Myth busting: separating myth from fact about wood frame construction
Learn the truth about wood frame vs. block construction in Florida. Our guide explores the resilience, benefits, and cost-effectiveness of wood framing for discerning homeowners and builders.
In Florida, where the threat of extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and hailstorms looms large, a common myth persists: only block construction protects homes from the harsh elements. Homeowners often overlook the resilience of wood frame construction, which provides safety, durability, and style.
The truth is that wood framed homes, engineered for structural integrity, have what it takes to protect homeowners and withstand Florida’s challenging weather. In this blog, we’ll debunk myths surrounding wood frame construction, and highlight how Hardie® fiber cement siding, trim, and soffit products empower homeowners to choose resilient homes that stand the test of time and extreme weather, without sacrificing style or strength.
Myth: Wood framing cannot withstand hurricane winds.
Fact: Multi-story wood framed homes are engineered to meet the same stringent Florida building codes as block homes. Builders must comply with a rigorous inspection process that ensures every metal connector and fastener in its integrated system is securely in place to maintain a continuous load path from frame to foundation. When paired with low-maintenance Hardie® siding, wood framed homes have a resilient exterior that manages moisture and resists cracking better than stucco.
Homeowners can rest assured that Hardie® products will offer the protection they deserve from Florida weather. Hardie® siding is the only brand of siding that is Engineered for Climate® and features approved designs that meet Miami-Dade County High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) requirements and offer FEMA Class 5 flood damage resistance. James Hardie’s state-of-the-art HZ10® siding products are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, intense heat, humidity, and blistering sun, ensuring that homes in Florida and areas prone to tropical storms remain structurally sound and visually appealing for years to come.
Myth: Block construction stands up better to termites and pests.
Fact: Damaging insects can still migrate up to the underlying wood framing of the home. That’s why Florida Building Codes require builders to use pretreated wood for built in protection. As for the home’s exterior, Hardie® fiber cement has no appeal for household pests, including termites.
Myth: Florida builders are unfamiliar with the benefits of multi-story wood frame construction.
Fact: Central Florida builders are increasingly leading the way in wood frame construction, embracing its many advantages, especially when pairing it with high-performance products like Hardie® siding.
At the 2024 James Hardie Builder Event in Orlando, over 130 builders and industry experts gathered to discuss the numerous benefits of wood frame construction and its growing role in shaping the future of homebuilding in the region. Leaders in Central Florida homebuilding, such as Burgess Construction and M/I Homes, continue to embrace wood frame construction combined with resilient, weather-resistant products like Hardie® fiber cement siding to offer homeowners the best of both worlds.
Because the versatility of wood frame construction allows for a wide range of home designs, builders are also able to offer unique architectural styles, such as Florida Vernacular, that cannot be achieved with stucco exteriors.
The Ultimate Fact: Wood frame construction offers the protection Florida homeowners demand and deserve.
Homeowners can rest assured that choosing wood frame construction paired with Hardie® siding will result in a durable, safe, and stylish home that provides much-appreciated peace of mind for years to come.
As a pioneer in modern fiber cement siding, James Hardie has built a reputation for trust and innovation in the fiber cement siding industry. Hardie® products are five generations ahead of other generic fiber cement products, reflecting a long-standing commitment to quality and performance. Homeowners can trust that their investment is protected and supported by a company with a proven track record with a 30-year, non-prorated warranty.
To learn more about wood-frame construction being the resilient choice for Florida homes, check out our previous blog in the series or check out our Florida Realtor Guide.
