{"id":753,"date":"2023-06-15T15:06:06","date_gmt":"2023-06-15T15:06:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shineyhomes.com\/?p=753"},"modified":"2023-06-15T15:06:06","modified_gmt":"2023-06-15T15:06:06","slug":"home-shapes-and-roofs-that-hold-up-best-in-hurricanes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shineyhomes.com\/home-shapes-and-roofs-that-hold-up-best-in-hurricanes\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Shapes and Roofs That Hold up Best in Hurricanes"},"content":{"rendered":"
According to researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), the design and construction of homes play a crucial role in their ability to withstand high winds and hurricanes. In her extensive research, Rima T. Taher, PhD., a special lecturer at the New Jersey School of Architecture, examined various factors that contribute to the resilience of homes against extreme wind events. This article highlights Taher’s key findings and recommendations for constructing homes in hurricane-prone areas.<\/span><\/p>\n Taher’s research, published in the Journal of Architectural Engineering (March 2007), showcases the collaborative work between NJIT and the Center for Building Science and Technology (CSTB) in France. Wind tunnel tests on reduced-scale models of homes led to the development of a prototype for a hurricane-resistant home. The design features an elevated structure with a square-plan form, built on an open foundation. The house incorporates a hip roof and a central shaft, both aerodynamically designed to reduce wind forces during extreme weather events. CSTB has partnered with a builder to create a prototype of this design on Reunion Island in the West Indian Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n Homes with a square-shaped floor plan (consisting of four or more panels) and roofs with multiple slopes, such as hip roofs (with four slopes), have demonstrated better performance in windy conditions. Although gable roofs are more common due to their ease of construction, a roof slope of 30 degrees offers the best resistance against wind forces.<\/span><\/p>\n The cyclonic house design incorporates simple systems to reduce local wind stress at lower roof edges. These features include a frieze with notches or a horizontal grid installed at a gutter level along the perimeter.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe Evolution of a Hurricane-Resistant Home Design<\/b><\/h4>\n
Key Considerations for Building in Hurricane-Prone Areas<\/b><\/h3>\n
Optimal Home Shape and Roof Type<\/b><\/h4>\n
Incorporating Wind Stress Reduction Systems<\/b><\/h4>\n