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
OVERHANGS, PATIOS AND VERANDAHS EXPERIENCE HIGH WIND PRESSURES AND SHOULD BE KEPT SHORT AND SMALL.
Avoid large overhangs as high wind force build up under them.
Overhangs should not be more than 18 inches at verges or eaves.
Build verandah and patio roofs as separate structures rather than extensions of the main building.
They may blow off without damaging the rest of the house.