BFE Base Flood Elevation, the computed elevation to which floodwater is anticipated to rise during the base flood or having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded often know as “100 year flood”

Design tolerance an allowable amount of variation within the specified design of a buildling part or system.

DFE Design Flood Elevation, the BFE from the flood insurance rate map (FIRM) or an elevation designated on a flood hazard map adopted by the community in which the project resides

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency; the Federal agency tasked with coordinating the response to a disaster that has occurred in the United States

Floodproofing, wet making utilities, structural components, and contents flood- and water-resistant during periods of flooding within the structure

Floodproofing, dry making a structure watertight, often by applying a waterproof coating and closing off all openings below BFE. Strengthening the foundation, floors and walls is often necessary to withstand the additional forces during a flood

Freeboard the extra height of the structure above the Base Flood Elevation if Design Flood Elevation is greater than BFE; Freeboard = DFE – BFE

French drain a drain pipe that is perforated to receive water from the surrounding soil. Usually buried just below the ground surface, or deeper to protect a basement from water entry. Can be covered with soil or gravel to also receive surface water. Never connect a downspout to a French drain.

Gable end the triangular section of a wall that meets the edges of a gable roof (see gable roof drawing page 19)

Hardening strengthening a building to better withstand a disaster and lessen the damage from such an event

Integrity   the authenticity of physical characteristics from which properties obtain their significance

LDHP Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation; serves as the staff of the appointed State Historic Preservation Officer for federal programs that pertain to historic buildings, structures, and places as such appointment is required by the National Historic Preservation Act, 54 USC, as amended. The LDHP also oversees a number of state historic preservation programs

National Register National Register of Historic Places; the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation; authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and administered by the National Park Service

Pier a pillar, or similar construction, that supports a building or other superstructure

Pile a structural support (e.g. large timbers, steel, or concrete) driven into the earth to support a building or other superstructure

Pointing or repointing removing failed mortar and replacing with appropriate or in-kind new mortar

Risk the potential negative effect of a disaster event; determined by combining the likelihood of the event occurring with the effect of the event should it occur

Slab-on-grade a poured-in-place concrete slab that forms the foundation of a building or other superstructure

Secretary of the Interior’s Standards series of best practices for maintaining, repairing, and replacing historic materials, as well as designing new additions or making alterations

Scour localized loss of soil or rock usually around a foundation

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office; comprised of the Division of Historic Preservation and the Division of Archaeology, whose staff administer federal and state mandated preservation programs as outlined by the National Park Service and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended; also SHPO – State Historic Preservation Officer appointed by the Governor or his designee to administer the State Historic Preservation programs

Storm drain a pipe, usually underground, that carries storm water away and into a discharge area, such as a stream, bay, or municipal storm sewer system. Unlike a French drain, the pipe is not perforated.

Storm windows   windows mounted inside or outside of the main glass windows of a house to improve thermal efficiency and protect main windows against damage during inclement weather; can be made of glass, rigid plastic panels, or flexible plastic sheets

Storm shutters covering to protect windows from being broken by flying debris during a storm

Storm screen metal screens which can be installed over windows, without interfering with fenestration or exterior sight lines, to protect windows from flying debris

Subsurface drainage removing excess groundwater through buried pipes

Temporary storm panels temporary covering that can be installed when a storm is imminent to protect windows from flying debris during a storm

Trench drain type of surface drain channel usually covered by removable grating. The trench drain is not perforated on the bottom or open to the soil, so it is permissible to use them to carry water from a downspout

Water shield also known as a leak barrier, the water shield is a self-adhering rubberized membrane that is installed under the roofing material and directly on the roof deck. Takes the place of traditional felt paper underlayment.

Water tight closing off all openings so as not to allow water to enter

Window film film added to existing windows to hold glass fragments together during high impacts

Uplift (Wind Uplift) a force generated by wind on a roof system or components of a roof system; when uplift is greater than the system was designed for, the roof could potentially lift off the building

Table of Contents
Download Resilient Heritage: Protecting Your Historic Home from Natural Disasters (GOHSEP)

National Center for Preservation Technology and Training
645 University Parkway
Natchitoches, LA 71457

Email: ncptt[at]
Phone: (318) 356-7444
Fax: (318) 356-9119