Understanding Hurricane Categories: What Do They Mean for Your Home?

Hurricanes are powerful natural disasters that can cause significant damage to homes and communities. Understanding the different categories of hurricanes and their potential impact is crucial for homeowners in vulnerable areas. This article will delve into the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which categorizes hurricanes based on their intensity. Additionally, we’ll explore how Atlas Armor hurricane screens can provide essential protection against these destructive forces.

 

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale: An Overview

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a widely recognized system for classifying hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds and potential damage. It comprises five hurricane categories, ranging from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest). Note: Atlas Armor hurricane screens are tested and rated for Category 5 winds. Let’s take a closer look at what each category signifies:

Category 1 – Minimal Damage

Category 1 hurricanes have sustained winds between 74 and 95 mph. While they are considered the least severe, they can still cause damage to homes, especially to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. It’s essential to reinforce ALL windows and doors with hurricane screens to prevent debris and wind pressure from penetrating your home.

Category 2 – Moderate Damage

Category 2 hurricanes usually sustain winds between 96 and 110 mph. They pose a higher risk to homes, with the potential for roof, door, and window damage. Installing hurricane screens on ALL openings becomes even more crucial in this category to protect against flying debris, wind pressure and minimize the risk of structural damage.

Category 3 – Extensive Damage

Category 3 hurricanes have sustained winds between 111 and 129 mph. At this intensity, significant damage is expected, including the potential for roof and wall failures. Hurricane screens offer substantial protection, acting as a barrier against airborne objects preventing them and wind pressure from breaching your home.

Category 4 – Catastrophic Damage

Category 4 hurricanes have sustained winds between 130 and 156 mph. They can cause severe damage to well-built homes, including the possibility of complete roof and wall failures. By installing hurricane screens, you create an additional layer of defense, reducing the risk of structural collapse and protecting your home’s interior.

Category 5 – Devastating Damage

Category 5 hurricanes are the most horrifying and powerful and have sustained winds exceeding 157 mph. They can cause catastrophic destruction to homes, leaving them uninhabitable. While no structure is entirely impervious to such extreme forces, hurricane screens offer a vital line of defense, helping to safeguard against flying debris and potential breaches. Atlas Armor hurricane screens are designed,  tested and Miami-Dade certified to provide protection at this level.

Protecting Your Home with Hurricane Screens

Hurricane screens are an effective solution for fortifying your home against the damaging effects of hurricanes. These screens are made of strong, impact-resistant materials that can withstand extremely high winds and flying debris. They are designed to cover windows, doors, and other vulnerable openings, creating a protective barrier.

By installing hurricane screens, you can:

1. Prevent debris from entering your home, reducing the risk of damage to your belongings and potential injury to occupants.
2. Prevent SUDDEN air pressure build up on the inside of your home. SUDDEN pressurizing of your home will cause your home to explode from the inside causing windows, doors, walls and roof to break away from the rest of the building.
3. Additionally, it strengthens the structural integrity of your home, minimizing the risk of roof and wall failures.
4. Maintain visibility and natural light while enjoying enhanced safety and peace of mind.

Call Atlas Armor for a Free Consultation

Understanding hurricane categories is essential for homeowners to comprehend the potential risks and impacts associated with these powerful storms. By fortifying your home with hurricane screens, you can significantly reduce the vulnerability of your property and enhance the safety of your loved ones during hurricane events.

Safeguarding your home against hurricanes is a crucial step in protecting your property and loved ones. If you’re interested in installing hurricane screens or would like more information, call Atlas Armor for a free consultation. Our experts will assess your requirements and guide you toward the best solution for your home.