The attic is the best place to make sure your home is tornado proof. But, a few key improvements are necessary to ensure your family’s safety.
Attics in Tornado Zones: Special Needs
Utah Foam Pros addition to enhancing attic insulation, there are several other simple things you can do to make your home more tornado resistant. These include removing yard hazards, keeping trees trimmed, and making sure your roof is properly ventilated and anchored. You should also consider adding impact-resistant windows and doors, installing storm shutters and reinforcing walls and roofing. Finally, it is recommended that you install a FEMA-approved safe room or other strong shelter as these offer the best protection from EF3 and higher wind damage.
When it comes to constructing new homes, builders have become ultra-focused on incorporating a “continuous load path.” This design approach evenly distributes the forces of severe winds so that your house stays together instead of collapsing.
Attics in Tornado Zones: Special Insulation and Safety Considerations
Another important step is to be well-informed and follow weather alert radios during a tornado watch or warning. A lack of knowledge has been linked to people not seeking appropriate shelter during a tornado (Jauernic and Van Den Broeke 2017; Klockow et al., 2014).
Some of the most common mistakes made during a tornado are related to the placement and installation of vents, attic hatches, and attic fans. It is essential that these features are correctly placed, sealed, and sized so that they can resist the full force of severe tornado winds without compromising your home’s structural integrity.
Utah Foam Pros
1173N 1700 W, Lehi, UT, 84043, USA
801-318-0049
