BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Right - Flood resistant slab and crawlspace foundations elevate the floor above the design flood elevation.

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FORTIFIED Home Eligibility Requirements—Foundations - Eligibility Requirements and Retrofit Requirements for Elevated-Floor (Not Slab-on-Grade) Houses

Reference

Checklist intending to clarify FORTIFIED Home™ eligibility requirements that relate to a home’s foundation.

A resilient multifamily building in Puerto Rico constructed of concrete on a raised slab foundation with a hip roof design for wind resistance and deep overhangs and permanent awnings to keep sun and rain off windows.

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Building Enclosure: Foundation Overview

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Constructability of Elevating Concrete Slabs on Grade

Video

Video from American Concrete Institute explaining the differences between foundation construction strategies and heights to mitigate damage from flooding.

Elevated slab construction with no water sensitive materials on first level

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Right – The drain slopes away from the foundation and terminates at the proper distance

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Wrong – Drain pipe has been cut and foundation penetration has not been properly sealed

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Good water management practices like sloping grade away from house, and installing gutters, perimeter drain pipe, a capillary break, and free-draining soils or drainage mat protect the foundation from water saturation.

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Poor drainage conditions can enable water to pool around the home.

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West Virginia Stormwater Management and Design Guidance Manual

Reference

Manual showing how to properly use grass swales to manage excess water runoff.

Comprehensive water management features include a capillary break (≥ 6-mil polyethylene sheeting) at all crawlspace floors

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Wrong – Driveway is not sloped away from the house

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Right – Driveway is installed to slope water away from the house

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Wrong – The final grade does not slope away from the house

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Right – The final grade slopes away from the house

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Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters

Guide

Guide describing the design of a shelter-in-place room in a home for protection during hurricanes and tornadoes.

FEMA P-320 Safe Room Design Concrete Plans and Details

CAD File

Hurricanes and High Winds Overview

Information Guide

Overview guide outlining home construction techniques used in hurricane and high wind areas.

Swales, Drains, and Site Grading for Stormwater Control

Guide

Guide describing the use of swales, French drains, and site grading to minimize saturation of foundations and ponding of stormwater runoff on sites.

Flooding Overview

Information Guide

Overview guide describing residential floodproofing steps.

Fuel Tanks Anchored for Disaster Resistance

Guide

Guide describing fuel tank anchoring practices for disaster resistance.