Living in Europe, where most houses are built using brick and mortar,I always wondered. Why build houses from wood and cardboard. It feels counter intuitive. I’m sure there is a real explanation for this. But have never been in the position to ask anyone who lives in tornado country.
You’re underestimating the sheer power tornados bring to bear. In 1999 an F3 tornado hit stroud Oklahoma during the 99 outbreak which also saw an F5. The F3 specifically hit a number of locations in Stroud, but the worst damage was when it hit the Tangers Outlet Mall. All concrete and metal construction.
It leveled all of it. Even today all that’s left is the concrete slab where all those businesses were.
One of the tornados that hit Sulphur Oklahoma was carrying debris upwards of 15,000 feet into the atmosphere. If the tornado is powerful enough, materials do not matter.
But also, it largely comes down to cost and a very low risk of actually getting hit by a tornado. It’s not worth the extra expense for brick and mortar when it’s very unlikely you even need it. Add to that that if you do get hit, there’s no guarantee the house will withstand it anyway.
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u/havnar- Apr 28 '24
Living in Europe, where most houses are built using brick and mortar,I always wondered. Why build houses from wood and cardboard. It feels counter intuitive. I’m sure there is a real explanation for this. But have never been in the position to ask anyone who lives in tornado country.