— from Tony and Nancy Ayer —

With our experience with tropical winds in the Caribbean experienced during hurricanes (over 80 mph) the major damage to roofs is caused by a differential of pressure between the interior and exterior of the home. It is not the wind blowing off the roof. It is the difference between the pressure inside and outside.

To equalize the pressure inside your home, open a window or door on the lee (back side) of the house. Keep it open until the wind gusts die down. Same is true of commercial buildings (air plane hangers ). If and when wind direction changes and the winds come from another side, do the same until the storm passes.

The predictions for Saturday’s winds are serious. Be prepared to open a window or two.
A little rain coming in the window is a lot easier to handle than having your roof explode.

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