Homes may suffer from little damage to complete devastation due to strong winds. A house’s ability to sustain damage depends on several variables, including the wind’s direction and speed, the house’s age and condition, and its location. As a result, many individuals are curious about the wind speed that damages a house.
A house can sustain damage from strong winds at wind speeds of roughly 40-60 mph (64-96 km/h). Moderate damage occurs at 60-80 mph (96-128 km/h). Severe damage, including considerable wall and roof damage, can happen at speeds of 80 to 100 mph (128 to 160 km/h).
In the following article, we’ll look at the maximum wind speeds that might harm a home and what you can do to prevent wind damage.
Understanding Wind Speed
Wind speed is expressed in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h). Sir Francis Beaufort created the Beaufort scale, a system for describing wind speeds, in the early 1800s. Its scale, which goes from 0 (Calm) to 12 (hurricane force), is based on how the wind appears to affect land and water.
Smoke rises vertically at level 0 or Calm. Smoke drifts at level 1 or Light Air and indicates the direction of the wind. Level 2, or Light Breeze, causes the wind to feel on the face and causes the leaves to rustle. Level 3, or Gentle Breeze, results in twigs and leaves moving. Level 4, or Moderate Breeze, blows about dust and unbound paper.
Small trees in leaves also start to sway at level 5 or Fresh Breeze. Large branches are in motion, and whistling is audible in the wires at level 6, or Strong Breeze. Whole trees are moving at level 7 or Near Gale, and walking against the wind causes resistance. Twigs and small branches are broken off trees at level 8 or Gale.
Level 9 or Strong Gale causes minor structural damage, such as the displacement of tiles and chimney pots. Trees are uprooted, and structural damage, such as dislodging slates from roofs, happens at level 10 or Storm.
Widespread damage occurs during level 11 or Violent Storm, and structures’ roofs may be removed. Devastation happens at level 12, or hurricane force, and the wind can destroy infrastructure and buildings.
What Wind Speed Can Damage A House?
The damage a house can take depends on several variables, including the wind’s strength and direction, the house’s age and condition, and its location. The wind speeds at which various kinds of harm may happen are as follows:
- Minor Damage
Wind speeds of roughly 65-85 mph might cause minor damage to a house. It may involve siding, gutter, and shingle damage. Branches and limbs from trees can fall and harm the roof or other components of the house.
- Moderate Damage
Wind gusts between 86 to 110 mph can cause moderate damage. Damage to windows, doors, and garage doors is one example. Damage to chimneys and vents and missing or broken shingles on the roof are possible.
- Severe Damage
Wind gusts between 136 to 165 mph can cause severe damage. It may result in serious roof damage, including the possibility of the roof being lifted off the home. Additionally, structural harm could affect the walls and foundation.
Watch this new video to see the impact of severe winds on Florida homes:
Florida homes damaged by wind, hail during severe weather
- Extreme Damage
Wind gusts greater than 166 to 200 mph can cause severe damage. It may involve the entire house, including the roof, the walls, and the foundation, being destroyed. The home can be blown away or uprooted from its foundation.
Protecting Your Home From Wind Damage
You can take many precautions to guard your house against wind damage. Here are a few pieces of advice:
- Storm Shutters
You can cover any exposed windows and other glass surfaces with storm shutters. Coverings should be placed over all windows, French doors, sliding glass doors, and skylights. The styles of manufactured storm shutters vary.
For more information about manufactured shutters, contact a neighborhood construction supply vendor.
Carefully adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when installing manufactured shutters. Before installing shutters, find out if a building permit is required from your local building official. To swiftly install your shutters during a storm watch, they must be installed, labeled, and preserved.
- Regular Maintenance
Your home may avoid wind damage with routine upkeep. It includes performing routine maintenance on your windows, siding, and roof. Ensure that you also prune any trees or branches that could be dangerous.
- Reinforce Your Doors And Windows
Your doors and windows can be protected from being broken or blown in during strong winds by strengthening them. Impact-resistant glass or storm shutters can be used to achieve this.
- Secure Loose Items
During strong winds, loose objects like patio furniture, grills, and trash cans can become dangerous projectiles. During a storm, protect these goods or bring them inside.
- Install A Wind-Resistant Roof
When there are strong gusts, a wind-resistant roof can assist in keeping your house from being damaged. It includes choosing roofing materials like metal or asphalt shingles that are made to withstand strong winds.
- Consider A Wind-Resistant Garage Door
When there are strong gusts, a wind-resistant garage door can assist in keeping your house from being damaged. It involves utilizing a wind-rated door strengthened with steel or aluminum.
- Build A Safe Room
A safe room is a space in your home built to resist strong winds and offers safety during a storm. It could be an outdoor building, a reinforced inside space, or a distinct structure.
Conclusion
Homes are susceptible to severe wind damage, ranging from tiny dents to total devastation. A house’s ability to sustain damage depends on some variables, including the wind’s direction and speed, the house’s age and condition, and location.
Regular home maintenance is essential to prevent wind damage, as is strengthening your doors and windows, securing loose objects, installing a wind-resistant roof and garage door, and considering constructing a safe room.
Following these precautions, you can protect your home from harm and ensure your family’s safety during strong winds.