by Predictors warn the Atlantic Hurricane season of 2025, which started on 1 June, could be one above averagePotentially produce until 19 mentioned storms and 5 large hurricanes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As storms become stronger and more frequent, a growing number of homeowners along the East and Gulf Coast follow a proactive approach – building smarter, more resilient houses that are designed to withstand the forces of nature.
In Crystal River, Florida, the house of Gene Tener stands out in more than one way. Unlike most others in the area, his house is around – a design that does more than just offer a panoramic view.
He said it initially attracted curiosity Van Buren, but the house has already passed six hurricanes in five years, including Hurricane HeleneA storm of category 4 that hit the Gulf Coast in September. Research by Climate Central shows that the man -made climate change warms up the ocean waters, which feeds stronger and more intense hurricanes. Stronger storms often lead to more damage and higher insurance rates.
The aerodynamic shape of Tener’s house is built to lower the wind pressure by 30%. Inside, the span takes off like spokes on a bicycle wheel and storm troops distribute to hold the roof in place.
“You worry that the wind blows off the roof,” Tener said about the biggest worries for every house during a hurricane. ‘You are worried about the rain. And you are worried about flooding. “
Anchored deep in the ground, the house also includes ventilation openings to relieve the water pressure and to protect the foundation. With these characteristics, the house is assessed to resist 190-mile winds per hour-a very strong category 5 hurricane.
“The inspector, when he came and inspected, he says:” If we have a hurricane, I will come here, “Tener said.
Another kind of builder
Tener’s house was built by Deltec Homes, a family business located in Asheville, North Carolina. The company has built more than 5,000 houses around the world, many are specially designed for resilience in extreme weather.
“We take that great shape and we combine it with great materials,” said Matt Oblinsky, chief engineer of Deltec. The company estimates that his houses cost around 10% more than the traditional construction, but they often do much better at storms. “We are 99% successful,” said Oblinsky about the performance of the houses in earlier hurricanes. But he adds carefully: “There is no such thing as a hurricane -proof house. We are very careful to say that these are hurricane -proof.”
Testing the limits
At the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) in South Carolina, engineers work to make both new and existing houses more resilient. With the help of a huge wall of more than 100 fans, the Institute can simulate a category 3 hurricane to test how good houses stand under intense conditions.
In essence, Ibhs builds houses and then destroys them.
And we all do it in the name of science, “said Sarah Dillingham, senior meteorologist at IBHS.
The tests often reveal the vulnerabilities that can lead to catastrophic damage.
“Your roof is your first line of defense,” said Dillingham. “And it is what helps to keep everything together in your house.”
She recommends storm-ready upgrades such as high-impact windows, reinforced doors and crucial-through the wind rated garage doors. “Your garage door is your biggest opening of your house,” she said. “Because when wind comes in, it will find the weakest link.”
Long -term savings
Investing in a storm resilient house has also paid financially for Tener. He even canceled his optional flood insurance that saved him $ 12,000 a year.
“You put some more money in it and it takes forever,” he said. “It pays off in the long term.”
This story was produced in collaboration with Climate Central.
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