Many people move to Orlando from other states and assume that because the city isn’t directly on the coast, hurricane risk isn’t something they need to think about. That’s a mistake. Central Florida sits in the path of Atlantic and Gulf storms, and Hurricanes Charlie, Frances, and Ian all caused significant damage in the Orlando metro area. Building a hurricane-resistant home in Orange County is both practical and — with current Florida building code — largely automatic if you choose the right builder.
Florida’s Building Code: The Toughest in the Nation
After Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida in 1992, the state completely overhauled its residential building code. Florida’s current code — particularly for wind resistance — is among the most stringent in the United States. Homes built to current code are dramatically better protected than those built before 2002. When you build new, you automatically get code-compliant construction. When you buy resale, you may be buying a home built to significantly weaker standards.
Key Elements of Hurricane Resistance
Roof-to-wall connections. Hurricane straps or clips connect your roof trusses directly to the wall framing. These metal connectors are the single most important element of wind resistance. Every Echo Park home uses code-compliant hurricane tie-down systems throughout.
Roof covering and decking. The roof deck (the plywood or OSB layer under your shingles) is attached with ring-shank nails at close spacing for wind resistance. We use 30-year architectural shingles with a secondary water barrier — a self-adhering underlayment that protects the interior even if shingles are lost in a storm.
Windows and doors. Standard windows aren’t rated for the wind pressures that a direct hurricane hit generates. We offer impact-resistant windows and doors as a standard or upgrade option depending on the plan and location.
Concrete block construction. All Echo Park homes in our Florida communities are CBS (concrete block and stucco) construction — not wood frame. Concrete block walls are significantly more resistant to wind, moisture infiltration, and impact than traditional stick-frame construction.
Questions to Ask Every Builder
Before signing with any builder in Central Florida, ask: Is this CBS or wood-frame construction? What hurricane strapping system is used? Are garage doors wind-rated? What is the roof deck nailing schedule? What is the wind resistance rating of your windows? At Echo Park, we welcome these questions and answer them with specifics, not generalities.