Log Homes & Severe Weather
If you’re building a home, one of your considerations should be how your structure will stand up to harsh or severe weather. Keeping loved ones safe is a top priority for any family, and when disaster strikes, your home is your main line of defense against the elements. Log homes, when constructed by seasoned professionals, can survive harsh weather and damaging storms due to the sheer weight and strength that they are known for.
How Would a Gastineau Log Home Stand Up to a Tornado?
There are numerous statistics derived from meticulously performed tests, but a real-life example is even better. In 2016, a tornado directly hit one of our Gastineau log homes where winds reached 200+ mph. This home featured a single-story, basement, and full-length front porch. Because we build our homes with three distinct qualities, the tornado only tore off the front porch roof, leaving a hole in the roof of the home. So, what makes our homes so strong? We incorporate a “J” bolt in the top of the foundation, construct corners with overlapping rows, and screw the logs together every 16”.
When you’re considering the details for your home that will keep you and your family safe from severe weather, the quality and build of the structure should be your first concern. But in addition to the robust construction of your home, there are three other options that are well worth considering.
Storm Cellar
A storm cellar is a room that has been buried in the ground on your property. They are typically reinforced with metal, making them an ideal place to seek shelter. Storm cellars have proven to be effective by decades of consumer use. Although they keep you safe and you may be able to take advantage of a tax credit because of them, storm cellars also come with a few downfalls. They are normally installed on the exterior of your home, so you may have to place yourself and your family at risk to reach it during bad weather – and the buried aspect means that these shelters tend to flood.
Safe Room
Perhaps a more practical alternative to a storm cellar, a safe room is different in that it’s placed in the interior of your home. Also reinforced with metal or concrete, a safe room is generally located on the ground floor, in your basement, or just under the foundation of a home. Safe rooms are less expensive than storm cellars and can be used for more than just severe weather.
Basement
A basement may not be the first thing you think of when you’re looking for severe weather safety options to add to your home, but they are considered to be quite sufficient. The National Weather Service suggests moving you and your family into the basement or lowest level of your home during a major storm. The bonus of having a basement is that it can be designed to accommodate additional living space.
Severe Weather Safety
While storm cellars, safe rooms, and basements are all great safety options during a storm, they aren’t always available. You should always follow the National Weather Service guidelines of “Get In, Get Down, and Cover-Up” to keep your family safe.
Gastineau Log Homes
At Gastineau Log Homes, we not only want you and your family to be safe, but we also want you to be completely thrilled with your new custom home. Remember that the GLH Model Home Center on I-70 in central MO is now open seven days a week! Appointments are not required but highly recommended. Come visit us 8-5 Monday to Friday , 9-5 on Saturday, and 12-5 on Sundays and take a tour of our three on-site model homes!
