Integrity of the building envelope during and after a hurricane is critical for protecting lives and property. The loss of windows, doors, wall claddings or roof coverings allows for the introduction of high winds and water. Hurricanes expose weak building components and cause failure during the most vulnerable time. Often, simple mitigation techniques, such as repair of deficient roof areas, additional door hardware and bracing overhead doors can greatly improve a facility’s performance during a hurricane. Bigger efforts, including retrofitting windows with laminated glass or properly specified storm shutters can bring buildings into compliance with today’s strict hurricane codes and standards.

GCI is recognized as an expert in the field of hurricane protection. Our firm was extensively involved with the development of new codes and standards following Hurricane Andrew in Dade County in 1992. GCI has also taken a leadership role with the implementation of hurricane protection requirements into the National Model Building Codes and ASTM standards.

GCI has provided hurricane protection services during new construction and for the retrofit of existing structures throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Clients include: Marriott International, Cayman Islands Government, Miami Children’s Hospital, East Caribbean Central Bank, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Health First, Inc., Cayman National Bank, University of Florida, and City of Chesapeake, VA.

Our hurricane protection services include:

• Risk Analysis to determine proper design criteria. The building code provides minimum standards. Often it is appropriate to exceed the code requirements – particularly for essential facilities and shelters. Our risk analysis includes computer wind and storm surge modeling along with a windborne debris assessment to develop site specific wind load, windborne debris and storm surge design criteria.
• Risk Assessment of existing buildings to determine the anticipated performance of building envelope components and make recommendations for upgraded hurricane resistance.
• Cost Budget Estimates for the recommended hurricane retrofit options.
• Development of Bid Documents, including retrofit scope of work and specifications.
• Bid Administration including pre-bid conferences and analysis of proposals.
• Quality Control Observations and Testing during implementation of the retrofit process.