Premium Real Estate Directory

Housing Style Called Florida Cracker

1. Roofs.  Hip or gable with a slope of 8-12 pitch to keep the hot air away from the ceiling of the living area and at least 10 feet high ceilings and deep overhang to shade the windows and glass doors.  Select light color roofing material for heat reflection.  Utilize all the new guidelines for energy efficiency such as the correct type of insulations and sustainable roof decking materials. 
2. Windows and glass doors.  Use high quality casement, awning or double hung windows with metal cladding to add natural light and to take advantage of cool breezes.  Install skylights, big and stylish windows, height-gaining transom and French doors.  The perfusion of glass also floods the house with natural lights while making the living spaces bright and airy.  Choose extremely energy efficient windows to keep heat from flowing into and out of a room.
3. Porches.  Incorporate in your house plan the amenities such as screened porches, patios, decks, outdoor showers, outdoor dining area, and open air fireplaces-anyway to help your family enjoy the outside.  To reduce solar heat gain, most of the Florida Cracker style houses have a large overhang on porch on the east-west side of the house, and in some cases, an open veranda which extended completely around the outer perimeter of the house.  This way you can build a house with less square footage, using minimum resources, and gaining in outdoor living.  Pay attention to proper engineering and building codes so the porches and outdoor structures would not be vulnerable to high winds.
4. Site.  Harmonize with your building lot.  Preserving tress and other natural feature.   Design your house plan to its site and orientation of your building lot.  An attractive yard goes hand in hand with outdoor living space.  Use native plants in your landscaping.  They are much easier to maintain than import varieties.
5. Ceiling fans.  Install fans in all living spaces and sleeping areas to assist with cross ventilation.
6. Central heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system.  Select the appropriate heating and cooling system to be installed correctly by qualified technician.  Consult with your local energy company for the best products in term of initial money paid and subsequent maintenance.  Being able to switch to back-up cool is a major relief.  No matter how shaded and cool your house is.