How do I build a hurricane proof shed?

actually one of the few structures that survived the hurricanes was the monolithic dome in FL that the news media used as a shetler it was the guys home and there was almost no damage they have proven themselves quite sturdy.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8687717#post8687717 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hahnmeister
What about waterproofing/flooding? Is that a potential problem? I can just imagine making a shed 100% wind-proof with concrete, only to have its contents get ruined by 10' of water...lol. I suppose as long as you use windows/doors with a high DP rating, and hurricane glass you should be fine for they water coming down... but what about flooding?

If I get 10' of water my entire house is ruined. The shed would be the least of my worries.

actually one of the few structures that survived the hurricanes was the monolithic dome in FL that the news media used as a shetler it was the guys home and there was almost no damage they have proven themselves quite sturdy.

I'm sure the Monolithic Domes are great. But just for aesthetics, I would rather have something that flows with my house.
 
Any more ideas are greatly appreciated. Thanks to everyone who has replied so far.

KH971,

My house is either made out of cinderblock, or its poured. It is okay if it doesn't match.

This is a picture of a house that looks simular to mine.

1538zm1.jpg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8687551#post8687551 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
Home Depots sheds are pretty costly though.

KH971,

I looked in the cape coral building permit fees and it is only $45.
http://www.capegov.org/citydept/comdev/cas/cas_permitfees.cfm
My mom works for the City of Cape Coral so this should be very easy to obtain.

I'd rather not pour concrete because that my qualify for a house permit of $44 a square foot.

Back to the drawing board. Give me your ideas and opinions.
"I'd rather not pour concrete because that my qualify for a house permit of $44 a square foot. "

Are you sure about that price? That would mean that a 2000 sq ft. house permit would cost $88,000. Sounds a little high.

If you do get caught building with out a permit, most of the time all you need is a letter from an engineer or architect to approved the structure, just take a lot of pictures of the progress as you go along. (Not cheap, but possible)
Buying a permit is always cheaper, and recommended.

A shed is consider non-habitable, even if it's sits on a slab.
 
$44 is the price listed in the PDF of cape coral Permit prices. I think that is only valid for expanding houses, like say putting in another bedroom or something. I'm planning to get the $45 shed permit. I'll have to call the city before I do so. Another reason I would rather not pour concrete is I don't have the tools knowledge or skills. I've built with wood before and know how to work with it okay.

Now Shed ideas, pictures, lets see them, hear them. Thank you for your participation. I really appreciate it.
 
Insulated concrete forms. You can put the stucco right on it. You can get it from 4"-10" thick. You can also get an ICF roof. It goes together like hollow Legos. Just fill with rebar and concrete. That is the closest that you are going to get to hurricane proof. It will be really hurricane resistant.

Andy
 
Is this something you can do through parts from a local Home Depot?

I like the idea of ICF's. I'm doing some reading on them right now. This seems more simple than woodwork. Thank's cannarella
 
No you can google insulated concrete forms and find reps for different manufacturers that you can purchase through. It is a really neat way of building a darn secure building. I used to live over in Ft. Myers so I can can understand your thinking. I am also building a 65, how do you like it?

Andy
 
I like it alot. Poor mans 90 or 120 I guess . The dimensions are really nice, there is really a lot of room for aquascaping.

Have you built anything with ICF? would you recommend Arxx?
http://www.arxxbuild.com/

http://www.icfbuildingproducts.com/standardicf.html

I'm guessing the price here is per form right? Just trying to get an idea of what this would cost.

Heck, if the insulation is good enough, maybe I could stick a in wall A/C in there, just thinking.

I came up with a new layout plan


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I have not, but have done a lot of reasearch and seen some job sites where they have used it. I have considered it for my next house. I like new technologies. I think you are right that it would be per block. I think any of the companies would be good. there was one that had more plastic webbing between the sides of the block that looked like it would better prevent a blowoult from the pressure.
 
Do you know what the brand was? I saw some pics of your progress so far on the 65 gallon. Looks like an interesting project. Do you have a log of it?
 
I can't remember but they are probably all good. Call some and see if they can tell you some sights to look at.

I am terrible at keeping logs and taking and posting pictures. I will see what I can do to get some updates posted. I have the habbit of starting things and then something else pops up... I am working on the plumbing right now from the first floor to the second. Talk about a challange.
 
well I can tell you from being through a few hurricanes on the coast and the one that I have seen last with no damage is the prefabbed type with hurricane straps into the ground. The key is to brace the door so the wind can not enter and blow it open.
 
Yeah but for the price of a prefab I could have a ICF shed with tons of room, and poured concrete= tornado proof ;) Maybe not, lol.

I'm kind of set on the idea but still open to options. I like the idea of not having to go out and strap the shed everytime a big hurricane comes. I want something I can build myself to save money, and be able to sleep comfortably when hurricanes come. I have yet to call the city of cape coral and ask them a couple questions i have on mind one of which is, "Would a ICF structure that is completly isolated from the house qualify for the $44 sq/ft cost of a permit?", "would it qualify for the $45 which is not calculated by a square foot measurement but only a flat $45?"
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8703819#post8703819 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
Yeah but for the price of a prefab I could have a ICF shed with tons of room, and poured concrete= tornado proof ;) Maybe not, lol.

I'm kind of set on the idea but still open to options. I like the idea of not having to go out and strap the shed everytime a big hurricane comes. I want something I can build myself to save money, and be able to sleep comfortably when hurricanes come. I have yet to call the city of cape coral and ask them a couple questions i have on mind one of which is, "Would a ICF structure that is completly isolated from the house qualify for the $44 sq/ft cost of a permit?", "would it qualify for the $45 which is not calculated by a square foot measurement but only a flat $45?"

"Would a ICF structure that is completly isolated from the house qualify for the $44 sq/ft cost of a permit?"

They figure the price of the permit on the value of the job. They charge $5.50 per $1,000 in value. So if your building a 12 x 15
living area which is 180 sq ft x $44. that equal $7,920. Divide that by $1,000. = 7.92 X $5.50 =$43.56. But your building a "Shed" not living area so your ok with whatever you build as long as you call it a shed. It also looks like they have a $22. zoining fee on top of that.

If your not sure about pouring your own concrete, find someone doing construction in the local area and arrange to have them do it.
A 12x15 slab with no footers would be 2.2 yards. ( Order 2.5 yards)
I don't know about your area but most concrete finishers charge a min. amount for any job whether or not you prep. it or they do all the work. You could get a "Handyman" by the hour for the concrete finishing but you would have to pre-pay for the concrete yourself, and hope he shows up on time.

There is a lot of red tape building from scratch as compaired to buying a pre-builded shed and droping it in the back yard and tying it down.
LOL
 
Bah finish the concrete yourself... it is a small pour and even if you over float it, it will be fine. A neigherbor who has finished concrete would be nice... but even at that you will do fine on your own. If you do it on a Saturday you may even be able to guilt the driver into floating it for you! He may grumble... offer him $50 and a cold beer. he will decline the beer because he is driving the truck... but will appriciate the jesture by the weekend warrior.

Bean
 
My dad has someone in mind that has poured concrete for us before. Thanks for the tips everyone.

SCR thanks for the in debth information. My mom is going to talk to the City on monday and see what they say.
 
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