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New Water Intrusion Prevention and Wind Resistant

Construction Techniques @ Mercedes Homes

A presentation by Stuart McDonald

Corporate Vice President of Operations

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National Housing Quality Award Winner 2007

The history of the project

The birth of Solid Wall Systems

NHQ Partners and Participators

The Prototypes-Standards & Options

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The History of Solid Wall Systems 9 years ago, an idea was formed to build a safer, stronger, more

energy efficient homes

Over the last 8 years PATH, Steven Winter and Associates, FLASH, the University of Florida School of Construction and Engineering Department, the Insurance Industry, and Applied Research Associates have participated

Four different wall types were experimented with which has resulted in the Solid Wall homes we build today

Since 2001, we have built over 4,500 Solid Wall homes in Florida

Much of our success is due to the advent of SWS

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About Solid Wall Systems

30-40% of all homes we build in Florida are Solid Concrete Walls installed by our subsidiary; Solid Wall Systems

We invested over $3 Million Dollars in training, specialty trucks, lifts, forms, etc. to get Solid Wall Systems off the ground

We are working to be more efficient with our installation processes. Solid Wall Systems can help reduce our build time and cost

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TYPICAL 9 Ft. WINDOW OPENING HEADER

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WINDOW INSTALLATION

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Cast-in-Place Concrete Walls Provide Superior Hurricane Featured 6” solid concretewalls withstand extremewind loads and wind-driven‘missiles’ at 200 mph

Structural Protection Hurricane straps are wet-set into concrete walls at strategic locations formore effective uplift resistance and foolproof installation

Steel cage provides a reinforced structure for impact load distribution

Aluminum forms assure fast and accurate construction with minimal waste

Structural Protection

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Out-swing entry doorsare more resistant to wind loads and prevent water intrusion that occurs when hurricane winds force rain past weather stripping on in-swing doors

Removable hurricaneshutters protect window openings from wind, debris, and wind driven rain

Recessed seats in the foundation slab for walls and entry doors discourages rain draining off the exterior from entering the home

Wind-Driven Rain Protection Design

Features Reduce the Chance for Water

Intrusion

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Wind-Driven Rain Protection Design

Features Reduce the Chance for Water

Intrusion

Soffit vent openings arelimited and reconfigured to prevent water from being driven or sucked into eaves by wind pressures Extended fascia designcreates a drip edge to drain water out and away

Baffled roof vents make it more difficult for rain to penetrate into attic spaces

Continuous wall surfacedrainage plane from eavesto foundation inhibits water from entering wall cavities

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Wind-Driven Rain Protection

Enhanced Specifications Control Water

Elastomeric sealant atconcrete form joints and snap tielocations prevents water fromentering through vulnerable areas

Secondary roof drainageplane made of continuous self adhesive membrane underlayment provides continuous rainwater protection if shingles are lost or damaged during a storm

High performance acrylicfinish coatings prevent

exterior walls from absorbing water during

heavy rains

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Post-Storm Recovery

Water Damage & Mold MitigationWater damage and mold growth become increasingly severe when power outages prevent homes from drying out quickly following a hurricane

Natural gas generatorin each home allows for fans and dryers to be used in power outages, greatly reducing risk of mold growth and other damage

Paperless drywallwith glass mat facingresists mold growth farbetter than traditionalpaper-faced products.Mold grows particularlyquickly on paper andother organic materials

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Energy Efficiency in Mercedes HomesEnergy modeling helped predict and optimize efficiency

Home performance testingverified that our prototype homes meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® Home standards

Our Building envelope was improved through tight concrete construction and continuous foam insulation boards adhered directly to concrete walls

Mechanical systemswere carefully selected to maximize efficiency

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Single Story Standard, Included Features

Out Swing Doors (Recessed)

Recessed Foundation Wall Seat

Color Wheel’s Flex-Lox Coating− RCS-4 Sealant

Lomanco Off-Ridge and Ridge Vents

Self Adhesive Membrane applied in Roof Valley

Soffit and 6” Fascia with 4” Sub-Facia

Textured Cement & Paint up to Truss

Weep Screed

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Two Story Standard, Included Features

Tyvek with Paper Back Lath (creates additional drainage plane)

Horizontal and Vertical Expansion Joint with Weep Screed

Tyvek Window Sill Flashing “Flex Wrap” and Straight Tape

Sill Flashing or Pan for Second Floor Exterior Doors Sliding Glass Door

Flashing Detail for Second Floor Balcony

Second Floor-Laundry Pan and Drain under Washer

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Optional Features

Hurricane Shutters

Self Adhesive Membrane Entire Roof

Paperless, Mold Resistant Drywall

Kohler Generator (or)

Pre-Wire System for Generator

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Seeing

IS

Believing…

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Innovation Before the Storm