Post-Hurricane Assessments: Why Some Buildings Survived While Others Suffered Major Damage
As climate trends shift and coastal populations grow, researchers warn that hurricanes will only become more intense in the years ahead. With stronger storms on the horizon (especially Category 3-5 hurricanes) property owners are facing increased risks. And when these powerful phenomena make landfall, not all buildings stand the same. Post-hurricane assessments have consistently revealed an important contrast: while some buildings remain standing with minimal damage, others are completely destroyed. What makes the difference? From proximity to the implementation of impact-resistant sliding glass doors and windows, many factors come into play. Let’s take a look.
The Hazards of a Hurricane
To understand these circumstances, it is crucial to first look at the hazards hurricanes bring. Most people think of crashing waves and flooded coastlines, but the most destructive force in a hurricane is often the wind. High-speed winds, storm surge, and airborne debris all wreak havoc on buildings. In fact, much of the damage comes not from the wind itself, but from flying debris—tree limbs, signs, broken roof tiles, and even parts of other homes. Once doors or windows are breached, internal walls and ceilings—often not designed to handle those pressures—become vulnerable, leading to catastrophic structural failure.
Why Some Buildings Survived
Post-storm assessments consistently highlight key factors that determine how a building withstands a hurricane. While the strength of the storm and proximity to its core undeniably play a role, other elements—such as the age of the home, materials used, and how well it’s built—can mean the difference between minor damage and complete destruction. In particular, homes equipped with impact-resistant sliding glass doors and windows tend to cope much better, as these features protect the building’s interior from wind and debris.
1. Proximity to the Storm’s Core
Location matters. Properties near the eye of the storm face the most intense winds and pressure changes. These areas also experience the highest storm surge levels, which can lead to flooding even in areas previously thought to be safe. While proximity can’t be controlled, preparation can make all the difference especially when it comes to securing openings like doors and windows.
2. Impact-Resistant Doors and Windows
As mentioned above, one of the most effective ways to reduce hurricane damage is by installing impact-resistant sliding glass doors and windows. These systems are engineered to withstand both wind pressure and flying debris. When traditional glass shatters, the building’s facade is compromised, allowing wind and water inside. This creates internal pressure that can lift roofs and collapse walls. Impact-resistant glass, on the other hand, helps preserve the integrity of the structure by keeping these vulnerabilities sealed.
According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, properties with impact-resistant windows experienced up to 60% less damage compared to those without during hurricane-related events. This not only safeguards residents but also minimizes the financial impact on building and condo owners by reducing the need for extensive repairs and replacements after the storm. It’s a key reason why some homes are left standing after major hurricanes.
Furthermore, what makes impact-resistant sliding glass doors and windows so reliable isn’t just the materials—it’s the rigorous testing and certification process behind them. Before reaching the market, they must pass extensive testing that simulates hurricane conditions, including pressure cycling and impact resistance tests with windborne debris. At EGS International, for instance, our products are built to meet Florida’s toughest building codes and are certified under key regulatory standards such as Miami-Dade County Product Control, Florida Product Approval, and the National Accreditation & Management Institute (NAMI). These certifications are more than just labels, they’re proof that each door and window has been held to the highest possible standards in safety and performance. For buildings in hurricane-prone areas, investing in certified, high-impact glass isn’t just smart, it’s essential for protecting both people and property.
3. Building Age and Code Compliance
Another key factor is the age of the building, as this often determines how well it withstands a hurricane. Florida’s building codes saw a major overhaul after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and again in 2001 when the Florida Building Code (FBC) was officially implemented statewide. Homes and buildings constructed since then are subject to much stricter standards including reinforced roofing systems, mandatory hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors, and stronger roof-to-wall connections.
Following major storms like Hurricane Irma (2017) and Hurricane Ian (2022), the code has continued to evolve. The 2023 Florida Building Code update, for example, reinforced requirements for high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ), improved wind-load calculations, and increased emphasis on protecting openings and maintaining a building’s envelope. These changes aim to address new climate data, improved material technology, and the performance gaps revealed in post-disaster assessments.
As hurricanes grow stronger and less predictable, preparation is no longer optional, it’s essential. Post-storm assessments have shown time and again that buildings equipped with impact-resistant sliding glass doors and windows, built or upgraded to meet the latest Florida Building Code standards, are far more likely to withstand extreme weather. These features not only protect the structure from wind and debris but also significantly reduce repair costs and safeguard lives. With storms like Ian and Irma reshaping the landscape and influencing recent code updates, property owners have a clear path forward: invest in high-quality, certified protection that meets today’s rigorous standards. Whether you’re building new or reconditioning an existing structure, these choices could be the deciding factor between resilience and major damage.
