Storm & Wind Protection

In high-wind events, homes built with brick offer dramatically more protection from wind-borne debris than homes built with vinyl or fiber cement siding. Maybe this is why the terms “brick wall,” “built like a brick house,” and others have been part of our nomenclature since the times of the Three Little Pigs fairy tale.

BIA Wall Video

Some say a picture is worth a thousand words. To see for yourself, check out
this video that BIA put together that shows the strength and resilience of brick walls.

Shelter from the Storm

In September, 2004 the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University showed that homes built with brick offer dramatically more protection from wind-blown debris than homes built with vinyl or fiber-cement siding. The tests showed that a single wythe of brick exceeded the impact resistance requirements for high velocity hurricane zones in the Florida building code. In fact, the tests found that homes made with brick exceed the 34 mph impact resistance requirement for high velocity hurricane zones in the Florida building code. Brick also exceeds Florida’s impact resistance requirements for essential facilities in hurricane areas.

Want to see for yourself? See the following videos:

Storm & Wind Protection

BIA Wall Video

Shelter from the Storm

The Brick Industry Association