To the north of where I live the wind has been a bit blustery of late and=20
it has put me in thinking mode.

1. I noticed that some (and I've seen this in the US as well) were taping=20
the outside of their windows. I posed this question at work today (and was=
=20
informed I know nothing mate), surely it would be better to tape the inside=
=20
of the glass instead of the outside or preferably both sides?=20

My thinking is, that the wind blows from without (normally) so the strong=20
side of the tape which is the backing is being blown to it's weakest point.=
=20
When I replace cracked glass on monitors (not the lizards, they don't like=
=20
that), I only have access to the outside to begin with, when I tape the=20
outside, then remove the glass from the frame, if I push my finger into the=
=20
glass it will bend, if I push against the tape there is more resistance,=20
surely the same principle applies to house glass, even with the added fact=
=20
the wind pressure from a cyclone etc would be causing different pressures=20
within and around the building.

2. If the windows are recessed (true, unusual here) surely it would be=20
better to put wood or similar across the opening as in a shutter to present=
=20
a straight face to the oncoming wind thereby increasing the likelihood of=20
getting a more even pressure against the dwelling?

3. Rooves get torn off partly due to unequal pressure in the building so in=
=20
essence they get sucked off.  Wouldn't actually opening all your doors and=
=20
windows make it more likely to have less pressure differential therefore=20
less strain on rooves and walls and they are therefore more likely to=20
survive? Obviously the house contents become vulnerable.

4. If houses were round in shape instead of square angles with sharp edges,=
=20
wouldn't a round house present less resistance to the wind thereby causing=
=20
it to dissipate or be deflected due to less surface area presented to the=20
wind? I think the effect on the complete building would be similar to the=20
keystone in a bridge but in a horizontal fashion so the stresses would be=20
equal in all parts of a round building. As not everyone would be happy with=
=20
a round interior, surely softening the sharp edges of a building Art Deco=20
style might help?

I'm so convinced of my thoughts I am blind to where my theory falls down,=20
but I'm sure many amongst you will be able to point out my failings. :)

Both my copies of the OED say I can use rooves, but you are allowed to=20
dispute it, and consider roofs far more refained!

Colin
--


cdb,  on 7/02/2011



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