Item H03AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: September lb, 2015 Department: Building
Bulb Ttem: Yes X No Staff Contact Person/Phone #: Christine Hurley, 289-2517
Ed Koconis, 453-8727
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of a resolution of the Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners adopting FEMA Technical Bulletin 2 "Flood Damage -Resistant Materials
Requirements" dated August 2008 as amended October 2010 as required pursuant to Monroe County
Code Section 122-2(c).
ITEM BACKGROUND: Chapter 122 of the Monroe County Code "Floodplain Management"
includes rules for interpreting flood hazard issues. The building official shall be guided by the current
edition of FNMA's 44 CFR, and FNMA's interpretive letters, policy statements and technical bulletins
as adopted from time to time by the board of county commissioners. FNMA's Technical Bulletins
("bulletins") provide guidance concerning the building performance standards of the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP), which are contained in Title 44 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.
The bulletins are intended for use primarily by State and local officials responsible for interpreting and
enforcing NFIP regulations and by members of the development community, such as design
professionals and builders. New bulletins, as well as updates to existing bulletins, are issued
periodically as needed. The bulletins do not create regulations, rather they provide specific guidance
for complying with the minimum requirements of existing NFIP regulations. Adopting these
documents as well as internal County policies would serve to allow the County to not only remain in
the NFIP as stated in Section 122-1(b), but also to move forward with the intent of becoming eligible
to enter FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS). The proposed resolution would adopt FEMA
Technical Bulletin 2 "Flood Damage -Resistant Materials Requirements" dated August 2008 as
amended October 2010 as required pursuant to Monroe County Code Section 122-2(c).
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
January 18, 1994 — BOCC approved Ordinance No. 002-1994 adding the language "as adopted by
resolution from time to time by the Board of County Commissioners" to the rules for interpreting flood
hazard issues.
July 15, 2015 — BOCC rejected proposed ordinance amending Section 122-2(c) and directed staff to
continue proposing resolutions for adoption of both new and amended documents to be used by the
building official for guidance on floodplain management.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Appr
TOTAL COST: N/A INDIRECT COST: N/A BUDGETED: Yes No N/A
DIFFERENTIAL OF LOCAL PREFERENCE: N/A
COST TO COUNTY: N/A SOURCE OF FUNDS: N/A
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes No N/A AMOUNT PER MONTVA�/I. Ye.?r
APPROVED BY: County Atty X W OMB/Purchasing Risk Management _
DOCUMENTATION: Included X Not .Required
DISPOSITION: AGENDA ITEM #
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MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA
MONROE COUNTY:/•,'i OF COUNTYCOMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION /,,
COUNTYA RESOLUTION OF THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD 000
/ /ADOPTING
I.',ULLETIN 2 "FLOOD DAMAGE -RESISTANT
I' / ' 1 AUGUST 20081 1
'4OCTOBER 2010 AS REQUIRED • / MONROJ
COUNTY/SECTION
WHEREAS, Monroe County is currently a participating community in the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and is working on internal County policies to improve upon its
interpretation of NFIP regulations; and
WHEREAS, Monroe County desires to become eligible to enter FEMA's Community
Rating System (CRS); and
WHEREAS, Monroe County Code Section 122-2(c), in part, requires that in interpreting
other provisions of this chapter, the building official shall be guided by the current edition of
FEMA's 44 CFR, and FEMA's interpretive letters, policy statements and technical bulletins as
adopted by resolution from time to time by the board of county commissioners;
Section 1. Pursuant to Monroe County Code Section 122-2(c), the Board hereby adopts
FEMA Technical Bulletin 2 "Flood Damage -Resistant Materials Requirements" dated August
2008 as amended October 2010, a copy of which is attached hereto.
Section 2. The Clerk of the Board is hereby directed to forward one (1) certified copy of
this Resolution to the Building Department.
PASSED AND ADOPTED PTE by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,.
Florida, at a regular meeting held on the 16th of September, 2015.
Mayor Danny L. Kolhage
Mayorpro tens Heather Carruthers
Commissioner Sylvia Murphy
Commissioner George Neugent
Commissioner David Rice
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
C
Mayor Danny L. Kolhage
(SEAL)
ATTEST. AY HEAVILIN, CLERK
Deputy Clerk
a-
Technical Bulletin 2 / August 2008
FEMA
Tntrndocboo....... ............................................. ......... -----..........................
--__-_'l
NFTPRegulations..... .... ... ... ........ ...... —... ......... _—...................... ..............
-----....... 2
Required Use of Flood D cuurMauerials--_-----_--_---_'----_A
FlaodDuonMaterial— .... ................................ ....................
---- ............ .2
How Flood Dumo tancMate6als/L0feccDloodIumurzuce Rates
.... ---- ........ -.3
Classification o[FloodDamage-Resistant Materials ...... .................................
---......... —A
Notes Regarding Classification u[Materials ....... ..................... ---_.--_---_...5
Fasteners and Connectors ............................. ................. _--........... —__—.......
....... —]2
Cmu*nvcdou Examples ................. ................................ _........... —_..................
----_,K3
Buildings ioZones A4/UF,Al`A30.,kA'AO, and AH—............................
---_--..I8
BILildings imZones V,\E, and VlN38—... ...... ........ —...... —...............
_----........ l4
Additional ]Uses m[Flood I}unn oantMaterials-----------------_—_'l4
AcceasozyStructures ......... ...... ----------....................... ...........
....... --... 14
Wet Floodproofin1c ......... ---------............... ......... ........... --......—_—_..I5
Buildings Ckm-sideofSFIIAs... ---_----.........................................
_-----... l6
TheNFIP.............. ............................. ....................... _............. _--.............
................... J7
hQFIP Tech uical Bul I ednm......... —...... ......... ......... ....... ---.............. --.......
