What Can Withstand 200 MPH Winds?
As a sailing expert, I know that the strongest winds can cause catastrophic damage to homes, businesses, and boats alike.
While there are some materials better suited than others to withstand extreme winds, fiber cement siding is one of the best things you can have on your home if you live in an area prone to hurricanes or high winds.
This article will explain why fiber cement siding is so effective at withstanding up to 200 mph winds, what other materials are able to withstand such extreme conditions, and how you can prepare your home if you live in a hurricane-prone area such as Florida.
What is Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding is a type of building material composed of cement and sand rather than wood or vinyl as found in traditional siding options such as wood shake or vinyl lap siding.
It is also known as Hardie Board siding due to one of its most popular brands, James Hardie Building Products, who provide fiber cement siding products specifically designed for maximum durability and protection against the elements such as wind, rain, snow and fire damage.
This type of siding can be painted any color desired and typically lasts longer than traditional siding options due to its ability to be resistant against decay or rot from wet environments or extreme temperatures or climates changes throughout the year.
Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding has many advantages over other types of building materials when it comes to withstanding high winds such as hurricanes or gales:
- Fireproof: Unlike wood shake which is highly flammable, fiber cement siding will not catch fire easily nor will it easily spread flames throughout the home should a fire occur nearby.
- Waterproof: As the material contains no wood components it cannot absorb water like wood shake does which makes it more resistant against rot caused by wet climates or environments making it last longer than traditional building materials used in siding like wood shake or vinyl lap siding
- Durable: As mentioned above fiber cement sidings are designed with extreme durability in mind making them able to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions without cracking or warping over time like many other types of building materials may do when exposed to extreme temperatures throughout the year
- Cost-effective: In addition to being durable enough for long-term use including protection against strong winds up to 200 mph, fiber cement sidings are also cost-effective compared to other types of building materials due to their longevity – meaning fewer replacements will be needed over time resulting in more money saved in the long run
How is Fiber Cement Sidings Rated for Wind?
Fiber cement sidings are rated according to their ability to withstand certain wind speeds known as Impact Resistance Ratings (IRRs). The higher an IRR rating a product has, the better it will perform against strong winds such as those found during hurricanes and gales reaching up 200 mph at times in some areas prone hurricane activity such as Florida’s east coast. The rating system also takes into account how well a product can resist impact from debris flying through the air during storms as well as how well they resist water penetration when exposed during heavy rains and flooding events associated with hurricanes and other severe weather eventsThe Significance of Being Rated for 200 mph Winds
Having products rated for high wind speeds such as those found during hurricanes is important because these products must be able stand up against wind speeds that would otherwise cause serious damage even when using traditional building materials like wood shake or vinyl lap sidding which have much lower ratings when it comes their ability stand up under pressure from high wind speeds like those found during stormsWhat Other Materials Can Withstand 200 mph Winds?
In addition to fiber cement sidings rated for impact resistance up 200 mph winds there are also other building materials available that can withstand such conditions including steel reinforced concrete blocks, stucco walls, metal roofing systems made from aluminum or galvanized steel sheets and even certain types of plywood panels specifically designed for hurricane force windsWhy Florida is Particularly at Risk for High Winds
Florida’s east coast has historically been prone hurricane activity due its location along the Gulf Coast where tropical storms tend form each year resulting in potential high wind speeds that could exceed even those experienced during Category 5 hurricanes which could reach wind speeds up 175 mph according NOAA’s estimates . This puts homes located along Florida’s east cost at higher risk for experiencing damages unless they have been properly fortified using building materials rated for high impact resistance ratings in order protect them from potential storm damagesSteps To Take To Prepare Your Home For Hurricanes And High Winds
If you live in an area prone hurricane activity then it’s important take steps prepare your home accordingly by installing reinforced concrete block walls around your property if possible secure metal roofing systems made from aluminum galvanized steel sheets ensure they meet local codes requirements contact local contractors who specialize installing fiber cement sidings rated withstand up 200mph winds replace any existing wood shake vinyl lap sidings potential storm damageTips From Experienced Sailors And Mariners On Preparing For High Winds
As an experienced sailor mariner myself I know firsthand importance preparing yourself family against storms especially those prone hurricane activity Having sailed across world numerous times I have found following tips useful when preparing my boat against strong high wind gusts: Invest quality anchors hold securely ground during storm Make sure all sails ropes lines properly secured ready sudden gusts Use extra lines tie down items not move Ensure all hatches doors shut tight Position boat away shorelines avoid flooding Install properly braced masts support sails Install shock absorbers support masts reduce strain place themHow To Replace Damaged Fiber Cement Sidings
If any portions your fiber cement sidings become damaged either through normal wear tear storm damage then replacing them quickly essential order protect rest property possible While instructions vary depending model type being replaced general steps would include removing old damaged sections cutting new sections size required securing new sections place using screws nails caulking filling any gaps ensure proper sealant applied re-painting sections desired match original color schemeConclusion
It’s clear that having proper protection place against strong high winds essential anyone living areas prone hurricane activity While there many different types building materials available market ranging traditional options like wood shake vinyl lap sidings more modern products like fiber cement sidings these latter often provide superior levels performance protecting homes businesses alike even under extreme conditions reaching up 200mph Knowing ahead time what type material best suited protect your property will make all difference ensuring your safety security future storms come