New Rules
Much attention has been focused in the last couple of years on new building codes that address hurricane protection. These codes have been instituted in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the more than $17 billion in damages caused by Hurricane Andrew. In Dade County, Fla., for example, all new construction and renovation projects must conform to new standards for windows, shutters, doors and skylights. Roofing systems are also required to be tested. After Andrew, it was determined that most of the damage sustained by property owners was due to high winds penetrating the building envelope.

It works like this: Flying debris (or high wind pressure) breaks a window. Wind rushes into the building through the open window and pressurizes the interior. This pressure, acting in conjunction with the vacuum caused by the wind rushing over the roof, may cause the ceiling and entire roof to blow off.