Building a Resilient Home in Foley, Alabama: Embracing Fortified Standards for Wind and Weather Protection


Building a home in Foley, Alabama, comes with the promise of Southern charm and a warm climate but also the challenge of withstanding severe weather events, especially high winds from hurricanes and thunderstorms. One way to ensure that your new home can endure these challenges is by incorporating FORTIFIED standards into your construction plans. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has developed FORTIFIED Home™ standards, which offer a framework for building homes with improved resilience against natural forces, especially wind and rain.

Understanding FORTIFIED Home™ Standards

FORTIFIED…

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What is a Fortified Roof? The Ultimate Guide for Orange Beach and Ono Island Homeowners

Fortified Roofs Orange Beach Alabama Ono Island

In coastal areas like Orange Beach and Ono Island, where homes are often exposed to hurricanes, high winds, and severe storms, investing in a fortified roof is one of the smartest moves a homeowner can make. A fortified roof goes beyond standard roofing systems, providing enhanced protection against extreme weather and increasing your home's durability and value.

What is a Fortified Roof?

A fortified roof is a roofing system specifically engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions. Unlike typical roofs, a fortified roof involves extra reinforcement, enhanced fastening, and improved water barriers. These roofs are built under the guidelines of the …

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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Roof for Coastal Homes in Orange Beach and Ono Island

Orange Beach Alabama Roofs

As an expert real estate advisor in Orange Beach, Alabama, and Ono Island, I often guide homeowners on selecting the best roofing materials to withstand the unique coastal environment. Below, I’ve outlined the advantages and disadvantages of several popular roofing options, specifically considering factors like resilience, insurance savings, and replacement costs. Each option offers unique benefits tailored to coastal living, and for additional information or roofer recommendations, feel free to contact Meredith.

1. Standing Seam Metal Roofs

  • Advantages: Known for durability, standing seam metal roofs are resistant to high winds, salt, and UV…

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Important Update on FORTIFIED™ Roofing Standards for Ono Island Homes: Compliance Required by November 2025

Fortified Roofs Ono Island Orange Beach Alabama

The update below comes from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) this week. Though the changes won’t take effect until November 2025, I wanted to share this information now to help you prepare, as it will impact eligibility for FORTIFIED designation for homes on Ono Island.

Starting in November 2025, all new roofs and re-roofing projects on Ono Island will need to be installed by certified FORTIFIED™ roofing contractors to qualify for FORTIFIED designations. This change is intended to improve the quality of installations, reduce errors during the evaluation process, and increase the number of homes successfully…

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Why Orange Beach, Alabama is the Perfect Destination for Second Homes and Vacation Properties: A Buyer's Guide to Beachfront Investment

Orange Beach Alabama Home Guide to Buying Homes


Orange Beach, Alabama, has become one of the top destinations along the Gulf Coast for buyers looking to invest in a second home or vacation property. With its stunning beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and unique local attractions, it’s no wonder Orange Beach is a favorite choice for those seeking a personal retreat or a profitable rental property. In this guide, you’ll discover why Orange Beach is ideal for a beachfront investment, and how Meredith Amon, an experienced real estate advisor and local expert, can guide you through the buying process to help you make the most of your investment.

Why Choose…

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Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Unite for Historic 2024 Pensacola Airshow

The skies over Pensacola, Florida, were electrified on November 1-2, 2024, as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels performed together at the NAS Pensacola Airshow. This rare collaboration showcased the exceptional skill, bravery, and professionalism of America’s premier flight demonstration teams. Both teams are renowned for their precision flying and complex aerial maneuvers, and their combined display highlighted the excellence of U.S. military aviation.

Meet the 2024 Thunderbirds Team

Leading the Thunderbirds was Lt Col Nathan Malafa, Commander and Leader. His leadership and precision flying guided the team through complex routines,…

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The Importance of Due Diligence for Property Owners and Potential Buyers in Baldwin County, AlabamaNew Construction Homes Baldwin County Alabama

When purchasing or developing land in Baldwin County, Alabama, it's essential to understand that Alabama is a "Buyer Beware" state. This means that it’s the responsibility of property owners and potential buyers to conduct thorough research—or due diligence—before making any decisions about buying, building on, or subdividing land. Failing to do so could lead to unforeseen complications, significant financial burdens, and potential legal issues. Here’s a guide to some crucial factors to consider, as well as the local resources that can assist in this process.

Resource:  https://baldwincountyal.gov/departments/planning-zoning. 

1. Zoning

Each…

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Flood Insurance Policies in Orange Beach, Alabama: Requirements, Flood Zones, and Wind Coverage

Orange Beach, Alabama, with its beautiful coastal setting, faces unique risks related to flooding and high winds. Given the recent changes in flood zone maps and the increasing frequency of severe weather events, understanding flood insurance policies is essential for property owners here. This guide covers the requirements, flood zones, wind coverage, and tips for navigating flood insurance in Orange Beach.

Flood Insurance Requirements in Orange Beach

  1. Mandatory Flood Insurance for Certain Zones
    Properties located in high-risk flood areas, especially in designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), are often required to…

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Blue Angels & Thunderbirds Shine at the Pensacola Homecoming 2024

Joel Edwards Thunderbirds 2024

Photograph Credit: Joel Edwards 2024

Photograph Credit: Joel Edwards 2024

 

The 2024 Pensacola Homecoming Air Show was an unforgettable event, gathering crowds from all over to witness the unmatched precision, professionalism, and teamwork of some of the world’s most elite aviators. This year’s show featured not only the iconic U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds but also an impressive lineup of civilian performers like Redline Aerobatics and other renowned pilots. Together, these pilots demonstrated a thrilling combination of skill, heroism, and determination that captivated audiences throughout the event.

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Exploring Pre-Cast and Tilt-Up Concrete Construction for Gulf Coast Homes

Pre-Cast Concrete Tilt-Up Construction Homes 

Hello, I'm Meredith Amon, a dedicated real estate advisor for Ono Island, Orange Beach, and Gulf Coast communities. Today, I want to share some insights about a building method that’s growing in popularity for its resilience, speed, and suitability for our coastal environment: pre-cast and tilt-up concrete construction. These methods offer significant benefits, especially for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas along the Gulf Coast.

What is Pre-Cast and Tilt-Up Concrete Construction?

In a nutshell, tilt-up concrete construction involves pouring concrete panels flat on the ground, typically on a concrete slab at the job site, and then using cranes to “tilt” them up…

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