Are Barndominiums safe in a hurricane?

Steel is highly ductile, meaning that steel can deform without fracturing. This ductility allows a Barndominium to withstand most high winds associated with a hurricane. The metal construction of a Barndominium allows the structure to withstand wind speeds from 120 MPH up to 150 MPH.

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Hurricane season is devastating for many homes. Like many others, I was curious if the structures are built to withstand the punishment. Will a Barndominium withstand a hurricane? A Barndominium constructed of metal framing is capable of withstanding wind forces from 120 MPH up to 150 MPH, which is in the high category 3 to low category 4 range. Additional engineering would allow a Barndominium to meet IBHS fortified gold home standards.

While Barndominiums are a very resilient home type, there are several forces during and after a hurricane that may cause damage to a Barndominium. How does a Barndominium mitigate these issues?

Hurricane Destruction Factors Vs. A Barndominium

Hurricane Wind Speed

Wind speeds are one of the most destructive parts of a hurricane. Barndominiums are typically constructed of steel. Barndominium construction will have metal siding, roof sheathing, roof framing, as well as exterior roof framing. Another added feature of a Barndominium build is that the framing is fastened together by either bolts or welded depending on the builder’s preference. Steel is highly ductile, meaning that steel can deform without fracturing. This ductility allows a Barndominium to withstand most high winds associated with a hurricane. The metal construction of a Barndominium allows the structure to withstand wind speeds from 120 MPH up to 150 MPH. Many well-constructed wood homes experience major roof and siding damage during a Category 2 hurricane. Category Wind Speed 1 74 to 95 MPH 2 96 to 110 MPH 3 111 to 129 MPH 4 130 to 156 MPH 5 157 and Higher https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php

Storm Surge & Flooding

Flooding is a major destructive force that occasionally occurs during a Hurricane. A Barndominium like all other home construction types will experience some of the same repairs and expenses.

Drywall and interior painting

Floorings like carpet and hardwood

Lower cabinets

Exterior and interior doors

Furniture

Where a Barndominium is different is once again the metal construction. The metal sheets and studs do not warp, shrink, or twist as nominal lumber does. Metal studs are typically galvanized allowing them to be corrosion resistant. Metal construction allows the homeowner to alleviate the following issues normally associated with repairing a flooded home.

Molding of wooden wall studs leading to poor air quality

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The rotting of wooden wall studs

Water damage to wall sheathing and siding

Damage to exterior paint

Since Barndominium owners do not have to fix the listed issues, they are able to restore their property faster allowing a quicker return to normalcy.

Lightning

Although a rarity lightning strikes can occasionally occur during a hurricane. A majority of Barndominiums are constructed of steel. Metal is a greater conductor of electricity than wood. While many would consider this a negative, a properly designed lightning and electrical grounding system will allow the electrical current to pass through the building into the ground without harm. Another factor of lightning strikes is fires. Steel buildings do not lose their structural strength until their temperature reaches 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. Wood on the other hand will catch fire at 700 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, local fire departments respond to approximately 22,660 a year. These fires cause around 451 million dollars in property damage annually.

Theft & Security

According to the article “The Impact of Hurricanes on Crime: A Spatio-Temporal Analysis in the City of Houston, Texas”(There is a link to the article at the bottom of the post), the area that was affected by Hurricane Rita seen an increase in robberies a few days before and after the hurricane struck. The cause for the uptick in robbery cases was likely due to individuals with criminal intent choosing not to evacuate the area when an evacuation order was given. Burglars are likely to enter a home through a door or window. Barndominium homes are no different than wooden homes in this aspect. Homeowners can do the following to lessen the likelihood that their homes will be burglarized during a natural disaster.

Design and build the home with storm windows and doors in mind

Lock doors and windows

Install storm shutters

Install longer screws in the doors strike plates

Install deadbolts on all exterior doors

Garage all vehicles

A Barndominium, if built correctly should be able to withstand a category 3 to category 4 hurricane. Comparable to other home types a Barndominium should be able to withstand most hurricanes with no to minimal damage.

Can A Barndominium Become Hurricane Proof?

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No one can designate a Barndominium to be hurricane-proof. There is simply no way to verify whether or not that claim is true. Though like all home types, a Barndominium can become hurricane-resistant by using appropriate building materials and with additional engineering. One way to ensure that your Barndominium is hurricane-resistant is to build the structure to meet IBHS fortified home standards.

What Is IBHS Fortified Gold Home standards?

Fortified home standards are a voluntary construction and roofing program designed to go above and beyond local building codes to strengthen homes against severe weather.

Why Would You Want To Meet IBHS Fortified Home Standards?

IBHS Fortified home standards addresses known weaknesses that commonly occur when a hurricane hits a home. Their requirements are stricter than local building codes and each requirement is backed by decades of scientific research. Many individuals chose not to meet these standards because of the additional cost associated with building a home to a hire standard than local codes. According to IBHS, the cost to meet gold standards in most states range from $3,000 to $5,000 for a 1,800 square foot home. While meeting the IBHS gold standards increases the overall cost of building your home, many states offer home insurance incentives for meeting these standards. These incentives often will cover or greatly reduce the additional cost. Things to Consider During The Building Process To Make A Hurricane Resilient Barndominium Consider building the structure on an elevated platform or building at a higher elevation on the property. Ensure that proper drainage systems are in place to protect your foundation e.g. drainage tile, sump pumps, and french drains. If you have a lot of trees in your area consider burying your power lines. Garage doors are notoriously a weak point during severe wind, so have your garage door installed to withstand these forces. Consider installing a generator or solar panels to ensure that your home has the ability to have electrical power.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233507835_The_Impact_of_Hurricanes_on_Crime_A_Spatio-Temporal_Analysis_in_the_City_of_Houston_Texas

longhornbarndominiums.com - Will Your Barndomininum Withstand A Hurricane? - My WordPress Blog

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