Caribbean Disaster
Mitigation Project
Implemented by the Organization of American States
Unit of Sustainable Development and Environment
for the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the Caribbean Regional Program
DESIGN OF THE HOUSE
LIGHTWEIGHT FLAT ROOFS ARE EASILY BLOWN OFF IN HIGH WINDS. IN ORDER TO LESSEN THE EFFECT OF THE UPLISTING FORCES ON THE ROOF, THE ROOF PITCH SHOULD NOT BE LESS THAN 22º. HIP ROOFS ARE GOOD, THEY HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE MORE HURRICANE RESISTANT THAN GABLE ROOFS.
Hip roof
Gable roof
Flat roof
GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
1. Avoid a low pitched roof, use a hip roof or a high pitched gable roof.
2. Avoid overhanging roofs. If overhangs or canopies are desired, they should be separated from the main roof structures.
3. Avoid openings which cannot be securely closed during a hurricane. Where openings are already in existence, hurricane shutters should be provided.
4. Best plan shape for wind resistance is a square or rectangle with length to width ration no more than 3:1.