OUTFITTING YOUR HOME TO SURVIVE THE STORM

As we stare down another storm season, making buildings impact-resistant is an important way to save lives and homes. Modern technology now offers several strategies to protect buildings from high winds, flying debris, intense rain, heat, and destruction. Whether building a new home or retrofitting an existing home, incorporating impact-resistant features is a smart investment that will pay off as heavier storms become the norm.

A big part of building a climate resilient home is using storm-proof materials.

1. Reinforced concrete is widely recognized as one of the most durable and wind-resistant building materials available. That’s why TPHA homes are constructed with reinforced concrete foundations and Kevlar mesh laminated walls, to protect against flying debris and winds of up to 150 mph. These materials hold up way better than traditional wood-frame houses when struck with objects.
2. We use insulated concrete foams to create walls from hollow foam blocks that are then filled with concrete, offering excellent insulation and strength in the face of hurricanes and tornadoes. This type of construction can withstand winds of up to 200 mph. This creates stronger walls and foundations.
3. Metal roofing helps make your home storm-proof. Whereas traditional asphalt shingles are often torn off by high winds, metal roofs are designed to interlock so it’s a lot harder for tornadoes to lift them off. Similarly, synthetic roofing with polymer-based shingles give a traditional look but offer better protection from flying objects in a storm and weather-related wear and tear.
4. Roofs with hurricane straps — metal connectors that tie the roof to the walls — add even more stability. All these components are part of the home designs available from TPHA.
5. But let’s not forget about windows and doors, one of the most vulnerable points for any building in a storm. Impact-resistant windows, often referred to as “hurricane windows,” are designed with reinforced glass to withstand the impact of flying debris. They’re constructed with layers of glass and synthetic materials like polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate to absorb the shock of flying objects and prevent shattering.
6. Installing storm shutters or window films provide an extra layer of protection for homes without impact-resistant windows. They can prevent windows from blowing out during high winds, which is significant because the vacuum or pressure changes that result from a window shattering in a storm often lead to even more damage.
7. Another key component to future proofing your home is reinforced doors. Garage doors are often the first part of a home to fail in high winds, which can cause the whole house to collapse. But modern reinforced doors are designed with heavier steel and stronger tracks, and they’re capable of withstanding winds of 140 mph. In many hurricane-prone areas, building codes now require impact-resistant doors.
8. In addition, the actual design of a home plays a major role in protecting it. Aerodynamic designs, with rounded or hexagonal edges, help wind roll off structures and reduce pressure. Where traditional box-shaped houses create strong pressure differentials in a storm, which can lift off roofs or collapse walls, curved designs allow the wind to flow more smoothly, minimizing damage.

Ultimately, outfitting your home to survive a storm requires a combination of modern materials, innovative designs, and reinforcement. Wind-resistant technology protects homes from the forces of nature, reducing repair costs and the likelihood you’ll have to rebuild your home. They also lower the risk of climate damage and increase the chances that insurance carriers will continue to cover people in tornado or hurricane alley. TPHA climate-resilient home designs include all these features. Book a consultation if you want to know more.