Remodeling: Storm + Wind Resistance

Weathering the Storm: Storm Shelters Donated to Henryville Rebuilding Site

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:59:22 EST

As Henryville, Ind., rebuilds from devastating tornado damage, agencies team up to spread the word about the benefits of storm shelters and safe rooms.

Bracing for the Storm: Tips and Products for Hurricane Season

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 10:36:21 EST

Several manufacturers are offering products and insight that can help remodelers protect their clients’ homes during the hurricane season.

Sobering Realities Take Hold Along the Florida Gulf Coast

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 10:18:42 EST

Michael K. Walker, a veteran remodeler in Sarasota, Fla., points out two danger signs along the horizon: permitting lag time and new wind-zone insurance requirements.

Wind-Resistant Garage Doors

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:40:49 EST

In a major windstorm, such as a hurricane or a tornado, it's the windows and doors that usually hold a house together.

Built-In Security

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:37:39 EST

Fifteen years ago, even high-end homes were unlikely to sport windows that could withstand hurricane-force winds. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew changed that and gave quick birth to an industry — an industry that today has even the attention of non-coastal residents.

Windows pass wind test

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:30:54 EST

Remodeling in Florida means complying with the strictest codes in the country for wind-borne debris and wind loading. Ben De Prenger of John Kiernan Construction has no worries about compliance because he installs PGT's WinGuard impact-resistant windows.

Grand Award: Calming Influence

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:27:23 EST

Named “Seijaku” by its designers, this project embodies this Japanese principle of quiet and stillness, in which all sense of disturbance is absent.

Insurance industry presses for impact-resistant roofing

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:17:32 EST

Roofing contractors express skepticism, and some shingle makers seem cautious. Still, the insurance industry has charged forward promoting impact-resistant (IR) shingles to stave off hail damage.

Storm Rooms: Safe Rooms

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 07:00:34 EST

More than 1,000 tornadoes touch down in the United States each year, according to the Weather Channel, ripping through communities with wind speeds of up to 318 mph. Many homeowners in tornado-prone areas of the country are seeking protection by adding safe rooms and storm rooms. There are many manufacturers of prefabricated storm rooms and safe rooms, and some -- such as RemagenSafeRooms, KeepSafe, New Necessities, and Zytech Engineering -- make both.

Tornado Points Out Flaws in Home Construction

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 01:35:01 EST

Shattered homes left in the wake of a Maryland super tornado point out both the strengths and shortcomings of modern building codes.On April 28, some of the residents of La Plata, Md., discovered the answer to that question, when a monstrous Category F4 (to F5) tornado cut a 24-mile swath through their town, leveling 344 homes and businesses and killing four people. Photo: Greg PeasePoor attachment of the roof to the frame, variations in roof overhangs, and other small details often made the difference between survival and complete destruction of the home's roof.