Although better constructed than most prefab homes, brick houses aren’t immune from destructive tornadoes. Most tornadoes have windspeeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, the structural limit for most stick-built and brick-and-mortar foundations. Brick homes, constructed of interlaying and overlapping pieces, are heavier and collapse more quickly when compromised, creating a hardened, crumbling house of cards when strong winds breach structural load bearings. Monstrous debris fields inundate demolished floorplans, stymying rescue efforts for hours, if not days, as crews sift through the damage for survivors. Moreover, bricks bulky facade lulls homeowners into a false sense of complacency, not fully appreciating dire storm warnings. Tornadoes don’t have to reach EF5 status to destroy homes and claim lives. Smaller, more common EF1 and EF2 tornadoes can rip doorframes off hinges and shatter glass windows inward, subjecting unprotected families to raining shrapnel and wind-driven projectiles.
Our above-ground safe rooms complement existing, well-built brick homes without compromising structural integrity. Families can place exterior safe rooms near rear exit doors, backyards, or near patios close to egresses for quick evacuation. Our engineers fabricate each safe room to withstand 250-mile-per-hour wind speeds and flying debris. Although most third-party shelters require extensive retrofitting and interior wall demolishing, our above-ground models are a sensible property addition without costly construction add-ons. Furthermore, homeowners can easily and discreetly position our turnkey panelized shelter kits into existing bedrooms, closets, and offices without too much overhauling.
How Much Wind Can a Brick House Withstand?
Most brick houses can withstand up to 100 mile-per-hour sustained winds without sustaining damage. Significant wombling and failing occurs at each increasing 10-mph interval. Most tornadoes easily punch above their weight, tearing through stories perforated with windows and door framing that detract load bearings. Standalone tornado shelters afford your family’s quick retreat during tornado warnings for prolonged durations. While unprotected neighbors pull themselves from the rubble, your family can easily walk out of the backyard tornado shelter when the all-clear signal is given.
Can a House Survive an EF3 Tornado?
While most tornadoes will leave a home standing, some residences could sustain significant damage during a EF3 tornado. Families choosing to stay inside during low-caliber tornadoes risk their lives without solid steel protection. Most EF3 tornadoes have windspeeds from 136 to 165 mph. These tornado types are growing in frequency from Tornado Alley to the Deep South and Mid-Atlantic states. Having a safe room or tornado shelter can significantly increase the safety of residents during a tornado.
Can You Survive an F5 Tornado in a Basement?
Although a basement or low-level sheltering area provides more than token resistance against a tornado, only a reinforced steel safe room offers superior storm protection. Basements are also a poor choice for flood prone areas. While some tornado survivors found adequate protection within a closet or bathroom, interior panelized storm shelters offer an extra level of safety and reassurance during damaging storms. A mathematical equation for storm safety in any scenario doesn’t exist, so families in areas susceptible to tornadoes must seek steel protection for permanent residential construction.
What Type of House Can Withstand a Tornado?
A tornado-proof house doesn’t exist. Although brick houses with concrete foundations offer better protection than lighter construction materials, unprotected families test fate whenever the tornado sirens blare. While insulated concrete forms and steel-framed homes are particularly effective, these structures are also prone to failure under extreme duress. We offer aboveground and panelized storm shelters in multiple sizes. From the economical 4′-x-4′ and 6′-x-8′ storm shelters to the spacious community-sized models, our tornado safe rooms can withstand Mother Nature’s worst.
