A brick house can often withstand substantial wind forces, including those found in tornadoes rated up to EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale. This translates to estimated wind speeds ranging from 136 to 165 miles per hour (mph). Brick structures are renowned for holding up to wind and impacts significantly better than many other common building materials due to their inherent strength and mass.
Understanding Brick's Resilience
Brick's superior wind resistance stems from its robust nature. Individual bricks, combined with strong mortar and proper construction techniques, create a solid, heavy wall system. This mass provides inertia against high winds, making it more difficult for the wind to exert enough force to cause structural failure. Additionally, brick masonry offers excellent resistance to wind-borne debris, which is a major cause of damage during severe weather events like tornadoes and hurricanes.
Factors Influencing a Brick House's Wind Resistance
While brick itself is strong, the overall wind resistance of a brick house is a complex interplay of several factors beyond just the walls.
Construction Quality and Building Codes
The integrity of the entire structure is paramount. This includes:
- Foundation: A strong, well-anchored foundation is crucial to prevent the house from lifting or shifting.
- Wall-to-Roof Connections: Proper strapping and anchoring that tie the roof trusses or rafters directly into the wall system and down to the foundation are vital to prevent the roof from being peeled off.
- Mortar Strength: The quality and application of the mortar binding the bricks together significantly impact the wall's integrity.
- Wall Ties: Steel ties connecting the brick veneer to the internal framing (if applicable) must be correctly installed and spaced.
Roof Design and Materials
The roof is often the most vulnerable part of a house during high winds.
- Hip Roofs: These designs, with slopes on all sides, tend to perform better in high winds than gable roofs.
- Strong Shingles: High-quality, properly installed shingles with adequate adhesion can resist uplift forces better. Metal roofing systems, when well-secured, can also offer superior wind resistance.
Foundation Strength
A solid foundation anchored deep into the ground is critical. Without it, even the strongest brick walls can be compromised if the entire structure shifts or detaches.
Window and Door Reinforcement
While brick walls may stand firm, weak windows and doors can fail, allowing wind to enter the house. This internal pressure can then blow out walls and lift the roof from the inside.
- Impact-resistant windows and doors: Designed to withstand wind-borne debris.
- Storm shutters: Provide an extra layer of protection during severe weather.
Surrounding Environment
The landscape around a house can influence wind impact.
- Trees: Large trees close to the house can pose a significant risk if they fall or lose branches during a storm.
- Neighboring Structures: Adjacent buildings can sometimes offer a degree of shelter or, conversely, channel wind in ways that increase pressure on a home.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures that a brick home retains its structural integrity over time.
- Mortar repair: Timely repair of cracked or deteriorating mortar joints prevents moisture intrusion and maintains wall strength.
- Roof inspection: Checking for loose shingles or damaged flashing helps ensure the roof remains secure.
What Happens During High Winds?
The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale is used to estimate tornado wind speeds based on the damage they cause. Understanding this scale provides context for how different wind speeds affect structures, including brick homes.
| EF Rating | Estimated Wind Speed (mph) | Typical Damage to Well-Built Homes |
|---|---|---|
| EF0 | 65-85 | Minor damage; gutters, shingles. |
| EF1 | 86-110 | Moderate damage; roof surfaces peeled, mobile homes overturned. |
| EF2 | 111-135 | Considerable damage; roofs torn off, extensive structural damage. |
| EF3 | 136-165 | Severe damage; most walls collapse, some homes swept away (brick homes can often withstand these winds). |
| EF4 | 166-200 | Devastating damage; well-constructed houses leveled. |
| EF5 | Over 200 | Incredible damage; strong frame houses swept clean from foundations. |
(Source: National Weather Service Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale)
Enhancing Your Brick Home's Wind Resistance
Even if your home is built with brick, there are steps you can take to further enhance its ability to withstand high winds:
- Reinforce the Roof: Ensure strong connections between the roof and walls using hurricane clips or straps.
- Secure Openings: Install impact-resistant windows and doors, or invest in storm shutters or plywood for covering openings during severe weather.
- Garage Door Reinforcement: Garage doors are often a vulnerable point. Reinforcement kits can significantly strengthen them.
- Clear Landscaping Hazards: Trim trees regularly and remove dead branches that could become projectiles.
- Consider a Safe Room: For ultimate protection against extreme winds, a reinforced safe room or storm shelter built to FEMA guidelines offers peace of mind.
While no home is entirely impervious to the most extreme forces of nature, a well-built and properly maintained brick house offers a high degree of resilience against significant wind events.
