Modular Homes Provide Advantages in Severe Weather
In October 2012, over 650,000 homes on the shores of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut went through Hurricane Sandy. Many of these homes did not withstand this severe weather. However, a large number of modular homes were able to survive because of hurricane-proof features or simply because of their high-quality construction. A number of communities are still struggling to rebuild and modular homes are providing a cheap and quick way to do so.
Yet, despite how damaging Hurricane Sandy was, not one of the hundreds of modular homes on the New Jersey shore built before that storm was lost. According to FEMA, only minimal structural damage was seen in modular housing developments. In fact, they performed much better than traditional housing. Construction of modular homes after the hurricane have helped numerous families move back more quickly than traditional homes.
Many homeowners who are rebuilding or buying a new house look to modular homes because of their hurricane-proof options or superior quality. The engineering and materials used make modular homes more apt to survive severe weather. Overall, modular construction is noted for its quick build time, high-quality materials, strength and durability. Just having to withstand the process of transporting the sections of the modular home to the home-site demands higher quality construction.
Modular homes, which are constructed in a factory, are inspected more often than traditional homes. This also leads to stronger homes able to withstand hurricanes. Innovative materials used in modular homes also contribute to their superior performance. For example, the use of lightweight composite panels often used to make boats and aircrafts bend much more easily than materials used in traditional homes. These homes using this and other innovative materials are less apt to crack or fall apart during hurricanes.
Modular homes often use more safeguards in storm-prone areas such as with bolting, strapping and use of special adhesives. Going the extra mile helps a home withstand high winds. These safeguards can be expensive and hard to add on a traditional home at the home-site. Factory construction provides a cheaper and easier way to guarantee a home is safe during a severe storm. Safeguards to these modular homes help them readily survive up to 120 mph winds.
Additionally, some modular homes have vents in the concrete foundations that allow water to flow in and out during a floor. In fact, water pressure damaged many foundations during Hurricane Sandy. Post and beam building systems used in a number of modular homes are more resistant to hurricane force winds and storm surges. Stilt and piling homes used in coastal areas allow winds to flow under and around the modular home. This causes less damage than with construction of traditional homes.
Modular homes also have advantages in rebuilding after a hurricane. For example, many modular home communities were built in the wake of Katrina. These homes are cheaper to build than traditional houses. Victims of a severe storm also don’t have the luxury of time to wait for traditional homes to be built. Also, because modular homes are built in a factory, homeowners don’t have to deal with delays caused by damage at a home-site. Construction can happen while the home-site is tended to.
Hurricanes have also provided opportunities for innovative designs and non-traditional communities. Very low cost housing in the form of modular homes using new materials and high-tech engineering is a trend.
Construction of modular homes has clear advantages before and after a hurricane. As communities continue to rebuild in the wake of various hurricanes, modular homes provide innovation and safety for many. Modular homes provide advantages whether in terms of the cost, time needed to build the home, or superior quality of materials, engineering, or construction. Potential homeowner have a lot of reasons to “weather the storm” with a modular home.
If you would like more information about modular homes, contact us.