_-----... 17
Ordering Technical Bulletins ................................................ ........ _.... —.......
--................ J7
Glusaary_.... ....... _... _.... ......... --_--_--_.......... .................... ...... —............ �19
Revision to Table 2 footnotc(*) made inOctober 20IG.
Comments on the Technical Bulletins should be directed to:
Department of Homeland Security
FEMAFederal Insurance and Mitigation Administration
5O8CStreet, SW.
VVaahington.[lC. 20472
Technical Bulletin 2-08 replaces Technical Bulletin 2-93.Flood-Resistant Materials Requirements for
Buildings Located /nSpecial Flood Hazard Areas /naccordance with the National Flood Insurance
! M17!�
Protecting buildings that are constructed in special flood hazard areas (SF As) from dam-
0
age caused by flood forces is an important objective of the National Flood Insurance Program
f I
(NFIP). In support of this objective, the NFIP regulations include minimum building de-
sign criteria that apply to new construction, repair of substantially dantaged buildings, and
substantial improvement of existing buildings in SFFLAs'. The
base flood is used to delineate SFHAs on Flood Insurance Rate
MaPS (FIRMs) prepared by the NFIP. The base flood is the
F
flood that has a I -percent chance of being equaled or exceed-
ed in any given year (commonly called the "100-year" flood).
Certain terms used in this Technical Bulletin are defined in
the Glossary.
The NFIP regulations require the use of` construction mate-
rials that are resistant to flood damage. The lowest floor of
a residential building must be elevated to or above the base
flood elevation (111FE), while the lowest floor of a non-resi-
dential building must be elevated to or above the BFE or dry
floodproofed to the BFE.
All construction below the BFE is susceptible to flooding and
must consist of flood darnacre-resistant building materials. The
11
purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to provide current guid-
ance on what constitute "materials resistant to flood damage"
and hove Mid when these materials must be. used to improve a
building's ability to withstand flooding.
Table I describes five classes of materials ranging from those
that are highly resistant to floodwater damage, to those that
Under the NFIP, the "low-
est floor" is the floor of the
lowest enclosed area of a
building. An unfinished or
flood -resistant enclosure
that is used solely for park-
ing of vehicles, building
access, or storage is not
the lowest floor, provided
the enclosure is built in
compliance with applicable
requirements.
As used by the NFIP, an
.,enclosure" is an area that
is enclosed on all sides by
walls.
The NFIP defines a "base-
ment" as any area that is
below -grade on all sides.
The regulations do not allow
basements to extend below
the BFE.
have no resistance to flooding. Materials are broadly, described
as structural materials and finish materials based on how they
are used in normal construction practices. Table 2 lists materials by generic names, and notes
whether the materials are acceptable or unacceptable for use below the BFE. All building ma-
terials are in some way fastened or connected to the structure. Fasteners and connectors, as
described in this Technical Bulletin, also must be resistant to Hood damage.
A brief description of the process used to identify or deter-t-riine whether the materials listed
are flood daniage-resistant is provided, followed by some simplified examples with diagrarns
to illustrate the use of these materials below the BFE. Three additional circumstances where
flood damage -resistant. materials are used or recommended are described: accessory striLic-
tures, limited use of wet floodproofing, and buildings outside of SFFLAs.
Questions about use of flood damage -resistant materials should be directed to the, appropriate
local official, NFIP State Coordinating Office, or one of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's (FEMA's) Regional Offices.
Technical Bul leTin 2 —auGuST 2008
The NFIP regulations for flood damage; resistant materials are codified in Title 44 of the Code
of Federal regulations, in Section 60.3 (a) (3), which states that a community' shall:
"Review all permit applications to determine whether proposed building sites will be rea-
sonably safe from coding. if a proposed building site is in a oodprone area, all new
construction and substantial improvementsshall...(ii) beconstructed with materials resis-
tant to _ood damage,.."
Proposals for. substantial irnprovernent of existing buildings in SFHAs, and proposals to repair
those that have sustained subsrarItial darnage, must comply with the requirements for new
construction. As part of issuing permits, community officials must rew7ew srtch proposals to
determine whether they comply with the requirements, including the use of flood damage -re-
sistant materials. Defer to the "Classification of Flood Damage -Resistant Materials" section of
this Technical Bulletin fir additional details. Further information on substantial improvement
and substantial damage is found in Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged Buildings
(Fl NCA, 213).
The NFIP Technical Bulletins provide guidance on the minimum requirements of the NFIP regulations.
Community or State requirements that exceed those of the NFIP take precedence. Design profes-
sionals should contact the community to determine whether more restrictive provisions apply to the
building or site in question. All other applicable requirements of the Mate or local building codes must
also be met for buildings in all flood hazard areas.
"Flood damagel-resistant rnater-ral" is defined by the NFIP
as "arty building product [material, component orsystem]The international BuildingCode' (IBC ), by reference
capable of withstanding direct and prolonged contact With to ASCB 24 Flood Resistant
floodwaters without sustaining significant damage." The Design and Construction,
term "prolonged contact" means at least �`2 bouts, and the and the international
term "significant damage" rrreans any damage requiring more Residential Code (IRC ),
than cosmetic repair. "Cosmetic repair" includes cleaning, require the use of flood
sanitizing, and. resurfacing (e.g., sanding, repair of joints, re- damage -resistant materials.
painting) of the material.. The cost of cosmetic repair should -
also be less than the cost of replacement of affected materials
and systems. In addition to these requirements, individual materials that arc, considered flood
darrnage r esistant must not cause degradation of adjacent t materials or the systems of which the
material is a part.
