Deltec Homes - Hurricane Resistant Homes (2024)

Deltec’s round hurricane-resistant homes are designed to work WITH nature, not against it.

What does an extreme weather resistant home look like? Welcome to Deltec Homes – our high-performance aerodynamic homes are architecturally distinctive with beautiful 360-degree views. Time after time, home after home, storm after storm, Deltec homes are left standing with no structural damage. As even stronger storms threaten, Deltec stands alone — our round homes built over the last 30 years have a 99.9% survival rate, enduring direct hits from some of the most powerful hurricanes on record, from Andrew, Katrina and Wilma, to Michael, Dorian and 2022’s Ian.

What does hurricane preparedness look like?

It’s not all dim lights and concrete bunkers. Our high-performance aerodynamic homes are architecturally distinctive with beautiful 360-degree views.

One-Story

Multi-Story

One-Story

Multi-Story

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Designed for strength, durability and energy-efficiency.

Invest in Superior Engineering

  • Our circular homes are aerodynamic, working with nature not against it – wind can’t build up enough pressure on any one side to cause structural failure.
  • The roof and floor trusses radiate from the center of the house, dispersing the energy from sustained high winds throughout the entire structure.
  • Deltec engineers focus on the critical connections that tie a home’s structure together - oversized truss hangers keep a Deltec roof anchored to the walls, and continuous metal strapping transmits wind through the home to the foundation and ultimately the ground.

Invest in Superior Construction

  • Deltec uses the best materials available, including special southern Georgia yellow pine that is twice the strength of commonly used structural lumber. High-quality Marvin windows come from North Dakota, and LP Smart Siding from Maine. In fact, 99.9% of all materials in a Deltec are made in the USA.
  • Every Deltec is manufactured using our advanced panelized building system. Wall panels, roof and floor trusses and 5/8” sheathing are pre-cut and precision-fabricated at our state-of-the-art facility in Asheville, NC, resulting in a premium-quality, energy-efficient structure delivered directly to the job site, where it is assembled and finished like a stick-built home.
  • Precision construction, an airtight building envelope and our circular design means every Deltec is engineered for energy efficiency. Deltec has won two prestigious U.S Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home Awards (2019 and 2021).
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Round homes perform better in hurricanes – by design.

Unlike conventional construction, all aspects of a Deltec round home are ingeniously designed to work as a system, making it the smartest home you can build for high wind areas.

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Shape

  1. Wind can’t build up enough pressure on any side to cause a structural failure.
  2. Optimum roof pitch (6/12) for wind deflection and reduced lift.
  3. Circular structure transfers environmental loads most efficiently.

Engineering

  1. Radial floor & roof trusses work like spokes on a wheel.
  2. Energy from sustained winds is dispersed instead of building up in a single area.

Construction

  1. Machine rated 2400 psi framing lumber used in trusses and walls is twice as strong as typical framing material.
  2. Five Ply 5/8” plywood sheathing used instead of OSB on exterior walls, roof and floor strengthens the home and prevents flying debris from penetrating the structure.
  3. Reinforced windows with impact glass prevent wind and water from entering the home.

Connections

  1. Oversized truss hangers keep roof system anchored to walls.
  2. Walls have multiple construction ties to the floor system for structural stability and to transfer shear forces.
  3. Continuous metal strapping from roof trusses to foundation helps maintain structural stability.

Energy Efficiency

  1. Solar energy options may be incorporated into home to provide power and hot water in the event of a prolonged power outage.
  2. Enhanced insulation maintains a balanced temperature inside the home.
  3. Reflective metal roof helps reduce radiant heat gain in the home.
  4. Passive solar design helps heat and cool the building through appropriate window placement.

A dramatic look at Deltec Homes before and after notable hurricanes.

2019 Hurricane Dorian

Scotland Cay, Bahamas
Category 5
Winds of 185mph

2018 Hurricane Michael

Mexico Beach, Florida
Category 5
Winds of 160mph

2017 Hurricane Harvey

Rockport, TX
Category 4
Winds of 130mph

2017 Hurricane Irma

St. John, US Virgin Islands
Category 5
Winds of 185mph

1996 Hurricane Fran

North Topsail Beach, NC
Category 3
Winds of 120mph

DESIGN your DREAM HOME

You can customize your Deltec to make it uniquely yours. Select your size, from 300 square feet to 2,500. Add one, two or three stories, or connect different-sized models.

Every round Deltec home is free from interior load-bearing walls, so the creative possibilities are endless.

Connect with us

All 26 Deltecs on Black’s Island—an intimate private island resort in Florida’s St. Joseph Bay—survived multiple catastrophic hurricanes, including Hurricane Michael.

This is who we are

Deltec has been in business for 55 years and has built high-performance homes in all 50 states and over 30 countries. We are a third-generation family-owned company based in Asheville, NC.

Deltec connects with homeowners on a regular basis—specifically before and after any major hurricane. Homeowners provide invaluable feedback so we can continuously improve our homes.

Since 2016 we have been Certified B-Corporation, a rigorous designation that meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.

