On September 27, Tropical Storm Helene bore down on the Upstate of South Carolina and Western North Carolina, profoundly shocking the region. In Greenville, more than 90 percent of the County was without power for several days—some as long as two weeks. Schools were closed eight days, and internet/phone service was disrupted for over a month.
The damage to our area from flooding, downed trees and power lines, and infrastructure impairment has been destructive and, in some places, catastrophic. While Greenville fared well compared to our neighbors just 45 minutes to the west, we still saw a disruption unlike anything since the pandemic.
Building with Natural Disasters in Mind
Preparing for an event like Hurricane Helene is nearly impossible; experts say it was likely a 100-year incident. However, the construction industry continues to learn from natural disasters like this storm to better inform how we build, the materials we use, and the processes we employ to shore up projects for years to come.
The first line of defense against natural disasters begins long before the ground is broken. At Raby Construction, we focus on implementing comprehensive policy frameworks that address every stage of construction. Depending on the project, these frameworks might include enhanced insurance coverage, emergency response planning, and stringent documentation practices to help track materials, methods, and decisions that impact disaster resilience.
Smart material selection has become a cornerstone of disaster-resistant construction and a crucial factor when considering resilience. Depending on our client’s goals, we will consider the following tactics when choosing materials:
For Hurricane and Storm Protection
- Impact-resistant windows rated for high-velocity winds: designed with two panels of glass, these windows can withstand the stress of hurricane-force winds and projectiles moving at high speeds.
- Reinforced concrete and steel framework: depending on the project, reinforced concrete or structural steel is used to withstand natural elements
- Storm-rated roofing systems with enhanced attachment methods: from the selection of roofing materials to extra measures to bolster how it is affixed to the roof, extra measures can withstand extreme weather conditions
For Flood Mitigation
- Water-resistant drywall and insulation: drywall can be coated with wax to resist moisture (and fire!)
- Mold-resistant materials for lower levels: flooring materials like ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or vinyl plank naturally resist mold, but treatments can be added to other types of flooring to enhance moisture resistance
- Sealed concrete foundations with waterproof membranes: waterproof membranes are a primary defense against water intrusion and can be made with plastic, coated fabric, rubber, or even petroleum-based asphalt
For Fire Defense
- Class A fire-rated roofing materials: class A is the highest-rated roofing material for fire resistance but typically is only needed for areas prone to wildfires (examples include asphalt fiberglass composition shingles and concrete or clay tiles)
- Fire-resistant siding options: fiber cement is a low-maintenance material that typically comes with a Class A Fire Rating, the highest rating available
- Fire-resistant materials implemented between floors of multi-family developments: a variety of fire-resistant compounds and mortars can be used on floors traditionally used on walls
As a general contractor, Raby Construction works closely with each client to assess any site preparation (like strategic drainage systems) or foundation adjustments (like elevating structures) needed to meet and exceed FEMA requirements in flood zones, as applicable.
Hurricane Helene taught us that we can never prepare for everything, but by taking steps with our clients that meet their budget and resiliency goals, we can do everything we can to protect their properties for years. We believe a proactive approach helps our clients and communities prepare for nature’s challenges. And when we are all prepared, we thrive.