Friday, August 24, 2012

HURRICANE CATEGORIES

Butler Builders Inc is posting the following information directly from NOAA’s  National Hurricane Center of the National Weather Service website in order to better inform the public of potential danger from high winds in hurricanes, or lesser storms.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures

History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

After a storm is on the way may be too late, but preventive action ahead of time may save not only money in the long run, but the heartbreak of losing irreplaceable personal belongings, even if your family gets to safer ground and is not in danger.

Call now for an inspection and, if needed, remedial work on your home so that it will be best able to withstand storms and avoid losses.

A description of wind damage for the power of a storm is given below:

Category
Sustained Winds
Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds
1
74-95 mph
64-82 kt
119-153 km/h
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
2
96-110 mph
83-95 kt
154-177 km/h
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
3
(major)
111-129 mph
96-112 kt
178-208 km/h
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
4
(major)
130-156 mph
113-136 kt
209-251 km/h
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
5
(major)
157 mph or higher
137 kt or higher
252 km/h or higher
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Contact Butler Builders, Inc through their “CONTACT US” page at http://butlerbuildersinc.com

Friday, August 17, 2012

Hurricane Wind Damage

Hurricanes pose three principal threats to property and persons:  wind, tidal surge, and flooding.    Since there are no known ways to mitigate damage to property vulnerable to tidal surge or flooding from torrential rains, other than sandbagging or raising the structure above ground level, the focus of this blog will be wind damage.

Insurance companies recommend wind mitigation inspections to assess the vulnerability of homes to wind damage and to allow home owners to do all they can to reduce this potential. 

Following Hurricane Andrew in August 1992, the state legislature passed a law that requires stricter building codes for all new homes built in Florida.  The law also allows for insurance companies to give insurance discounts to owners of homes built before the law was enacted, if those owners add features which would put their homes in compliance and would therefore greatly lessen the likelihood of damage in high winds.

Butler Builders, Inc. specializes in Wind Mitigation inspections and can complete the considerable paperwork needed for you to submit to your insurance company to reduce your premiums.  They can also work with you to bring your home up to code in any area you might be lacking in order to make your home better equipped to come through Florida’s frequent hurricanes.  Keep in mind also, that we have many incidences of high winds in other storms besides hurricanes.

Contact Butler Builders, Inc. before the next “Andrew” or other natural disaster can wreck havoc on your biggest investment, your home.

http://butlerbuildersinc.com