Technical BUIIeTIn 2-auGuST2008
All building materials below the BFE must be ood damage -resistant, regardless of the ex-
pectcd or historic flood duration. For example, buildings in coastal areas that experience
relatively short -duration flooding (generally, flooding with a duration of less than 24 fours)
must be constructed with flood damage -resistant materials below the BFE. As noted in Table
2, onlyClass 4 and Class 5 materials are acceptable for areas below the BFE in buildings in
SFH As.
In some instances, materials that are not flood damage -resistant materials, such as wiring for
Fire alarms and emergency lighting, are allowed below the BFE if specifically required to ad-
dress life safety and electric code requirements for building access and storage areas.
,' l
Careful attention to compliance with the NFIP regulations for flood damage -resistant materials
is important during design, plan review, construction, and inspection. Compliance influences
both the building's vulnerability to flood damage and the cost of NFIP flood insurance. Flood
insurance will not pay a claim for finish materials located in basements or in enclosed areas
below the lowest floor of elevated buildings, even if such materials are considered to be flood
damage -resistant. NFIP claims for damage below ffie BFE are limited to utilities and equip-
ment, such as furnaces and water heaters.
The information in this Technical .Bulletin was initially developed based on information in the
U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers' Fled Pro rig Regulations (995), and has been updated biased
on additional information from FENI -funded studies and reports, technical experts, and in-
dustry and trade groups. Table I classifies building xnateriatls according to their ability to resist
flood damage.
a
Table 1. Gass descriptions of Materials
Class Class Description
Highly resistant to floodwater' damage, including damage caused by moving water.2
These materials can survive wetting and drying and may be successfully cleaned af-
ter a flood to render them free of most harmful pollutants.3 Materials in this class are
permitted for partially enclosed or outside uses with essentially unmitigated flood
exposure.
Resistant to floodwater' damage from wetting and drying, but less durable when ex
posed to moving water,' These materials can survive wetting and drying and may
4 be successfully cleaned after a flood to render them free of most harmful pollutants.'
Materials in this class may be exposed to and/or submerged in floodwaters in interior
spaces and do not require specialwaterproofing protection.
Resistant to clean water, damage, but not floodwater damage. Materials in this class
may be submerged in clean water during periods of flooding. These materials can
survive wetting and drying, but may not be able to be successfully cleaned alter floods
to render them free of most,' harmful pollutants.
Not resistant to clean water4 damage. Materials in this class are used in predominant-
ly dry spaces that may be subject to occasional water vapor and/or slight seepage.
These materials cannot survive the wetting and drying associated with floods.
Not resistant to clean water' damage or moisture damage. Materials in this class are
used in spaces with conditions of complete dryness. These materials cannot survive
the wetting and drying associated with floods.
t
Motes:.
1. Floodwater is assumed to be considered "black" water', black water contains pollutants such as sewage, chemicals, heavy metals,
or other toxic substances that are potentially hazardous to humans.
2, Moving water is defined as water moving at low velocities of 5 feet per second (fps) or less. Water moving at velocities greater
than 5 fps may cause structural damage to building materials.
3. Some materials can be successfully cleaned of most of the pollutants typically found in floodwater. However, some individual
pollutants such as heating oil can be extremely difficult to remove from uncoated concrete. These materials are flood damage -
resistant except when exposed to individual pollutants that cannot be successfully cleaned.
4. Glean water includes potable water as well as "gray" water; gray water is wastewater collected from normal uses (laundry, bathing,
food preparation, etc.).
MODIFIED FROM: USAGE 1995 Flood Proofing Regulations
Table `} lists structural materials and finish materials commonly used in constr>v c ion of floors,
walls, and ceilings. For the purpose of this Technical Bulletin, structural materials and finish
materials are defined as follows:
n Structural materials include all elements necessary to provide structural support, rigid-
ity, and integrity to a building- or building component. "Structural materials include floor
slabs, bean -is, subf oors, framing, and structural building components such as trusses, wall
panels, 1-joists and headers, and interior/exterior sheathing.
4 Technical Bul I eTin 2 ® au uST2008
Finish materials include all coverings, finishes, and elements that do riot provide structur-
al support or rigidity to a building or building component. Finish materials include floor
coverings, wall and ceiling surface treatments, insulation, cabinets, doors, partitions, and
windows.
The classifications in Table 2 are based on the best information available at the time of publi-
cation. However, flood damage -resistance is determined by factors that may be a function of
the specific application and by the characteristics of the flooduraters. Each situation requires
sound udgment and knowledge of probable contaminants in local floodwaters to select a-
terials that are required to resist flood damage. For materials and products that are listed in
Table 2, nxanufac.turers' use and installation instructions must be followed to ensure rrraXi-
murn performance. Masonry and wood products used below the BFE roust comply'A th the
applicable standards published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (AST`vi),
the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the Truss plate Institute (TPI), the American Forest
& Paper Association (.' &I?A), and other- appropriate organizations.
1. Materials Not Listed: Table 2 does riot list all available structural rrraterials and finish ma-
terials. For materials and products not listed, rna.nufacturers' literature (i.e., specifications,
materials safety data streets, test reports) should be evaluated to determine if the product
rueets flood darnage-resistance requirements. Materials and products that are not listed in
Table 2 may be used ifaccepted by the local official. Acceptance should be based nn suffi-
cient evidence, provided by the applicant, that the materials proposed to be used below the
BFE will resist flood damage without requiring more than cosmetic repair: and cleaning,
Unacceptable Materials: Mass 1, 2, and 3 materials are unacceptable for below-BFE ap-
plications for one or more of the fallowing reasons
n Normal adhesives specified for above -grade use: are water- soluble or are not resistant to
alkali or acid in water, including groundwater seepage and vapor.
n The materials contain wood or paper products, or other materials that dissolve or de-
teriorate, lose structural integrity, or are adversely affected by water.
