![]() Then, the roof sheathing rips from the roof framing. First, the wind blows the shingles from the roof sheathing. ![]() Insulated concrete form walls are the best protection from windblown debris to a home and its occupants during a tornado event.īuilding failures during tornado events often start with damage to the roof. In fact, a study by Texas Tech University found that ICF walls resist damage from flying debris traveling over 100 mph while conventionally framed walls failed to stop the penetration of airborne hazards. ICF walls are a best practice for tornado-resistant wall construction. Impact Resistant Wall Systemsįlying debris is a threat during tornadoes and can damage the exterior of a home and injure its occupants. Utilizing Fox Block ICFs for tornado-resistant construction can maintain a home's integrity during a strong tornado event. In fact, a study published by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) found that concrete walls have more structural capacity and stiffness to withstand the in-plane shear forces of high winds than wood or steel framed walls.Īlso, the strength of concrete walls produces less lateral twists and damage to the non-structural elements of a house such as the electrical wiring and plumbing. Insulating concrete forms can withstand winds of over 200 mph. Homes built with insulated concrete forms (ICF), like Fox Blocks, maintain their integrity during the high winds of a tornado. In addition, the integrity of the walls, roof, and floor are critical to ensuring a strong continuous load path that will hold the home together during a dangerous tornado. The continuous load path ensures that when a load, including uplift and lateral (horizontal) loads, attacks a home, the load will travel from the roof, wall, and other elements toward the foundation and into the ground. When the severe winds of a tornado try to rip a house apart, a continuous load path is the best defense towards holding the home together. A Continuous Load Path for a Tornado Proof House Aside from that, when it comes to home renovations, contrary to what most people think, ICF homes are also easy to work with” - Chuck Waltman, Home Remodeler. Having a home built with ICF walls solves that. ![]() "Tornadoes have become more disastrous than hurricanes and earthquakes in North America. FEMA, however, still highly recommends a safe room, or tornado shelter, for maximum safety to a home's occupants during a tornado emergency. The design must take into account the strength of the entire house, provide a continuous load path, and be impact resistant. A proper tornado-resistant design protects a home’s integrity and its occupants. ![]()
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