Wave-shaped roofs and walls cut peak wind pressure up to 60% at corners in Florida lab tests

An unusual research effort is focusing on roof and wall geometry to help Florida homes withstand hurricane-force winds.

Here's what to know

In laboratory tests, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering team found that wave-shaped surfaces lowered maximum wind pressures by up to 60% at some corners of roofs and walls, according to WTXL. The findings suggest that changes to building design could offer better protection during storms.

Inside a wind tunnel, 3D-printed structures are exposed to powerful winds. The tests let the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering team study how these shapes respond.

Vortices — swirling patterns of air — are disrupted by the wave-shaped surfaces, explained Pedro Fernández-Cabán, an assistant professor at the college.

"And what those do essentially is that they confuse the flow. So they disrupt some of these vortices that are generated and they break them up into smaller vortices. And as a consequence, what we see is a significant reduction in these localized wind pressures," Fernández-Cabán said, according to WTXL.

What's being done?

Industry professionals are the planned collaborators as the FAMU-FSU team continues its research and explores how wave-shaped designs might be used in construction.

The researchers hope their findings will eventually help Florida communities better withstand extreme weather. When the designs might become part of homes remains undetermined.

"So these types of new geometries that we're investigating could go a long way in terms of reducing some of these property losses that we see during hurricane and extreme wind events," Fernández-Cabán said, according to WTXL.

Where can I learn more?

Protecting homes from extreme weather can mean testing new designs or changing an existing house. 

• Florida's Wall of Wind received $15 million to expand its 200-mph hurricane testing.

• Florida roofers warn that roof replacement costs jumped 33% nationwide, with further increases ahead.

• A Florida homeowner raised his house on steel beams after Helene brought four feet of storm surge.

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