Opinions on structure survivability. A Poll! :D

[kavandershadow]

Hey hey...

Since I’m now a stay-at-home papa, I’ve had a lot of time to think about random stuff.

I’m sitting in my dining room while the kids eat their lunch, and I started to wonder; would this place become a sail in the wind if a hurricane hit? Especially the roof structure. Single pane glass on all windows. HOA won’t let s put hurricane shutter studs in.

Place was supposedly built in 1979-80 and is concrete block (maybe?) up to the roof. Although I’ve been in the attic space where the AC feeder and returns are. And it’s all wood up there. And really shoddy roof (we got a leak 8ft wide x 6ft long!, roof guy came, said the entire roof is garbage and needs replacing) that the HOA is dragging it’s heels on repairing.

Hence the reason we left when Dorian was supposed to hit. (How I got fired and all that jazz, meh) 

You think this place would even survive a cat 2?

Here’s a picture of the place. Entire complex is built the same.

[jackrides]

It takes more than a look. What wind speeds were the design level for the building code in effect there in 1979? Were they enforced? How the roof rafters are tied (metal connectors called 'Tico ties' around here) to the walls then to the foundation pretty well says if the roof stays on or not. If a large window blows out and the roof isn't tied down, don't be there. Negotiating with the HOA may be helpful. I'm pretty sure the FCC forbids restrictions on how tv can be received. If that's right, maybe you could forget about that HDTV antenna on a mast in exchange for secure studs for window protection that could also protect the structure. Worst case, under stairs or inside bathroom are good choices.

[chehystpewpur]

angles matter too. the gap in those roofs may also be facing wind forces or opposing them and act as a sail. when irma hit and i was in my place i stayed it was dead middle of the state and wasnt expected to hit where i was and the eye passed over me. neighbors place was perpendicular to me and their roof was ripped off and my place rocked but was fine then rocked again when the other side of the eye hit it rocked the other way much harder. then the trees started falling. if it wasnt for said trees none of the places would be left but the same trees cause the most damage to the people near me. would i do it again? no i moved 1500 miles back home and will never return.

that being said if your place is that old its clearly lasted 50 years so the design cant be that bad or shoddy.not saying it will last forever either but its still there isnt it?