Sheet -type floor coverings (liuoleurn, rubber tile) or wall coverings (wallpaper) restrict
drying of the materials they cover,
rt Materials are dimensionally unstable.
n Materials absorb or retain excessive water after submergence,
Impact of Material Combinations: In some eases, the combination of acceptable structural
and finish materials can negatively impact the classification of individual materials. This is
illustrated by the following examples:
Technical 6ulIeTin 2—auGuST2008
n Vinyl file with chernical-set adhesives is an acceptable finish flooring material when
placed on a concrete structural floor. However, when the saute virtyl the is applied over
a plywood structural floor, it is no longer considered acceptable because the vinyl the
must be removed to allow the plywood to dry.
n Polvester-epoxy% or oil -rased paints are acceptable wail finishes when applied to a concrete
structural wall. However, when the saute paint is applied to a wood wall, it is no longer
considered acceptable.. Recent FF. IA -supported studies by Oak Ridge National Labora-
tory have found that low -permeability paint can inhibit drying of the wood wall.
4. Impa.ct of Lang -Duration Exposure and/or Contaminants: The classifrcationsofniater-ials
listed in Table 2 do not take into account the effects of long -duration exposure to floodwa-
ters or contarinants carried by floodwaters. This is illustrated by the following examples:
n Following Hurricane Katrina, FE:MA deployed a Mitigation Assessment Team (NIAT) to
examine how building materials performed after long -duration exposure (2 to 3 weeks)
to floodwaters (FE.AL/IA 549). The field survev revealed that some materials absorbed
floodborne biological and chemical contaminants. however, it is not known at this time
if a shorter duration flood event would have significantly altered the absorption rates
of those contaminants.
Building owners, design professionals, and local officials should consider potential ex-
posure to fCoodborne contaminants when selecting flood damage -resistant materials.
For example, Table 2 lists cast -in -place concrete, concrete block, and solid structural
wood (2x4s, etc.), as acceptable flood danxage-resistant materials. However, experience
has shown that buildings with those materials can be rendered unacceptable for habita-
tion after -being subjected to floodwaters with significant quantities of petroleum -based
products such as home heating oil. Commonly erred cleaning and r-ernediation practices
do not reduce the "off -gassing" of volatile hydrocarbons from embedded oil residues
to acceptable levels that are established by the US. Environmental Protection Agency.
Other- materials, when exposed to these types of contaminants, may also not perform
acceptably as flood darnarge-resistant materials.
6 Technical BulIeTin 2—auGuST2008
Table 2. Types, Uses, and Classifications of Materials
Uses of Building Classes of Building Materials
Types of Building Materials Materials Acceptable Unacceptable
Ceilings
Structural Materials (.�oor slabs,
beams, sub,,-Joors, framing, and
interior/exterior sheathing)
Asbestos -cement board n n
Brick
Face or glazed
n n
Common (clay)
n
n
Cast store (in waterproof mortar)
n n
Cement board/fiber-cement board
n n
Cement/latex, formed -in -place n
n
Clay tile, structural glazed
n n
Concrete, precast or cast -in -place n
n n
Gypsum products
Paper -faced gypsum board n
n
Non -paper -faced gypsum board n
n
Plaster, otherwise, including acoustical n
n
Sheathing panels, exterior grade n
n
Water-resistant, fiber -reinforced
n
gypsum exterior sheathing
n
Hardboard (high -density fiberboard)
Tempered, enamel or plastic coated n n
Ail other types
n
n
Mineral fiberboard
n
n
Oriented -strand board (OSB)
Particle board n n
Plywood
Pre servative-treated, alkaline cop -
Technic a| Bu|8eTin 2—auGuST2008
Table 2. Types, Uses, and Classifications of Materials (continued)
Uses of Building
Classes of Building Materials
Types of Building Materials
Materials
Acceptable unacceptable
Floors Walisf 5 4 3 2
Ceilings
Structural Materials (Eder slabs,
beams, subEloors, framing, and
interior/exterior sheathing)
Preservative -treated, Borate'
n n
n
Exterior gradelExposurei (WBP -
Y
weather and boil proof)
n n
n
All other types
n =n
n
Recycled plastic lumber (RPL)
Commingled, with 80-90%
polyethylene (PE)
n
n
Fiber -reinforced, with glass fiber
strands
n
n
High -density polyethylene (HLPE), up
to 95%
n
n
Wood -filled, with 50% sawdust or wood
n
n
fiber
Stone
- - -
- --
Natural or artificial non -absorbent solid
or veneer, waterproof grout
n n n
All other applications
n n
Structural Building Components
Floor trusses, wood, solid(2x4s), de-
cay-resistant or preservative -treated
n
--
n
n
Floor trusses, stee13
n
n
Headers and beams, solid (2x4s)
or plywood, exterior grade or
n
n
preservative -treated
Headers and beams, OSB, exterior
grade or edge -swell resistant
n
n
Headers and beams, steed'
_
n
_ n
1-joists
n
n
Wall panels, plywood, exterior grade or
preservative -treated
n
n
Wall panels, OSB, exterior grade or
edge -swell resistant
n
n
Wall panels, steel'
n
n
Technical But I eTin 2 — auGuST2008
Table 2. Types, Uses, and Classifications of Materials (continued)
Uses of Building
Glasses of Building Materials
Types of Building Materials
Materials
-
Acceptable Unacceptable
p p
Floors Walls/ 5 4 3 t 2 1
Ceilings
9 Structural Materials (moor slabs,
i beams, subDoors, framing, and
interior/exterior sheathing)
--
Wood -
Solid, standard, structural (2x4s)
n
n
Solid, standard, finish/trims
n
n
Solid, decay -resistants
n l n n
Solid, preservative -treated, AGQ or C-A
n
n
Solid, preservative -treated, Boratel
n
n
Finish Materials (moor coverings, wall
and oiling Onishes, insulation, cabi-
nets, doors, partitions, and windows)
Asphalt tiles
With asphaltic adhesives
n n
Ail other types
n n
Cabinets, built-in
Wood
n
n
Particle board
n n
Metal'
n n -
Carpeting
n n
Ceramic and porcelain the
With mortar set
n n
n
With organic adhesives
n n
#
n
Concrete tile, with mortar set
n n
Corkboard
n
n
Doors
Wood, hollow
-
n
n
Wood, lightweight panel construction
n
n
Wood, solid
n
6
n
Metal, hollow
n n
Metal, wood cores
n n
Metal, foam -filled core'
n n
Fiberglass, wood core
n n
Epoxy, formed -in -place
n
n
Technical BulIeTin 2—auGuST2008 9
Table 2. Types, Uses, and Classifications of Materials (continued)
Uses of Building Classes of Building Materials
Types of Building Materials
Materials Acceptable
unacceptablel
Floors !Walls/ 5 4 3 2 1
Ceilings
Finish Materials (poor coverings, wall
and ceiling 7tiishes, insulation, cabi-
nets, doors, partitions, and windows)
Glass (sheets, colored tiles, panels)
n
n
Glass blocks
n
n
Insulation
-
Sprayed polyurethane foam (SPUi=) or
closed -cell plastic foams
n
n
n
Inorganic —fiberglass, mineral wool;
batts, blankets, or blown
n
n
n
All other types (cellulose, cotton, open
cell plastic foams, etc.)
