While tornadoes remain unavoidable natural disasters, investing in tornado-resistant construction techniques can significantly enhance your home's ability to withstand their destructive forces. Thus, prioritizing this kind of construction can offer invaluable protection for your family and property.
(Photo : PexelsMaksim Istomin )
1. Identify Outdoor Hazards
Tornadoes are accompanied by winds that can reach speeds of more than 300 miles per hour, which makes it simple for debris to be flung in every direction. As stated, place objects that could be hazardous, such as outside furniture, lawn chairs, children's toys, and large tree limbs that have fallen over, in a secure location or remove them. Moreover, some trees threaten your property or electrical lines, as well as empty pots and potted plants.
Inspect your residence's exterior for any damaged or unsecured components that may detach and inflict further harm in the event of a tornado. Check the roof, chimney, siding, brickwork, soffit, facia, and other components. Additionally, to prevent water damage caused by the heavy rain associated with tornadoes, you should try to discover any leaks that require fixing. For any necessary repairs, you should contact an expert in your area.
2. Strengthen Your Roof
The winds flying above a house during a tornado can apply significant pressure in several ways. Lifting the roof and leaving the walls without lateral stability is a fatal combination that causes many homes that tornadoes have hit to appear as though they had burst. Maintaining the roof over the remainder of the house is essential to safeguard the rest of the structure. It is necessary to have a solid reinforced concrete roof structure to strengthen roofs against tornadoes. These particular roof systems are the only ones recognized for their consistent ability to withstand high-category hurricane and tornado-intensity winds.
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3. Install Impact-Resistant Windows
Windscreens that are shattered can result in catastrophic injuries. Hence, installing windows resistant to impact is the most effective protection, particularly if you are constructing a new house or remodeling an existing household. As mentioned, purchasing these items is more expensive; nevertheless, they can be tailored to the specifics of the area and offer superior protection. It is also possible that the local building code will mandate them, particularly in coastal regions of Florida and Texas. However, this would depend on the location of the individual property.
4. Secure Entry Doors
It is essential to verify that entry doors are equipped with a two-inch deadbolt lock, three hinges, and fasteners of sufficient length to affix the door and panel to the wall framing. Accordingly, the framework feature is the most significant component and must be the most secure to be considered crucial.
5. Brace Garage Doors
Garage doors designed to accommodate a single vehicle typically have a width of eight feet or less and can resist pressures of 50 pounds per square foot. For homeowners with a garage that may accommodate multiple vehicles or a too large door, installing stiffeners made of wood or metal can provide additional strength. In addition, vertical bracing made of metal and wood can be appropriate in certain situations. Installable bracing products before an attic cyclone will increase the door's strength and resistance to wind. Similar to how one would board up windows in preparation for a hurricane, installing a vertical brace into the framework of the wall and floor if you are anticipating severe weather and your door is not already braced.
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