The Pacific Northwest’s breathtaking coastlines offer one-of-a-kind beauty but also feature occasional high winds, which is a consideration for homebuyers who shop in the region during good weather. When shopping for a home on any windy coast, understanding the impact of wind on a home’s foundation is helpful.
High winds in coastal regions exert both positive and negative forces on buildings, potentially pushing and lifting homes off their foundations. To counter this, a robust foundation designed in compliance with specific codes becomes vital. The 2006 or 2009 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) outline guidelines for constructing foundations capable of withstanding these extreme forces.
Coastal homes demand foundations that not only support the structure but also resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movements, even after exposure to erosion and scour. Flood-resistant materials below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) are essential to combat the higher wind speeds prevalent in these areas.
The foundation design in these coastal regions mandates elevating the lowest floor or structural members above the BFE. Different foundation styles—open, closed, shallow, or deep—present varying advantages and risks. Open foundations, comprising piles, piers, or columns, offer minimal obstruction to floodwaters and are recommended due to their ability to mitigate damage caused by flood loads or debris.
In contrast, closed foundations, such as continuous foundation walls, are less suited due to their vulnerability to damage from hydrodynamic forces and waves. Pile foundations, relying on deep vertical piles anchored in the soil, prove resilient against these winds by relying on friction and soil strength to resist forces.
Selecting the ideal foundation style hinges on site characteristics like soil type and bearing capacity. A comprehensive site investigation, including soil bores and historical site usage, guides the choice for the most suitable foundation design.
For prospective homebuyers in our coastal regions, consider opting for open foundation styles—particularly piles designed to resist erosion—can beat the challenges posed by high winds and extreme weather conditions. So keep the wind in mind when seeking resilience in a coastal home investment.
