Experts at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) divide wind strengths around the U.S. into three zones. Understanding which zone you live in can help you keep your family and home safe during weather events with strong winds, such as tropical storms or hurricanes.
Types of Wind Zone Ratings
When you want to invest in products for your home, it’s best to follow safety standards based on the area you live in:
- Zone 1: A home in this zone must be able to resist wind speeds reaching 70 miles per hour (mph).
- Zone 2: Houses in this zone often lie along the coast or a body of water and must withstand wind speeds up to 100 mph.
- Zone 3: A residential property in this zone sees the highest wind speeds and must resist winds at speeds up to 110 mph.
Finding Your Current Home’s Wind Zone
Knowing your wind zone and how to prepare your home for strong winds best can give you increased peace of mind. According to the HUD, each residential property must have a data plate indicating the home’s Wind Zone. You can locate this data plate inside your home’s electrical panel, kitchen cabinet or bedroom closet. If you cannot find the data plate, you can request a new one from the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS).
Ensure your garage door reflects the appropriate WindCode®, the rating of the amount of wind pressure your garage door can withstand. Follow local guidelines to determine your wind zone rating.
In Florida, about two-thirds of the state fall into Zone 2. Other areas, such as the Keys and several Gulf Coast counties around South Florida, are classified as Zone 3. There are a few exposure categories in this region:
- Exposure B: These areas’ terrain may include wooded spaces or city environments with closely spaced obstructions.
- Exposure C: The open landscape of these flat grounds or grasslands may have scattered obstructions or shorelines near small bodies of water.
- Exposure D: A structure or terrain in this category is located within 600 feet of an ocean or a body of water, measuring at least 5,000 feet.
Ensure You Have the Right Garage Doors for Your Zone
The Doorman is a Clopay® Authorized Dealer™ in Southeast Florida. Our technicians can ensure your garage door meets your zone guidelines. To request an inspection, repair or installation, fill out a contact form today!
