In the Central United States’ Great Plains, hurricanes occur regularly. Being one of the most destructive air storms on record, this natural calamity occurs frequently. So, could a brick house survive a hurricane?
Although bricks are quite sturdy, storms cannot be defied by them. By hurricane-proofing your home, you can reduce the destruction of property, though. Wind-resistant roofing and impact-resistant glass can be installed, as can entrance doors that are secured and garage doors that are braced.
Brick is still superior to timber, even though even the toughest brick homes can’t endure storms that exceed a certain speed. Insulated concrete forms are the most hurricane-resistant building material, but they are also expensive. Here, we discuss how to prepare your home for storms and whether a hurricane can pass through a brick house.
The Strength of a Brick House
One of the toughest construction materials used is brick. A brick house is, therefore, better equipped to endure natural calamities. Typically, they can survive things like hail, strong winds, wildfires, earthquakes, etc.
However, that does not imply that they are invincible. Rather, they outlast conventional materials like wood or vinyl in terms of sturdiness. Bricks are more resistant to strong impacts and are less likely to shatter or dent due to their durability.
Brick homes, though, are not immune to hurricanes. Regular bricks cannot endure storms, particularly ones that are more intense beyond a certain point. However, a brick home can survive, particularly if it is not in a hurricane’s path.
Even so, because brick homes are not flammable, they can be less risky in hurricanes. This is because they won’t contribute to spreading flames, which might occur during a storm.
How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricanes
It’s best to prepare for a hurricane far in advance if you want to keep your home secure. Making your house hurricane-proof involves:
Securing The Entrance Doors
Each door entering your home should be securely locked. To secure the door and panel to the wall framework, add deadbolt locks, hinges, and extra-long screws. The very last situation you wish for is for the door to be torn out of its frame by the hurricane.
The entrance doors are typically the weakest area, so framing is crucial to their survival. After the door separates, wind and debris may enter the structure, severely damaging the interior. To offer additional protection, you might also use a sturdy steel door.
But whichever door you choose, you must ensure that its frames are sturdy.
Brace The Garage Door
One entrance that might be highly susceptible is the garage door. The garage door is the main entrance to the home, and its absence might jeopardize the entire construction. A single-car garage door can typically resist 50 pounds of force per square foot; therefore, bracing may not be necessary.
However, you must place supports, including metal or wooden stiffeners, to strengthen a multi-car garage. Additionally, bracing increases wind resistance. However, if a storm is approaching and you have not already reinforced your door, you may do so instantly by installing a vertical brace into the wall’s frame in the same manner as if you were boarding it up.
Install a Wind-Resistant Roof
Commonly installed roofs cannot withstand hurricane winds. Therefore, constructing appropriate roofing is crucial if you reside in a hurricane-prone location. Instead of using nails for the installation, try hurricane clips. This support maintains the structure of roofs and is typically required in hurricane-prone locations.
Protect All Your Valuables and Paperwork
Your credentials shouldn’t be fluttering in the breeze. Therefore, make sure they are all in one location and easy to pick up and carry when heading to a shelter. While you can always keep certain documents online, there are dangers associated with cloud storage. You may also get a reliable safe with cutting-edge locks to protect your belongings.
Include a Shelter in Your Home
When you live in a location where hurricanes are likely, having a home shelter is essential. All essential survival supplies, including battery-operated flashlights, radios, batteries, water, and non-cooking food, should be kept in this shelter.
Additionally, since machines cannot function after a disaster, you ought to have extra cash on hand. In addition, the home shelter—typically the basement—should be the safest area of the house. In fact, only locations like storm basements and specifically designed bunkers may provide superior hurricane protection.
If your home does not have a basement, an interior room on the ground floor would be the safest option. This may be a storeroom, toilet, or central hallway. It’s preferable if there are no windows in that area, and you can also hide below anything substantial, like a workbench or a strong table. In order to avoid having any debris fall on your head during a storm, it is also a good idea to cover your head with a helmet, blankets, or mattress.
In a storm, it is not recommended that you remain upstairs. Hurricanes could readily enter any room over the roof.
Install Hurricane Shutters or Impact-Resistant Windows
Impact-resistant windows are necessary if you reside in a hurricane-prone location. One of the main sources of harm during a hurricane is shattered glass. Opt for impact-resistant windows wherever possible, particularly if you’re building a new house or upgrading an existing one.
Although they are more expensive than standard windows, these windows provide superior protection. These windows are needed by law in various areas of Florida and Texas where storms are frequent.
Hurricane shutters are unique and may also be tailored to match your home. If worst comes to worst, your windows ought to have plywood coverings. These coverings may be manufactured far in advance of the hurricane.
To connect them to the windows, ensure they have lengthy screws and are large enough to span the external frame. Whenever a storm is approaching, set them up for safety. In the event of a hurricane, all windows should be closed.
When the home’s air pressure reaches its maximum, leaving the window open will cause the house to explode like a balloon.
Conclusion
Although brick homes are relatively sturdy, a hurricane could pass through them. Whether or not it is in the hurricane’s path and how strong the hurricane is will determine the house’s strength. It’s always preferable to have your home hurricane-proofed, nevertheless.