Benefits of Concrete Wall Construction
Concrete is resistant to hurricanes, tornadoes, and high winds. Following Hurricane Katrina, a house still in the building phase using insulating concrete forms was the sole house left standing in a Pass Christian, MS, neighborhood (photo to the right).
Disaster Investigators have learned from previous hurricanes that:
- Wood frame walls performed poorly unless well designed and constructed
- Loads on building components and connections are significantly increased when the envelope is breached by high wind or flying debris. Concrete wall systems appeared to resist breaching as well, if not better, than other wall systems.
Debris driven by high winds presents the greatest hazard to homeowners and their homes during hurricanes and tornados. Tests show that concrete wall systems suffer no structural damage when impacted by debris carried by hurricane and tornado-force winds.
As a means to prove just how robust concrete walls are to wind-blown debris, the Portland Cement Association, in conjunction with Texas Tech University, tested concrete wall systems by shooting 2x4s out of a wind cannon at speeds in excess of 100mph. In all instances, the insulating concrete form wall shattered the wood studs, while the 2x4s easily passed through the frame wall with little resistance.
The TransForm and ThermoForm concrete forming systems are the best solutions to protect your family from hurricanes, tornadoes and high winds. Choose the TransForm or ThermoForm Concrete Forming System as the only solution to extreme weather and natural disasters.
This is how we build your homes!
ICF Walls - Insulated Concrete Forms
This footage taken from a helicopter shows how Hurricane Michael’s powerful winds wiped out many parts of Mexico Beach, Fla.
Published On Oct. 11, 2018
Credit Chris O'Meara/Associated Press
Hurricane Sandy: A Story of Survival
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