subject: Is a Hurricane Proof House Possible? [print this page] Is a Hurricane Proof House Possible? Is a Hurricane Proof House Possible?
Few structures can survive a hurricane's direct hit. But suppose a hurricane proof house could be built. Would you be interested in knowing how? Of course, you would! The good news is that a hurricane proof house can be built using insulating concrete forms, or ICF. This type of construction has been shown to withstand wind speeds of 140 miles per hour. IFC blocks are used to create permanent cast-in-place concrete walls. The most damage during a hurricane comes from high winds, flying debris, and the flooding caused by a storm surge. Using impact-resistant windows and storm shutters, properly constructing roofs and roofing connections, and using ICF construction can create a hurricane proof house.
A "hurricane house" that can withstand winds of up to 140 miles per hour was recently built by civil engineers at the University of Florida using ICF construction. Said Van Waddill, the director of the University's Research and Education Center, "This hurricane house demonstrates that it is possible to build a home that will come through a category 4 or 5 hurricane with little or no damage."
Three key pieces to constructing a hurricane proof house are:
1. The roofing system: This is one of the most critical components in any high-wind situation.
2. Windows: The strength of the windows is of major importance, because the integrity of the entire structure can be breached if the windows are broken.
Learn more about how hurricane proof house plans address roofing systems and windows at www.wisehomedesign.com/hurricane-proof-house-plans.html.
3. Protection from flying debris: The greatest danger to people during a hurricane or tornado is wind-driven debris. Engineers at Texas Tech University recently conducted tests comparing the impact resistance of concrete wall construction to traditional wood-framed walls. They were able to simulate a tornado with 250 mph winds, which is greater than 99% of all tornadoes in the United States and much higher than winds speeds in Category 5 hurricanes. Results showed that concrete wall systems, such as ICFs and concrete blocks, were able to resist the impact of wind-driven debris. Wood-framed walls, however, were not capable of stopping the debris from tearing through the walls completely. Learn more about ICF homes and their construction at www.wisehomedesign.com/icf-homes.html.
Flooding and Storm Surges
Building the home high enough above sea level offers the best protection against storm surge. Depending on the property's flood zone, the foundation also may need to be elevated. Should flooding occur, homes built using IFC construction won't suffer the water damage and rot that occurs with wood-frame structures.
Tornadoes
The challenge of tornadoes must also be considered in conjunction with hurricanes, because they can form when hurricanes make landfall. As a hurricane's ground-level winds slow and its upper-level winds maintain their momentum, a tornado can occur. Read about building a tornado proof home at www.wisehomedesign.com/tornado-proof-home.html.