Connect with us

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In the Media

Deltec Homes - Hurricane Resistant Homes (2024)

FAQs

Are Deltec homes hurricane-proof? ›

As even stronger storms threaten, Deltec stands alone — our round homes built over the last 30 years have a 99.9% survival rate, enduring direct hits from some of the most powerful hurricanes on record, from Andrew, Katrina and Wilma, to Michael, Dorian and 2022's Ian.

What is the best hurricane-proof house? ›

Concrete is probably the best material for a hurricane proof house or any high risk construction. Concrete is strong, durable, readily available, fire resistant, and will last a very long time.

Which shape is best for a hurricane-resistant home? ›

Ideally, the home would have an octagonal or hexagonal floor plan, although a square floor plan is also a safe option. The best roof shape for high winds will have multiple panels (such as a hip roof with four slopes) to reduce wind loads.

What kind of house can withstand a Category 5 hurricane? ›

Log house. A Category 5 hurricane-proof log house is resistant to winds up to 245 miles per hour (394 km/h). Wall logs in such construction must be made of glued laminated timber and all other components of the house, including hurricane straps, must be hurricane-resistant.

How do I know if my house is hurricane-proof? ›

How to Know if Your Home is Storm Ready
  1. Remove branches. ...
  2. Clean your gutters and downspouts. ...
  3. Examine electrical wiring. ...
  4. Check the basem*nt for signs of leakage or water entry points. ...
  5. Put shutters or screens on your windows. ...
  6. Check your roof regularly. ...
  7. Seal cracks (ceilings, walls, windows and doors)
Sep 18, 2017

Do hurricane-proof homes work? ›

Making a house completely hurricane-proof is probably impossible, but you can definitely make one hurricane-resistant. Here's what you need to know. Because of the fierceness and unpredictability of nature, there's no such thing as a hurricane-proof house.

Why doesn t Florida build hurricane-proof homes? ›

One of the key reasons that more hurricane-proof structures aren't being built is that there isn't a large market demand for them, according to Gregory. “Developers will respond to market demand,” he said. It's often the developer who makes the design decisions for buildings rather than the building's owner, he added.

Can a concrete house withstand a Category 4 hurricane? ›

Reinforced concrete buildings with poured concrete roof and hurricane resistant windows and doors (or properly protected) are virtually hurricane proof.

How much is a hurricane-proof house? ›

A hurricane-proof house cost can be anywhere between $180,000 to $360,000. However, several prefab homeowners have reported that a hurricane-proof home costs them around $270,000. These costs are only for prefab homes. The costs for stick-built homes are different because they feature concrete and steel.

How to build a Category 5 hurricane-proof house? ›

What to do to Make Hurricane Resistant Homes?
  1. Strengthen your roof. ...
  2. Windows and doors. ...
  3. Secure porches and carports. ...
  4. Go with metal. ...
  5. Protect and secure your HVAC system. ...
  6. Hurricane-resistant foundations. ...
  7. Strong Hurricane-Resistant Wall Systems. ...
  8. For the front go with fiberglass.
Feb 3, 2022

What is the best roof for high winds? ›

Asphalt Shingles

These roofs can withstand winds of 100+ mph, and they are a cost-effective option in most cases. If your home is in hurricane and wind-prone areas, FEMA recommends installing asphalt shingles with nails rather than staples.

How can I strengthen my house for a hurricane? ›

How to Hurricane Proof Your Home
  • Protect your windows. ...
  • Check your front door. ...
  • Upgrade your garage door. ...
  • Clean your gutters and downspouts. ...
  • Check your trees. ...
  • Clean up the yard. ...
  • Look for loose roof tiles or loose shingles. ...
  • Remove loose roof items.

Can a house withstand 200 mph winds? ›

Constructing a Wind-Resistant Home with ICFs

Insulated concrete forms (ICFs), like Fox Blocks, offer a third and better wall system, capable of maintaining its integrity during heavy winds of over 200 mph.

What is the strongest house structure? ›

Research-wise, concrete foundations, insulated concrete form framing (ICF), and a corrugated galvanised steel roof are the strongest house materials. Foundations are usually constructed from concrete because it is our strongest building material and it's important to have a sturdy house foundation.

Can a concrete house survive a Category 5 hurricane? ›

Most well built concrete structures can survive a Cat-5 hurricane.

Can 3D printed homes withstand hurricanes? ›

Generally, they are safer than traditionally constructed homes. 3D printed houses meet and exceed virtually all building codes, and offer protection against natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. They also offer improved fire-resistance. 3D printed houses offer the safety you and your family deserve.

Are manufactured homes safe in a hurricane? ›

Are manufactured homes safe in tornado/hurricane-prone areas? With proper installation, manufactured homes are designed to meet the same minimum safety standards against tornadoes and hurricanes as site-built housing.

Do modular homes survive hurricanes? ›

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.

Are Barndominiums hurricane-proof? ›

A standard barndominium with a steel frame should withstand winds up to 130 mph. With a heavy category 3 hurricane, your barndominium is likely to experience some exterior damage. A category 4 hurricane may pull metal sheeting or siding off the barndominium and cause structural damage.

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