n
n
n
Linoleum
n
n
Magneste (magnesium oxychloride)
n
n
Mastic felt -base floor covering
n
n
Mastic flooring, formed -in -place
n
n
Metals, non-ferrous (aluminum, copper,
or zinc tiles)
-
n
n
Metals
_w
Dion -ferrous (aluminum, copper, or
zinc tiles)
n
n
Metals, ferrous3
n
n
Faint
Polyester -epoxy and other oil -based
waterproof types
n n
Latex I
—n
n
Partitions, folding
Wood
n
n
Metal3
n
n
Fabric -covered
n
n
Partitions, stationary (free-standing)
Wood frame
n n
Metal'
-
n
n
Glass, unreinforced
n
n
Glass, reinforced
n
n
Gypsum, solid or block
n
n
to Technical BulIeTin 2—auGuST2008
Table 2. Types, Uses, and Classifications of Materials (continued)
Uses of Building
Classes of Building Materials
Types of Building Materials
Materials
Acceptable
Unacceptable
Floors Walls/
5 4
3 2 1
Ceilings
Finish Materials (--,00r coverings, wall
and ceiling -jilshes, insulation, cabi-
nets, doors, partitions, and windows)
Polyurethane, formed -in -place
n
n
Poiyvinyl acetate (PVA) emulsion cement
n
Rubber
Moldings and trim with epoxy poly -
amide adhesive or latex -hydraulic
n 1`1
cement
All other applications
n n
Rubber sheets or tiles-'
With chemical -set adhesives'
n
n
All other applications
n
n
Silicone floor, formed -in -place
n
n
Steel (panels, trim, tile)
With waterproof adhesives'
n
n
With non -waterproof adhesives
n
n
Terrazo
n n
Vinyl asbestos tile (semi -flexible vinyl)'
With asphaltic adhesives
n
n
All other applications
n
n
Vinyl sheets or tiles (coated on cork or
wood product backings)
n
n
Vinyl sheets or tiles (homogeneous)5
With chemical -set adhesives,s
n
n
All other applications
n n
Wall coverings
Paper, burlap, cloth types
n
n
Vinyl, plastic, wall paper
n
I
n
Wood floor coverings
Wood (solid)
n
n
Engineered wood flooring
n
n
Plastic laminate flooring
n
n
Wood composition blocks, laid in
cement mortar
n
n
1 Wood composition blocks, dipped and
laid in hot pitch or bitumen
LI
Technical Bull eTin 2 -auGuST2008 II
Notes`:
1 Unfilled concrete black cells can create a reservoir that can hold water following a flood, which can make the blocks difficult or
impossible to clean if the floodwaters are contaminated.
2 Borate preservative -treated wood meets the NFIP requirements for flood damge-resistantce; however, the borate can leach out
of the wood if the material is continuously exposed to standing or moving water.
3 Not recommended in areas subject to salt -water flooding.
4 Examples of decay -resistant lumber include heart wood of redwood, cedar, and black locust. Refer to Section 2302 of the
International Building Code's (IBC'-) and Section R202 of the international Residential Code' (IRCI) for guidance.
5 Using normally specified suspended flooring (i.e., above -grade) adhesives, including sulfite liquor (lignin or "linoleum paste"),
rubber/asphaltic dispersions, or "alcohol" type resinous adhesives (culmar, oteoresin).
6 Examples include epoxy-polyamide adhesives or latex -hydraulic cement.
In addition to the requirements of TB 2 for flood damage resistance, building materials must also comply with any additional
requirements of applicable building codes. For example, for wood products such as solid 2x4s and plywood, applicable building
code requirements typically include protection against decay and termites and will specify use of preservative -treated or decay -
resistant wood for certain applications. Applications that require preservative -treated or decayresistart species include wood in
contact with the ground, wood exposed to weather, wood on exterior foundation walls, or wood members close to the exposed
ground. In some cases, applicable building code requirements (such as those in ASCE 24-05 and IRC 2006) do not reflect
updated guidance in TB 2 and specify that all wood used below the design flood elevation be preservative -treated or naturally
decay -resistant regardless of proximity to ground or exposure to weather. jRev lion made in October 2010)
The term "Fasteneh•s" typically refers to nails, screws, bolts,
and anchors. The term "connectors", typically refers to man-
ufactured devices used to connect two or more building
components. ,Joist hangers, post leases, hurricane ties and
clips, and rnud-sill anchors are examples of connectors, Fas-
teners and connectors are materials and thus rnrrst be made of
flood damage -resistant materials in order to comply with the
NFIP requirements.
