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Construction Basics - Wind Resistance

APA wind-related publications In areas susceptible to severe weather conditions, builders and designers are challenged with creating structures that will withstand the forces of nature. While regionalized building codes address the necessary design requirements, APA provides additional resources and details construction practices that help homes to perform even better against hurricanes, high winds and severe moisture.

For more information, click on a link below, or search for wind-related documents in the APA Publications Library:

  • Hurricane Shutter Designs, Form T450
    This collection of five hurricane shutter designs features recommendations for a variety of window and door openings in masonry and wood-frame buildings. Plans include illustrations, materials lists, and step-by-step instructions. Hurricane Shutter Design Considerations for Florida, Form T460 is a regionalized version of the publication specific to Florida. Details are also available for Latin America in Spanish.
  • Design for Combined Shear and Uplift from Wind, Form SR-101
    Designs for utilizing wind uplift resistance capabilities from wood structural panels, in addition to resisting lateral shear forces and wind pressure perpendicular to the wall.
  • WallBracing.org
    Houses must be built to safely resist the lateral loads that occur during earthquakes or high-wind events. This website details code-required wall bracing information for designers, builders, engineers and code officials.
  • BuildaBetterHome.org
    Preventing moisture from getting trapped in the building envelope is key to constructing long-lasting homes that stay dry and comfortable. This website provides simple construction details for building moisture-resistant homes.
  • Special Report: Hurricane Katrina
    This report assesses the structural performance of wood-frame buildings in severe weather conditions.

More resources

These national organizations provide information on severe weather preparedness, home safety, and important weather-related factors to consider when buying or building a new home: