Houston, a city known for its vibrant culture and dynamic economy, is also no stranger to the challenges posed by severe weather events. Recent extended power outages, which left many Houstonians without electricity for five days or more, have underscored the critical importance of building resilient homes. I believe that the key to withstanding such challenges lies in constructing homes that prioritize resilience, comfort, and performance. Here’s why building a resilient home in Houston is more important than ever.
The Reality of Power Outages
The extended power outages experienced by many in Houston were a stark reminder of how dependent we are on electricity for our daily lives. From keeping our homes cool during scorching summer days to ensuring our food stays fresh, electricity is essential. When the power goes out for extended periods, it can lead to significant discomfort, potential health risks, and financial burdens. In recent years we have experienced power outages more frequently than ever before.
The Importance of Resilient Homes
Resilient homes are designed and built to maintain a livable environment even when external conditions are less than ideal. This resilience is achieved through careful consideration of the four control layers: Air, Water, Thermal, and Vapor. Let’s explore how these control layers contribute to a home’s resilience:
1. Air Control Layer
A well-sealed home prevents unwanted air infiltration, maintaining indoor air quality and comfort. During power outages, a home with proper air sealing will retain conditioned air longer, helping to keep the indoor environment comfortable.
We were able to test this after Hurricane Beryl came through. We had 2 spec builds that lost power Monday morning when Beryl hit the northern counties. On day 3 when I went to check on the homes both of them were maintaining quite well. We had humidity inside of less than 40% and the temperature was at 82. This may seem high but consider this was measured after 3 days of zero AC, it was 95F outside with 70% humidity. We did not pre-cool the homes as they are vacant and the AC was set to 76F. So we had only seen a temperature increase of 6 degrees and this was measured at the hottest point in the day around 3:30 PM.
2. Water Control Layer
Effective water management systems, including proper drainage and waterproofing, protect the home from water damage. This is particularly crucial in Houston, where heavy rains and flooding can accompany severe weather events.
We handle this in a few ways: First, we check elevations and compare them to the flood plain. Next, we elevate structures to at least one foot above street level, as streets in this area serve as the main drainage pathways, which helps limit the risk of flooding. Then, we do something we just started implementing, which is to limit or eliminate all of the rooftop penetrations for plumbing pipes, vents, etc. Additionally, we incorporate large overhangs of 12 inches or more to protect against water damage. Finally, we ensure there is proper drainage away from the home to prevent water accumulation.
3. Thermal Control Layer
Insulation and energy-efficient windows play a significant role in maintaining indoor temperatures. A well-insulated home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the reliance on HVAC systems during power outages.
We utilize exterior Continuous insulation whenever possible for walls and roofs. This is the most effective way to eliminate thermal bridges. Additionally, ensuring proper window placement and using overhangs and orientation to minimize direct sunlight on the windows helps maintain a more comfortable indoor environment.
4. Vapor Control Layer
Controlling moisture levels inside the home helps prevent mold growth and maintains indoor air quality. During power outages, when HVAC systems and dehumidifiers may not be operational, a well-managed vapor barrier is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
This goes hand in hand with our air sealing strategy and was shown during the hurricane power outage to be able to control the indoor air by limiting the amount of infiltration. Infiltration not only brings in air but also moisture in the form of vapor. By stopping one we stop the other.
High-Performance Standards for Unmatched Resilience
At BT Grace Homes, we adhere to high-performance standards to ensure our homes are resilient, comfortable, and efficient. Our commitment to integrating dehumidifiers and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) as standard equipment exemplifies this dedication. These systems help maintain optimal humidity levels and provide a continuous supply of fresh air, even during power outages. We have established a comprehensive set of minimum in-house standards for our builds, which continues to grow. Our current standards include:
- 2×6 walls with advanced framing and insulated headers (Maximizes thermal control layer performance and limits thermal bridges.
- Eliminate all roof penetrations except for the fireplace chimney.
- HVAC ducts must be in a conditioned space.
- Air tightness at or below 1 ACH 50 (tested at rough in pre-insulation)
- Dedicated ducted Dehumidifier with independent controls.
- ERV’s to ensure proper controlled fresh air intake and exhausting stale air.
Preparing for the Future
Building a resilient home is an investment in your family’s safety, comfort, and peace of mind. As weather events become more unpredictable, the importance of resilience in home construction cannot be overstated. By choosing BT Grace Homes, you are choosing a home that is built to withstand the challenges of the Houston climate, ensuring that you and your loved ones are protected, no matter what.
Conclusion
The recent power outages in Houston have highlighted the necessity of building homes that can endure and thrive in adverse conditions. By focusing on the four control layers and adhering to high-performance standards, BT Grace Homes is dedicated to constructing homes that offer unmatched resilience and comfort. Don’t wait for the next power outage to realize the importance of a resilient home. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you build a home that stands the test of time and weather.