Table 2 does not specifically address fasteners and connectors,
However, it is clear that the performance of buildings that are
Specifications for fasten-
ers and connectors used in
buildings in SFHAs are in
ASCE 24, a standard refer-
enced by the IBC. Chapter
23 of the IBC has specific
requirements for connec-
tions and fasteners used
with wood, including pre-
servative -treated woad.
Similar specifications are in
Chapter 3 of the IRC.
exposed to flooding is, at least in part, a function of the fas-
teners and connectors used to put the components together.
IA'hen preservative -treated woods are used, particular attention is required for fasteners and
connectors because some treatments are more corrosive than others, which could shorten the
service: life of the fasteners and connectors. For example, alkaline copper quaternary (ACC )
treatments are more corrosive than tradidonal acid copper chrornate (ACC) treatments. If
corrosion occurs, buildings are less likely to withstand flood loads and other loads. Fasten-
ers and connectors made of stainless steel„ hot -clipped zinc -coated galvanized steel, silicon
bronze., or copper are recommended for use with preservative -treated wood.
This Technical. Bulletin, consistent with ASCE 24 and the International Code Series, recom-
mends that stainless steel or hot -clip galvanized fasteners and connectors be used below the
BF'E in both inland (noncorrosive) and coastal (corrosive) areas, In coastal environments
where airborne salts contribute to corrosion, it is recommended that corrosion -resistant fas-
teners and connectors be used throughout. the building where they may be exposed. For
12 Technical BulIeTin 2—auGuST2008
additional guidance, see Technical Bulletin S, Corrosion Protection for Metal Connectors in Coast-
al Armes. Also see TPI/WTCA Guidelines for Use of Alternative Preservative Treatments with Mil
Connector Platesfor further guidance on metal plate connected wood trusses manufactured with
preservative treated lumber (http://wNv° v.sbcindustry.com/images/PTWGLiideline&pdt).
Figure 1 illustrates a solid foundation wall (crawlspace) elevated to meet the rnimmum re-
quirement that the lowest floor be at the BFE. Figure 2 illustrates framed walls that tnay be
used for enclosures below the BFE that are used for parking of vehicles, building access, and
storage.
To maximize allowable use of enclosures below the BFE, it is a common practice to extend
the foundation a frill story, even though that puts the lowest floor well above the BFE. In such
cases, while the NFIP requirement is that flood darn age -resistant materials be used only below
the BFE„ it is strongly recommended that such materials be used for all construction below the
lowest floor. This will reduce flood damage to the enclosed area in the event flooding exceeds
the BFE. For additional guidance on enclosures in A zones, see Technical Bulletin 1, Openings
in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures Flow Elevated Buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
FE Lowest floorcovering
Wood/steel stud
Solo plate door
Floor joists/
trusses Sub -floor
Sill plate
m
Solid perimeter
foundation wall
( MU or poured
m
concrete)
.,-...-.-. Flood opening S
No more than
as
m
1 foot
Interior grade o
LL
Exterior grade
�— Footing
Figure 1. Building elevated on solid
foundation wells meeting the minimum
NEIP requirements for Zones A, AE, Al-
A30, AR, AO, and AH
Technical BulIeTin 2-auGu5T2008 13
Wood/steel stud
Sole plate Floor covering
BFE Lowestfloor cag
..._ Floor joists/ _
oi tsi_
Sub
trusses Haar c
Framed wall
around enclosure 2
U)
Flood opening —.
as
.FO
Na more
Interior grade
E
®t
l
rL
rt
Exterior grade
Figure 2. Framed enclosure under
building elevated in accordance with
NFlP requirements for Zones A, AE,
At -A30, AO, and AH
The \FIP regulations require that the bottorn of the lowest horizontal structural member of
the lowest floor- (usual1v the floor beam or girder) of buildings in Zones. V, VE, and Vl-V30
be at or above the BFE. Therefore, all materials below the bottom of those members must be
flood daanage-resistant materials. This requirement applies to lattice work and screening, and
also to materials used to construct breakaway walls that enclose areas below the lowest floor.
Depending on the design. parameters selected, breakaway walls may rernain in place during
low-level floods and must be flood darnage-resistant so that they can be readily cleaned and
not deteriorate over time due to wetting. Figure 3 illustrates the requirement. For additional
guidance on breakaway walls used to enclose areas under buildings in V zones, see Technical
Bulletin 9, Design and Construction Guidance for Breakaway Walls Below Elevated CoastalBuild-
ings.
Accessory structures inay be allowed in SFFIAs provided they are located, installed, and con-
structed in ways that corraply with : TIP requirements. Sorne corrrtnunities allow accessory
structures that are.: limited to the uses specified for enclosures below the BFE: parking of ve-
hicles and storage. As with other buildings, accessory structures below the BFE are required to
be constructed with flood damage -resistant materials. fn addition, accessory structures must
be anchored to resist Flotation, collapse, and lateral rnovemen t and comply with other require-
ments based on the flood Tone. For additional information and requirements, contact the
appropriate community permitting office.
14 Technical Bul I eTin 2 - auGuST 2008
Bottom of lowest horizontal
structural member
WalI stud
Sole plate
Lowest -
floor
® BFB t b Q
t T
ai
�r E
Pile or
r column
s 6
r, W
E
Grade e
-o
Grade
LL
Lattice work or
breakaway wall
Section Elevation
Figure 3. Floe damage -resistant building material requirements for buildings elevated in accordance with.
