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Retrofits & Adaptations: Improving Mobility in the Home

File Under: Universal Design & Accessibility

Researchers sought to review and test home modifications that could improve accessibility for people with disabilities of semi-detached and non-detached residential buildings (townhomes and row houses), which often have elevated entrances, narrow floorplans, and functionality (kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms) spread among several levels. Focus groups of users, caregivers, and professionals identified several areas of the home, such as bathrooms, stairs, laundry room, and entryway or entrances, as presenting some of the greatest challenges for accomplishing daily activities and ease of use.

Retrofit Improvements: Garage Door Reinforcement

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During a hurricane or other high-wind event, a garage door can be damaged by wind or windborne debris. High winds can cause a garage door to fail by pushing it inward or pulling it outward until the door buckles or the door hardware fails. If a garage door fails during a storm, the entire house may be susceptible to wind and water intrusion that could cause extensive damage and even building failure.

Retrofit Improvements: Gable End Bracing

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Gable end walls are the triangle-shaped wall sections found at the ends of a pitched (gable) roof and generally run parallel to the roof rafters or trusses forming the gable. During a hurricane or other high-wind event, inadequately braced or improperly anchored gable end walls are vulnerable to failure and can become detached from the rest of the structure. A gable end wall failure can make the house susceptible to wind and water intrusion into the attic that can cause extensive damage and even building failure.

Retrofit Improvements: Fire Retardant Wood Shingles or Shakes

File Under: Resilience

During a wildfire, or an adjacent building fire, roof coverings are exposed to ignition due to their large area and orientation. Leaves or dead vegetation collected in gutters can be easily ignited by embers, spreading flames to roof coverings and other roof components. The flames can subsequently propagate into the interior of the building, resulting in substantial damage or even total loss of the building.

Retrofit Improvements: Wind Resistant Exterior Cladding

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During a hurricane or other severe windstorm, exterior wall siding can be damaged or blown off the house, leaving the water-resistive barrier (WRB) as the only protection against rainwater. If the exposed WRB is then damaged or compromised, severe water damage to wall sheathing, wall cavity insulation, and interior wall finishes can result.

Retrofit Improvements: Roof to Wall Connection

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During a hurricane or other high-wind event, the connection between the roof framing and walls can fail, making the house susceptible to wind and water intrusion into the attic that can cause extensive damage and even building failure.