by Apex » Tue Apr 29, 2014 8:44 pm
It's CBS construction here in Florida, that stands for Concrete Block Structure. Before Hurricane Andrew (08.24.92), we had a pretty strict building code, since way back, [most] homes have been required to be built with concrete block outer walls, a typical block is about 8 inches thick. But it's hurricanes, not tornadoes, we watch for. CBS may help in tornado areas, but if you get a really powerful one, not sure, they could rip anything apart. That said, I'm still surprised that after all these years, no building code upgrades in tornado areas requiring solid construction of new or rebuilt homes. At least, I don't think there's been, correct me if I'm wrong. So they can rebuild, but still face the possibility of severe damage.
After Hurricane Andrew, partly because we did have some tornadic activity in the storm, but mainly because a certain section of Miami, just a few miles from me, was completely leveled (the homes in this one smallish area were not CBS, I do not know how/why they got away with that, and full of building defects, mainly centered around shoddy roofs, so it was later determined), our building code has gotten even tougher. We now have strict requirements concerning roof construction. Also some changes in windows, you are not required to use shutters or have impact windows, but any new construction or window replacement must conform to building and fire code requirements. So for ex, per fire code, each room must now have at least one egress window, that is, one window must be such that you can get out of it easily (casement and horizontal rollers, for ex.)
Surrounded by concrete blocks gives a great sense of security in a hurricane. For the most part, high winds can't knock them down, and as long as your roof holds, and nothing crashes through a window, you're more or less well off and safe. Still, every time a hurricane threatens, you see long lines of people buying plywood or last minute shutters. I wonder where they've been all these years. You'd think they'd be prepared all year 'round.
...!
