Specialty Engineering
ASCE 7‑16 Wind Compliance | Fortified Home Design | Construction Inspections
Castle Row MEP provides engineering review and design services for new single‑family residences in accordance with ASCE/SEI 7‑16 wind load standards. We work with homeowners, builders, architects, and financial institutions to ensure homes are structurally prepared for Louisiana wind conditions and built to meet modern resilience standards.
From foundation and roof plan review to full Fortified® home design and evaluation, our work is focused on risk reduction, code compliance, and long‑term durability.
ASCE 7‑16 Wind Standard Plan Review
Foundation & Roof Plan Review for New Single‑Family Homes
Castle Row MEP reviews residential foundation and roof framing plans to verify compliance with ASCE/SEI 7‑16 wind load requirements.
Our review services include:
- Wind exposure category evaluation
- Basic wind speed verification
- Uplift and lateral load path review
- Roof‑to‑wall connection assessment
- Anchor bolt and foundation anchorage review
- Shear wall and diaphragm considerations
- Structural detailing consistency checks
We coordinate directly with architects, designers, and builders to identify deficiencies early—before construction delays or costly field corrections occur.
Result: Clear documentation that the foundation and roof systems meet applicable wind design standards.
Fortified® Home Design Services
Castle Row MEP provides engineering support for homes seeking Fortified® construction standards, helping owners and builders design toward stronger, more resilient structures.
Our Fortified® design services include:
- Roof system detailing for enhanced uplift resistance
- Secondary water barrier recommendations
- Opening protection guidance
- Continuous load path verification
- Construction detail refinement for compliance
We assist in aligning residential plans with Fortified® program requirements while maintaining cost efficiency and constructability.
Fortified® Evaluations & Construction Inspections
Castle Row MEP performs Fortified® evaluations and construction inspections for:
- Homeowners
- Builders
- Developers
- Financial institutions
- Lenders requiring resilience verification
Services include:
- Pre‑construction plan review
- In‑progress construction inspections
- Documentation review
- Compliance reporting
- Final verification documentation for lenders
Our inspection process is clear, organized, and timely—ensuring all required elements are properly installed and documented.
Services for Financial Institutions
We provide independent engineering evaluation and inspection services for lenders and financial institutions requiring verification of:
Services include:
- Wind‑resistant design compliance
- Fortified® construction standards
- Structural resilience documentation
- Risk mitigation measures
Reports are prepared in a professional format suitable for underwriting and risk assessment purposes.
Why Wind‑Resistant Design Matters
Louisiana homes are exposed to elevated wind speeds and storm events. Proper engineering review:
- Reduces structural failure risk
- Improves long‑term durability
- Supports insurance eligibility
- May assist with premium reductions
- Protects homeowner investment
Proactive engineering review during design is significantly more cost‑effective than post‑construction remediation.
Who We Work With
- Custom home builders
- Residential developers
- Architects and designers
- Homeowners
- Banks and lending institutions
Reports are prepared in a professional format suitable for underwriting and risk assessment purposes.
Specialty Engineering FAQs
What is ASCE 7‑16 and why is it required?
ASCE/SEI 7‑16 is the national standard used to determine minimum design loads for buildings, including wind loads. In Louisiana, residential structures must be designed to meet applicable wind speed and exposure requirements to ensure structural safety and code compliance.
Does Castle Row MEP review both foundation and roof plans?
Yes. Castle Row MEP reviews foundation anchorage, roof framing systems, uplift resistance, and load path continuity to verify compliance with ASCE 7‑16 wind requirements for new single‑family homes.
What is a Fortified® home?
A Fortified® home is constructed to meet enhanced resilience standards that strengthen the roof system, improve water intrusion resistance, and reinforce structural connections to better withstand high wind events.
Do you provide Fortified® evaluations and inspections?
Yes. Castle Row MEP performs Fortified® design guidance, pre‑construction review, in‑progress inspections, and final documentation for homeowners, builders, and financial institutions.
Yes. Castle Row MEP performs Fortified® design guidance, pre‑construction review, in‑progress inspections, and final documentation for homeowners, builders, and financial institutions.
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Can Fortified® construction reduce insurance premiums?
In many cases, homes built to Fortified® standards may qualify for insurance incentives or premium reductions. Property owners should confirm eligibility directly with their insurance provider.
Do you work with lenders and financial institutions?
Yes. Castle Row MEP provides independent engineering documentation and inspection reporting for lenders requiring wind compliance or Fortified® verification prior to funding or underwriting.
When should wind plan review occur?
Wind compliance review should occur during the design phase—before construction begins—to avoid costly field modifications and delays.
What areas does Castle Row MEP serve?
Castle Row MEP provides residential wind compliance review and Fortified® services throughout Louisiana.
General Service FAQs
Is Castle Row MEP a licensed engineering firm?
Yes. Castle Row MEP is a licensed professional engineering firm in the State of Louisiana. All engineering services are provided under the responsible charge of a Licensed Professional Engineer.
Who will be responsible for my project’s engineering?
All projects are overseen by Bradley Frizzell, P.E., Owner and Principal Engineer, with direct involvement in engineering design and technical oversight.
Do you work with architects and developers?
Yes. Castle Row MEP works closely with architects, developers, owners, and contractors to deliver coordinated, constructible engineering designs.
What project locations do you serve?
Castle Row MEP serves projects throughout Louisiana, including commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use developments.
How do we get started?
You can contact Castle Row MEP through our website or by email to discuss your project scope, schedule, and engineering needs.
