How do find out what kind of winds your house can take in a

[texpatriot2004]

hurricane? I don't know what kind of construction it is exactly. It's brick, one story, ranch style built over 30 years ago. I was told that houses built after 2000 are built to sustain winds of 110 mph or more but older houses it was only like 90 mph (I think that's right). So, how is a person supposed to find out?

[Corgigal]

1. Ok

I also have a brick one story home, build around 1982 or so.

F2 Tornado hit my area, in fact it was on the ground only 3 houses down on my street. A piece of lumber, found who knows where, was sticking out of the brick that is on the outside of my son's room. I have it on video because I was so amazed. I'm thankful it was just a fast moving Tornado and it didn't come through the window.
Info below:


SCALE WIND ESTIMATE *** (MPH) TYPICAL DAMAGE
F0 < 73 Light damage. Some damage to chimneys; branches broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees pushed over; sign boards damaged.

F1 73-112 Moderate damage. Peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned; moving autos blown off roads.

F2 113-157 Considerable damage. Roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars overturned; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated; cars lifted off ground.

F3 158-206 Severe damage. Roofs and some walls torn off well-constructed houses; trains overturned; most trees in forest uprooted; heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown

[Erika]

2. My brother's house in Southern Florida

was built out of concrete filled blocks. It won't come down. However, he said there is no roof that will withstand a major hurricane. He has supplies and a generator.

[WiseButAngrySara]

3. Solid brick I don't think will be a problem unless you're on a soggy

marshy or sandy foundation. The roof will probably go, and obviously the windows. Where in Houston do you live? I asked on another DU thread. I have friends all over Houston! Medical Center/Rice area Memorial, Sugarland, Clearlake, Bellaire...ALL Over! Are any of these areas safe?

[texpatriot2004]

5. I really don't know which areas are "safe" I am on the West side

of Houston near Katy. We aren't in an area that floods but the wind could get ugly.

[kestrel91316]

7. You should go. Please consider it.

[Digit]

4. I don't know, but my own home was built in 1970 and mostly brick

I feel more secure in this home than in the newer homes but then again, I am not on the coast.
I understand in some coastal areas, they inacted regulations as to what must be done to withstand high winds.
I would contact the person who did your home inspection if you still have their number. They might be able to give you an idea in general.

[texpatriot2004]

6. That's an idea, thanks. I actually am about 60 miles from

Galveston - give or take.