Summary and Conclusion

In general, the analysis shows that few homes in Texas and Florida experienced more than moderate damage to structural roof or wall components, but the majority of the wind damage from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma was to the roof and wall coverings.  In Texas, there was significantly lower levels of damage to wall and roof coverings among houses constructed after 2003. Based on these findings, it can be inferred that very few homes constructed in Texas after 2003 suffered severe damage to roof sheathing, wall sheathing and framing or total loss and collapse of those components.

Similar damage levels were observed among the houses in Florida. Only small percentages of homes constructed after 1994 were classified as having severe damage to/total loss of wall and roof coverings or total loss of them. No homes constructed after 2008 were classified as having severe damage to wall and roof coverings or total loss of those components. Consequently, it can be inferred that very few homes constructed in Florida after 2008 suffered severe damage to roof sheathing, wall sheathing and framing or total loss and collapse of those components.

These observations demonstrate that the IRC, since its inception, has been very effective in preventing the destruction of homes due to hurricane winds. The structural provisions ensure that the integrity of the roof framing and sheathing is maintained, and that wall structure and sheathing damage is minimized. Other required building practices have also resulted in less damage to wall and roof coverings and the loss of those components while also minimizing window breakage.