People have plenty of reservations about building a custom modular home.
There are many myths about modular homes, but one, in particular, stands out: that modular homes won't survive a storm. However, this rumor could not be more false.
Carolina Custom Homes builds durable manufactured homes in NC that will endure any storm. Due to our superior materials, team, and attention to detail, our custom modular homes will keep you and your family safe and comfortable.
So, the question is: Are modular homes safe in a hurricane? Let's find out.
Are Modular Homes Safe in a Hurricane?
According to FEMA, the leading authority on disaster preparedness, are modular homes safe in a hurricane? The answer - "Yes."
Custom modular homes are no more susceptible to destruction during a storm than are site-built homes. Modulars are built with state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and constructed by well-trained professionals responsible for quality control.
Modular homes are built to last with a careful building process and expert manufacturing. Here are some of the details to prove it.
What Are the Differences Between Modular Homes and Site-Built Homes?
First, professionals construct all manufactured homes in a controlled environment (the factory), which reduces human error and protects your home from outside elements while it is assembled.
Another advantage of custom modular homes is that they are built with energy efficiency and safety in mind. At the same time, some people do not consider safety when building a home on-site.
The construction process of a manufactured home in NC includes:
- Preparation (concrete foundation poured, etc.)
- Framing
- Insulation
- Siding installation
- Doors and windows are installed
- Interior walls are done (paint, flooring, etc.)
- The home is 100% complete.
Materials are specifically chosen for safety in high winds and other dangers to help your family stay safe and cost-effective. Carolina Custom Homes manufactured homes in NC are built to last with high-quality materials.
We are focused on safety, energy efficiency, durability, and value. You can rest assured that the modular homes are safe in a hurricane.
Modular vs. Mobile
Mobile homes are well known for being unsafe in extreme weather conditions. Because mobile homes are mistakenly equated to modular homes, there is a common myth that modular homes are not safe if you live in an area that experiences hurricanes, blizzards, and other severe storms. It may lead you to ask—are modular homes safe in a hurricane?
Both modular and mobile homes are pre-built homes. However, modular homes are built to the same state, county, and local building codes as site-built homes.
The concern about manufactured homes in NC is understandable, considering the common mixup between a modular home and a mobile home. However, it might surprise you to learn that from as early as 1993, following the wake of Hurricane Andrew, FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) has repeatedly praised the ability of custom modular homes and their ability to stand up to extreme weather conditions.
Strong Frames
Because custom modular homes are built in a factory, every separate module must have the structural integrity to travel to the construction site. That means withstanding bumpy roads, highways, and all types of weather conditions.
Each module is designed and built to withstand the stress of transportation, making your entire home more robust and able to stand up to extreme conditions even after construction.
Thorough Inspection Process: Are Modular Homes Safe in a Hurricane?
All modular homes undergo a rigorous inspection process both during and after their construction. In addition to multiple inspections performed at every step of the fabrication and construction process, modular homes are also subjected to the same checks required by state and local regulations.
Alternatively, site-built homes are only inspected after completion, and the inspection doesn't have to be performed by a licensed inspector in some states. Additionally, the inspector may be expected to look at every aspect of the house.
A manufactured home in NC has specialized inspectors to oversee every process stage—making modular homes safe in a hurricane season.
Structural Design
Manufactured housing is designed not only to be quick and efficient but also to withstand the elements. When creating a modular home, engineers are keenly aware of the potential issues that can arise from assembling a home in pieces. In order to solve these problems, custom modular homes are built with counteracting forces, such as hurricane straps and trusses, which are built into the homes before they are even placed on the foundation.
When designing a site-built home, however, there are often no such concerns, and safety measures are not considered. Site-built homes are typically designed to be aesthetically pleasing, quick, and easy to build—not necessarily safe for your family.
The Internal Building Code requires a manufactured home in NC that will be placed in a hurricane area to resist sustained wind speeds of 130 miles per hour in Wind Zone 1 and 150 miles per hour in Wind Zone 2. Hurricane-force winds are well endured by manufactured housing. Modern Custom Modular homes comply with safety and construction standards and are structurally sound, safe, and weathertight.
Manufacturers are also required to use products that protect the home from mold, corrosion, insect infestations, and decay.
So, if you’re wondering if modular homes are safe in a hurricane, the answer is yes. In fact, they may be safer than site-built homes. When you choose Carolina Custom Homes, you can design a custom modular home tailored to your needs and safety concerns.
Guaranteed Quality
Manufactured homes in NC that meet the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards receive a HUD label/tag. The HUD label assures the buyer that the custom modular home is built, designed, and tested to meet federal manufactured home construction standards.
Manufactured housing from Carolina Custom Homes are designed and built to withstand extreme weather conditions, are made with quality materials, are constructed by highly-skilled workers, and are extensively inspected for structural integrity during each step of the fabrication process.
High-Quality Workmanship
If you're looking for skilled labor, would you prefer someone who does the work you need as only a fraction of his job or someone who practices that skill full-time? Each part of a modular home is manufactured by a specialist with the exact tools, training, building materials, and experience needed to get the job done right every time. A lack of expertise will never be an issue with manufactured homes in NC.
At Carolina Custom Homes, we pride ourselves in building high-quality, newly manufactured homes that will house your memories for years to come. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also modular homes safe in a hurricane.
If you're looking for a customized home that's energy-efficient, made in a controlled environment, and built to last, contact Carolina Custom Homes of Burlington today. Our modular homes are safe in a hurricane and meet the highest safety standards for custom modular homes.
