Homebuilding in hurricane alleys

[Steffi]

I was just talking with PK about the fact that in the US most houses are built from wood (more so in the southern regions of the US). But these houses tend to be blown away by recurring hurricanes (see Galveston). Does anybody know why there is a preference for wood rather than stone? I certainly would prefer a stone house in a hurricane prone region. Is it just the money that keeps people from building hurricane proof houses ?

[PK]

It is strange that we keep rebuilding and rebuilding, but not changing the style of homes.  Building stronger homes would not only prevent deaths but also outrageous reconstruction bills. The cost will be more upfront but, as history has proven, it's only a matter of time before another hurricane arrives so why not prepare for it.

Look at these two photos. More than 100 years of hurricanes and we are still using wood in areas that need cement and steel.

1900 Galveston


2008 Galveston


It's obvious wood is NOT the material we should be using for these areas.

Homes are built depending on their environment. Homes in the north protect their inhabitants from the cold and snow. So homes along the Gulf should protect their inhabitants from hurricanes and floods. Don't laugh, but a home built like a cement shell might not be the most beautiful beach front home but it will withstand a Category 5 hurricane, save lives, and billions in reconstruction costs.



Galveston gets hit by a hurricane every three years, not all as bad as Ike, but the opportunity is always there. Before Galveston starts rebuilding, the government should require a "no wood" construction policy. It's survival of the fittest, not survival of the best insurance policies. Speaking of, all of us must pay higher insurance rates because insurance companies must pay billions to people who keep rebuilding in areas that are not habitat friendly.

[Ginafish]

LoL, I spent a good chunk of Thursday looking at geodome homes online. http://www.aidomes.com/ But I was looking at them from a energy efficient angle rather than safety. I like the styles of these, but the dome's are small pods rather than one big dome. Not sure about that... http://www.pinktentacle.c.../08/styrofoam-dome-homes/

Yes, these homes are able to withstand a greater variety of weather than average wood constructed homes. They are not conventional so it'll take the rest of the states another 100 years before they catch on. We are just so ahead of the times Steffi and Pk. Happens to me all the time.

[Ginafish]

Besides the igloo as an old example, there is also this:
http://www.flickr.com/pho...s/80651083@N00/2154493194
Old Navajo Huts.

It also has to be noted that the first reason for wood construction is because of the abundance of timber in America. Constructing in Stone Masonry is an art form, and when settlers first came, wood construction was something the community could do together. By looking at this example of Navajo hut made from mud, it's obvious that mud was available in abundance so that became the main construction tool. The state I live in has many older homes made from rocks b/c of the rocky terrain.

As for Galveston, there isn't a suitable building material naturally available. To me, that kind of says "Hey idiots! Don't build on the sand! It erodes!" But to each his own in where he chooses to live. The advance of man has seen many new construction techniques develop since the beginning of time  including man-made bricks, concrete, steel, glass, styrofoam and plastic. I think rather than admonish Galveston residents for their choice of material, we should be asking that they build "green" homes and then let the cards fall where they may in the future. Green and smart doesn't always mean expensive either. A dome home of 1,500 sq ft can be constructed for as little as $75,000 considering the price of materials. At this time though, there aren't enough contractors familiar with building techniques, b/c the demand is for frame construction still dominant. The classic "keeping up with the joneses" mentality.

*whew* I feel ultra 'wordy' today.

[KitKat]

I've been thinking about this subject too.  It's time for Galveston to change the way they build their homes.  I'm thinking Galveston will have a completely different face structure in the next few years.   More condo living, to withstand a category 4-5, instead of individual, single dwelling wood structure homes. 
Maybe a large developer will come in and purchase all the land and rebuild, Condo Style.   It's definitely the time.

[heavyj]

I live north of galveston you could consider my house to be in a storm prone area we got only a small amount of damage considering what i have seen around the city. Actually a hurricane doesn't come here every three years actually the last major was alicia in 83 i know the possibility is their but there is not a lot you can do, i wouldn't personally live on the beach but most of galveston is not a beach it is mostly very old homes and the newer ones are supposed to built to "hurricane standards" the problem that most people think is the wind when it is actually a combination of the surge and flooding. The thing is people will live where they want, regardless of the risk, it's in our nature.  After seeing this storm first hand i will tell you that stone and steel may not have made a difference. sorry for the rant.  some people still don't have gas and power

[Steffi]

I still do not understand why there is so much wood involved in building houses today. Even if there is only a storm like this every other decade - it is reason enough for me to build brick houses. Usually they will withstand even heavy storms and they have better insulation too. So in the end you might even save money due to lower aircon costs.

[Ginafish]

Steffi, I think it mostly boils down to cost. Cost of building and greed. Rather than build with the best material a small house, a lot of people build houses with larger square footage than they need, and then have to build with cheaper materials. 

What's really scary is that now in the area of the states known for tornado's, there are metal buildings popping up all over the place. 

Maybe people should be given a copy of "The Three Little Pigs" when applying for home loans. Straw, sticks, or brick. Hmm...

[KitKat]

Maybe people should be given a copy of "The Three Little Pigs" when applying for home loans. Straw, sticks, or brick. Hmm...

Ginafish, not a bad idea.     If we really think about it,  this could be an excellent marketing campaign for any hurricane proned area. 
Seriously, have you ever considered working for an advertising agency?   

[PK]

Maybe people should be given a copy of "The Three Little Pigs" when applying for home loans. Straw, sticks, or brick. Hmm...

Brilliant!! Thanks, Gina.

[ZeroG]

Like heavyj, I also live inland from Galveston and my home was not damaged by Ike. 

Cost is the main thing here. Houston is probably one of the lowest cost per square feet in the nation. This is due to the fact that construction is very shabby (IMO) and pine is plentiful in East Texas. They could do a lot more to make better, more energy efficient homes around here, but it is one of those things the market has to demand. Builders are not going to risk investing in better materials and sell at a higher cost if they are not sure people will spend the extra money.

Zooming out from the devastation we see of the physical structures, we are starting to see the money people borrowed to buy these houses is as substantial as straw. After the mortgage bailout it seems there really was no real money lent, just a promise that it would be worth something someday.