NFIP requirements for Zones V, VF, and V1430
Wet floodproofing is a mettrod to reduce damage that typically involves three elements. allow-
ing floodwaters to enter and exit to rninirnize structural damage, using flood damage -resistant
materials, and elevating utility service and equiprrient. NAITien a building is retrofitted to be
`vet floodproofed, non -flood damage -resistant materials that are below the RFF should be re-
moved and replaced with flood damage -resistant materials. This will reduce the costs of repair
and facilitate faster recovery,
Wet floodproofing is not allowed in lieu of complying with the lowest floor elevation require-
ments for new residential buildings (or dry floodproofing of nonresidential buildings in
A zones). The exception is accessory structures, as noted on the previous page, Wet flood -
proofing may also be used to voluntarily retrofit buildings that are alder than the date of the
conaniunity's first FIRM (commonly referred to as "pre -FIRM"), provided the requirement to
TechnicalBuIIeTin 2—auGuST2008 15
bring such buildings into cornpliance is not triggered (called " substantial improvenren t"). Fig-
ure 4 illustrates shine suggested retrofitting of interior walls in a pre -FIRM building. However,
please note Char the techniques illustrated in Figure 4 cannot be used to bring a Substantially
dan-raged or substantially unproved building into compliance with t. e NF[P. For additional in -
torn ation on wet floodproof=rng, see Technical Bulletin 7, Wet Floodproo, ng Reqtdrernents.
�— Batt insulation
above gap
Preservative -treated --
lumber
Elevated
outlets
maximum
„ .
Chair
rail
Chair
rail
expected
flood level
6 inches 17
,'/z-inch gap in wallboard
to prevent wicking
to d-resast rrt ,..
1
{:_�•w
(Iron- paficed
f
g9su>n1`tm lllaoard''
..
....* `--- Replaceable
wainscot
Closed -cell or plastic
r
oam tla elation
— ——Water-resistantffooring
Figure 4. Partial wet floodproofing technique lasing flood damage -resistant materials for finished wall
construction.
FE1;IA reports that rip to 25 percent of NFIP flood insurance claiurs are paid on buildings that
are outside of the snapped SFHA. This occurs for many reasons, including out:-of=date reaps
and local drainage problenis. In areas known to be prone to flooding that, are not subject to
the NFIP retluirenaents, it. is recorntnended that flood darnage-resistant rrraLerials be used for
constrr:rction of new buildings and for repair or renovation of existing buildings. Figure 4 il-
lustrates some options.
16 Technical BUIIeTin 2-auGuST2008
The U.S. Congress established the NFIP with the passage of the National Flood Insurance
.act of 1968. The NFIPis a Federal program enabling property owners in participating corn-
nrunities to purchase insurance as protection against flood losses, in exchange for State and
cornnaunity floodplain management regulations that reduce future flood damages. Participa-
tion in the NFIP is based on an agreement between cornrnunities and the Federal Government.
Ifa community adopts and enforces adequate floodplain inanagernent regulations, FE vl�tvill
makes flood insurance available within the community.
Title 44 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations contains the NFIP criteria for floodplain man-
agenaent, including design and construction standards for new and substantially improved
buildings located in SFH.As identified on the NFIP's FIRMS. FEND encourages communities
to adopt floodplain management regulations that exceed the NFIP criteria. As an insurance
alternative to disaster- assistance, the NFIP reduces the escalating costs of repairing damage to
buildings and their contents caused by floods.
r
This is one of a, series of "Technical Bulte:tins that Fl NLA, has produced to provide guidance
concerning the building perf'orniance requirements of the NFIR These requirements are con-
tained in Title 44 of the U.S_ Code of Federal regulations at Section 60_3. The bulletins are
intended for use by State and local officials responsible for interpreting and enforcing the re-
quivernents in their floodplain manage anent re.gul<a.tions and building codes, and by nienibers
of the development conrnatrnity, such as design professionals and bteilders. New bulletins„ as
well as updates of existing bulletins, are issued periodically, as necessan" The bulletins do not
create regulations, rather, they provide specific guidance for complying with the requirements
of existing NFIP retigUlations. Users of the Technical Bulletins who need additional guidance
should contact their NFIP Stare Coordinator or the appropriate FEND regional office. The
User's Guide toTeelrnical Bulletins (http://ivivwv.feriia. ov/pdf/fence/cuide0l.pdf) lists the bul-
letins issued to date.
The quickest and easiest wav' to acquire copies of FT:MA's Technical Bulletins is to down-
load there from the FENtA website. (http://vrxv-sv.fema.gov/plan/prevent/E oodplainJtec:hbiti.
shun).
Technical Bulletins also may be ordered free of charge from the: FF. M "t Distribution Cen-
ter- by calling 1-800-480-25`-20, or by faxing a request to 1-240-699-05225, Monday through
Friday between S a.m. and 5 p.m. FIST. Please provide the FEMA publication nurn-
ber, title, and quantity of each publication requested, along with your rianre, address, zip
code, sand daytime telephone number. Written request: pray be submitted by entail to:
FEiN,Lk-Publications-'vVareliotise@dlis.gov
Technical Bul IeTin 2-auGuST2008 17
The following publications provide further information concerning the use of flood darnage-
resistant materials.
;AJgan, H. and Wendt, R. 2005. Pre -Standard Development for the Testing of Flood -Damage -Resistant
Residential Envelope Systems, Comparison of Field and Laboratory Results - Surn ary Report, Oak
Ridge National Laboratory, June 2005.
American Red Crass, FEMA. 1992. Repairing Your Flooded Hoare, FEN4A 232, ARC, 4477.
American Society of Civil Engirr€:(.rs, Structural Engineering Institute. 2005. Flood Resistant De-
sign and Construction, ASCE/SEI 24-€1:3.
