April 2011

High Wind Season - The Science Behind its Damaging Forces

In buildings hit by tornadoes, the threat to life is due to a combination of effects that occur at almost the same time. To understand the tornado damage that can occur in a building, the following must be considered:

• wind-induced forces
• changes in atmospheric pressure
• debris impact

Wind Effects on Buildings

The wind speeds generated by some tornadoes are so great that designing for these extreme winds is beyond the scope of building codes and engineering standards. Most buildings that have received some engineering attention, such as schools, and that are built in accordance with sound construction practices can usually withstand wind speeds specified by building codes. Meeting these code-specified wind speeds can provide sufficient resistance to tornadic winds if the building is located on the outer edge of the tornado vortex. In addition, if a portion of the building is built to a higher tornado design standard, then both building and occupant survival are improved. Figure 2-1 Effects of wind on a fully enclosed building and on a building with openings.

Seasonal Tips & NuBilt Projects

Why Hail is so Damaging to Your Roof
Hail stones are created in the cumulonimbus clouds as the super-cooled water droplets are frozen. As these clouds are forming, they create a very fast updraft that takes these hail stones on a ride at a speed of roughly 110mph. Click to continue...

Sprinkler Systems Spring Maintenance Tips
Your system has probably sat dormant for the last few months so it is time to check it out to make sure it is in good working order. Click to continue...

Project: Broken Radiant Heat Line Repair
The hot water flooded the entire sun room and leaked into the work shop below. It also created such high humidity that there was water dripping off the ceiling in the sun room. Click to continue...

Project: Frozen Waterline Burst Repair
Loss accrued as a result of a frozen waterline that burst in the upper level bathroom of the home. All 3 levels were effected drywall, light and wall fixtures, flooring etc. Click to continue...