Zone ratings

[Deloris]

I see references to wind, insulation, etc. and i am in total darkness about the different zones. Is there a site that explains these differences? If I do purchase a home I want one that will be insulated well and will not cost us a fortune to heat and cool.

We live in rural SE KS on a hill and very strong wind is a constant problem. With the wind we are having a problem with keeping the shingles on our roof. Many are now putting on metal roofs because of this. Are there any companies that have a metal roof option?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[rmurray]

"If I do purchase a home I want one that will be insulated well and will not cost us a fortune to heat and cool. "

Thermo zones only set the minimum requirements for different areas of the country..For true energy conservation you would want much better...Go to the Department of Energy's site on Energy Star Homes.. www.energystar.gov

There you can search for Energy Star homes in your area...

You are in Wind Zone 1...Wind Zone 2 and 3 are designed for those in hurrcane areas...I doubt you will find any factories that service your area that build them..Not many hurricanes in KS...

[Charlotte Maness]

There sure are torenado's though. (Spelling?)

[Deloris]

Thanks for the quick responses. I will check out the Energystar site.

Yes we do have tornados but have been lucky so far and have not been in the middle of a bad one. Our straight wind conditions have gotten increasingly worse over the last several years. It's not uncommon to have wind advisories for vehicles/trucks and then have tractor trailer rigs that turn over because of the wind. Wind 35 miles an hour and gusts up to 75 are hard to stand up in let alone drive in. It sure makes for some white knuckle driving.

[aikanae]

one of the homes i was looking at had a 'tyvek wrap' option and it's suggested that helps with winds/drafts/etc.

[rmurray]

OSB wrap is the most structurally sound and wind cannot go through it...

Having been in the industry for a long time...I have fallen for that story myself...but..now that the Energy department has set the ultimate energy standards for a home (EnergyStar Program)....there is no mention of this or any other foam wrap in the standards..This impies to me that the energy savings effect of these products is small at best..

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Deloris,


Be sure to get a home with 2x6 exterior walls with plywood sheathing. 1/2" sheet rock or thicker in the inside. Up-grade your insulation package. Also up-grade your roof shingles to a 30 or 35 year. Secure your home to a concrete foundation. If you do these things your home will last many years with out any problems.

Randy Eaton