A-merican Society of Civil Engineers, Structural Engineering Institute. 2005. Minimum Design
Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, ASCE/SE:I 7-05,
Brick Institute ofArnerica, n.d. Technical Notes for Brick Construction, Brick Institute of Arnerica,
McLean, Virginia.
California Integrated Waste Management Board. 2004. "Recycled Plastic Lumber," Cal-
ifornia Integraied Waste Management: Board, web page, last updated June 22, 2004
(Iittp://iAT�vsv.ciwiri .ca.gov/Plastic/Recycled/Litnil)cr).
Department of Energy. 2005. Energy EEcient Flood -Damage -Resistant Home Reconstruction,
(http://vv,,%,,,��.ornl.gov/sci/res_buildieigs/F"F'MN-at.tacltnaet-ts; lood_darnage-reconstruction.
pol) .
FEMA. 1991. Answers to Quesions About. Substantially Damaged Buildings, FEM.,k 213.
FEMA. 1993. Wet Floodproo, ng Requirements, Technical Bulletin 7-93, FIA-TB-7,
FEN A. 1996. Corrosion Protection for Metal Connectors in Costal Areas, Technical bulletin 8-96,
FIA-TB-S.
FEN,LA,. 2000. Coastal Construction Manual, F'EMA. 55CD (3rd edition).
FEXLk. 2005, HorneBuilder's GuidetoCoastal Construction: Tedinical Fact Shect Series, FEMAN 499.
FEIviA. 2006. Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Hurricane Katrina in theGulf Coast, FEMA 549,
FEMA. 2007. National Flood Insurance Program: Flood Insurance Manual, Revised October 2007,
International Code Council, Inc. 2006. International Building Code', IBC' 2006.
International Code Council, Inc. 2006. International Residential Code', IC° 2006.
is Technical Bub I eTin 2 —a uGuT2008
Simpson Strong Tie. ZOOS, TechnicalBulletin: P'r vative-Treated Wood, Simpson Strom; -Tie
TPT`vi70OD08-R,July 2008 (http://m%,iv.strongtie.cony/ftp/bulletins/T-PTVVOOD08-R.pdf).
TPI/X'TCA. ` 00.1. TPI/4r'v'TCA Guidelines for Use of Alternative Preservative Treatments with Metal
Connector Plates, updated June 4, 2007,(http://wikiv.sbci€idtasti-y,co€n/ima es/PTWGuide-
lines.pdf).
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1984. Flood Pro& ng Systems and Techniques, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers„ December 1984,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1995. Fled. Proo ng regulations, Chapters 9 and 10, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, EP 1165-2- 14.
Wood Truss Council of Aaaaer ica (WTCA) , 2005. The load Guide: Guide to Good Practice for
Spccifying and Applying Loads to Structural Building Components, (http://wrNviv.sbcitidtasLr�� coat-/
loads,php) .
World Floor Covering Association (WFCA). n.d., Anaheim, California
(littp://wi"i7.�Nyfca.org/iiidexJitrnl),
,Accessory structure — A structure that is on the same parcel of property -is a principal struc-
ture, the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure.
Base -ood —The flood having a 1-percent chalice of being equaled or exceeded in any given
year, counnaonly referred to aas the `100-dear flood." The base flood is the national standard
used by the NFIP and all Federal agencies for the purposes of requiring the purchase of flood
insurance and regaal�ating new development.
.Base -ood elevation (BFE) — The height of the base (I -percent annual chalice or 100 wear)
flood in relation to ra specified datums, usually the National Geodetic Vertical Daturn of 19 9,
or the North American Vertical Daaturn of 1988.
Basement ---- Any area of as building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all
sides.
Enclosure or enclosed area—.Arcas created by a crawrlspace or solid walls that fully enclose
areas below the BF'E.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — The Federal agency that, in addition to
carrying out other acthities, administers the National. Flood Insurance Program.
Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (F1lv1A) — The component of FEIVIA
directly responsible for administering the flood hazard identification and floodplain manage-
rnent aspects of the NFIR
Technical Bail I eTin 2 — auGuST 2008 19
Flood Insuran cc bate Flap (FIRM) —The official reap of a commuraity on which FEMA has
delineated both the special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) and the risk premium zones appli-
cable to the corrununity.
Floodprone area --- Any land area susceptible to being inundated by floodwater from any
source..
Lowest iror — The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area of a building, including a base-
ment. Anv NFIP-compliant unfinished or flood -resistant enclosure usable solely for parking
of vehicles, building access, or storage (in an area ether than a basement.) is not: considered
a building's lowest floor, provided the enclosure does not: render tlae structure in violation of'
the applicable design requirements of the NFIP.
Registered Design Professional — An individual who is registered or licensed to practice
thew- respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional
registration laws of the State or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFH ) — Art area delineated oil a FII:.M as being subject to iu-
undation by the base flood and designated as Zone A, AE, Al-A30, AID., AO, A.I-1, C99, V, VE,
or Vl 130.
Substantial damage — Damage of any origin sustained by a Structure whereby the cost of re-
storing the structure to its before -damaged condition would equal or exceed .ail percent of
the market value of the strtrctuI-c bcfol-C the damage occurred. Structures that are determined
to be substantially damaged are considered to be substantial improvements, regardless of the
actual repair work performed.
Substantial improvement — Any reconstruction, rehabilitatioar, addition, or other improve-
ment of a structure, the cost of whichequals or exceeds afi percent of the market value of the
structure (or smaller percentage if established by the community) before the "start of con-
struction" of the improvement. This term includes structures that [rave incurred "substantial
darnage," regardless of the actual repair work performed.
20 Technical Bul I eTin 2 — auGuST2008