When the force of a hurricane bears down on residential structures, homes can be ripped apart by the storm’s powerful winds. Storm surge and inland flooding can also cause catastrophic damage. Overland surge and flooding may cause a building or other structure to collapse due to the hydrodynamic forces caused by the moving water, particularly when waves are present. When waves propagate and strike a building or other structure, the oscillatory currents produced can generate very strong wave loads, which are often sufficient to destroy the wall and/or foundation of a building/structure. Water weighs approximately 1,700 pounds per cubic yard, and extended pounding by frequent waves can demolish any structure not specifically designed to withstand such forces. In the absence of currents and waves, flooding is usually insufficient to cause a building to collapse, unless the flood level is greater than a couple of meters.
With proper design and construction, hurricane wind and flood damage to residential structures can be greatly reduced or eliminated. The scientific study of hurricane impacts on buildings and the environment has seen major advances over the years. From small-scale wind tunnel laboratories to experimental external wind devices, materials and structures have been tested and modified for better performance. In order to create full-scale realistic hurricane conditions, newer facilities have been designed and created to simulate the varying nature of the wind field, along with rains and debris, during these powerful events. High-tech facilities, such as the RenaissanceRe Wall of Wind (opened in 2007) and the more recent Institute for Business and Home Safety facility (opening soon in 2010), were designed to test full-scale residential structures and materials in a repeatable, scientifically controlled environment.
What Causes Buildings To Fail
Scientists and engineers better understand how buildings fail under the force of hurricane force winds and this knowledge has enabled policy makers to develop modern building codes that lead to the construction of stronger buildings that can withstand hurricane force winds. Building codes also address flooding threats in several ways, including requiring buildings to be built above projected flood levels or requiring lower level components of buildings to break away in a flood. Currently, there is no building code for protection against flooding damage, although the American Society of Civil Engineers does have a publication that provides some empirical formulas for calculating wave loads on buildings/structures. Another ASCE publication provides guidelines for flood resistant design and construction.
What To Do If Your Home Is Damaged
Unfortunately many old homes are not built to these standards and when faced with a the full force of a hurricane they are unable to stand up to the impact the winds, rain and debris can cause.
If your home has been damaged by hurricane winds or rains your K&P Roofing, Siding and Home Improvement is here to walk you through the insurance claims process. You may be entitled to all of our services for only the cost of your deductible. At K&P Roofing we are dedicated to providing not only the highest quality craftsmanship but also the best materials our industry has to offer. Find out why Louisville has chosen us as the premier home improvement contractor for the last 20 years.