How Much Wind Can a Brick House Withstand?

With the extreme storms the U.S. has dealt with over the past year, understanding the wind resistance of a brick house is key to making informed decisions about construction, maintenance, and potential reinforcements.

How Strong Are Brick Houses Against Wind?

Brick houses are generally more resistant to high winds compared to wood or vinyl-sided houses. This is because bricks are heavy and dense, which gives them a natural resistance to pressure and impact. However, the actual wind resistance of a brick house depends on several factors, including the type of construction, the quality of the materials used, and the strength of the house’s foundation.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), well-built brick houses can typically withstand wind speeds of up to 100-120 mph without significant structural damage. This means that a properly constructed brick house should be able to handle most tropical storms and even some Category 1 and 2 hurricanes (not that this happens often in Boston!). However, stronger storms, like Category 3 hurricanes and tornadoes with winds exceeding 120 mph, may cause more significant damage, especially if the structural integrity of the house is compromised.

Factors That Affect a Brick House’s Wind Resistance

1. Type of Brick Construction

Not all brick houses are built the same way. There are two main types of brick construction:

• Solid brick construction: This is when the entire wall is made of brick. It offers greater structural strength and better wind resistance.

• Brick veneer construction: This is when the brick is attached as a decorative layer over a wood or steel frame. While brick veneer provides some added strength, the underlying frame bears most of the structural load, making it less resistant to high winds.

2. Mortar and Reinforcement

The strength of a brick house also depends on the quality of the mortar used between the bricks. If the mortar is weak or deteriorating, the bricks may become loose and more susceptible to being pulled out by high winds. Houses with reinforced walls that include steel rods or concrete reinforcement are significantly more resistant to wind pressure and impact.

3. Roof and Foundation Connection

A brick house’s ability to withstand wind depends not only on the walls but also on the roof and foundation. If the roof is not properly secured to the walls and the foundation, high winds can create uplift pressure, potentially causing the roof to lift off and weakening the entire structure. Reinforced roof trusses and hurricane straps can help secure the roof in place during high winds.

4. Openings and Weak Points

Windows, doors, and garage doors are typically the most vulnerable parts of a house during a storm. If high winds enter through a broken window or door, the internal pressure can increase rapidly, causing the roof and walls to blow out. Installing impact-resistant windows and storm shutters can improve a brick house's overall wind resistance.

How to Improve a Brick House’s Wind Resistance

1. Reinforce the Roof and Walls

Adding hurricane straps or roof clips can help secure the roof to the walls and prevent it from lifting off during strong winds. Reinforcing walls with steel rods or concrete backers can also improve strength.

2. Upgrade Windows and Doors

Installing impact-resistant windows and doors helps prevent pressure buildup and internal damage during a storm. Reinforced garage doors can also prevent wind from entering and compromising the house’s structural integrity.

3. Maintain the Brick and Mortar

Regularly inspecting and repairing any cracks or weaknesses in the brick and mortar helps keep the structure strong. Repointing (renewing the mortar joints) can restore strength to aging brick houses.

4. Install Storm Shutters

Storm shutters provide an additional layer of protection for windows and prevent debris from causing damage during a storm.

Conclusion

A well-constructed brick house can withstand winds of up to 100–120 mph, making it highly resistant to most tropical storms and some hurricanes. However, the strength of a brick house depends on factors such as construction type, mortar quality, roof connection, and window strength. By reinforcing weak points and maintaining the structure, you can improve your brick house’s ability to withstand even higher winds, ensuring greater safety and protection during extreme weather.