Building Smart in South Florida: Coastal Construction Keys
Decoding Coastal Construction in South Florida South Florida builders work on some of the most beautiful—and punishing—terrain in the United States. Constant sun, salt-laden breezes, a shallow water table, and the annual threat of hurricanes make every footing, roof, and finish a test of engineering skill. This guide walks through the core challenges local contractors face and the practical tactics used in 2025 to keep homes safe, dry, and durable. 1. Designing for Extreme Wind Loads Think like a coastal engineer Wind speeds can exceed 180 mph during a major storm. Roof uplift, wall racking, and connection failure are the most common points of structural loss. Practical steps: Anchor the entire load path—from roof sheathing down to foundation—using continuous strapping and ring-shank nails. Favor hip roofs or modest gable spans; they shed wind better than large flat surfaces. Select impact-rated windows and doors that meet or exceed Miami-Dade protocols. Balancing cost and strength mea...