windows and doors are cased in double 2x12's to provide extra strength during storms.
19. The roof trusses are factory built to meet minimum 150-mph requirements. The design of this home's trusses exceed the 150 mph by being constructed of 2x6 exterior chords which are 57% stronger than equivalent 2x4 truss designs meeting the 150 mph codes.
20. The trusses are on 19.2 inch centers which makes the roof 25% stronger compared to trusses on standard 24" centers.
21. The trusses are braced with 2x6 diagonal bracing for extra strength.
22. The roof is hipped and on a 5/12 pitch to mimimize drag in high winds.
23. The first three (3) rows of shingles along the edges and hips are glued to mimimize shingles peeling up during high winds.
24. The roof eave (overhang) is a nominal 12" to minimize drag in high winds.
25. All roof trusses are strapped down to the concrete walls using a Simpson tie rated at several thousand pounds of holding power per truss.
26. The underlayment (tar paper under the shingles) is a special stick-down membrane so that in the event shingles blow off the roof the underlayment can protect the home for many months.
27. All vents and pipes exiting the roof are on the north quadrant of the home to remain protected during hurricanes.
28. The AC unit is located on the north end of the home and raised to protect it during hurricanes.
29. There is space for a large emergency power generator which can provide enough power to completely run the home in the event of long power outages after a major storm.
30. The home is coated with stucco for low maintenance. |
