Hurricane Windows - Mythbusters : Tonight 9 PM EST

[HURAKAN]

In 20 minutes! It should be interesting and fun

[brunota2003]

what all did they test? and did it work?

[HURAKAN]

Myth statement

During a hurricane, it is better to have windows open than closed.

Result: Busted

The MythBusters first did a small-scale using a box with window panels at all sides with pneumatic valves attached to them. In the wind tunnel, it was determined that having all windows open seemed to be the best option, since it would provide the least stress on the structure of the house. For the large-scale test, the MythBusters made use of Medusa, the world's largest portable hurricane simulator, located at University of Florida's Hurricane Research Facility, and beforehand built a house that was small to accomodate Medusa's cowling, but otherwise built to several state building codes. Contrary to the small-scale test, however, the house withstood the winds Medusa generated, equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane, even if the windows were closed (the windows-open test left a mess inside the house, though). In fact, the pressure exerted on the house while the windows were closed was so minimal, it was negligible. When other components of a hurricane, such as rain and flying debris, were added, the house was again left standing, but the windows were broken, resulting in a mess similar to that of the windows-open test. This meant that there would still be damage in the hurricane's aftermath, inside or out, no matter if the windows are closed or open, and it is still best to board up one's windows before a hurricane.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters_(2009_season)#Hurricane_Windows

[jasons2k]

Myth statement

During a hurricane, it is better to have windows open than closed.

I've never heard of that. I've heard the myth to open the windows before a tornado (supposedly to release the air pressure and keep the house from exploding), but not for hurricanes. Interesting...

[RL3AO]

I think they may have gotten the myth mixed up with a tornado. Why would you open the windows during a hurricane?

[HURAKAN]

I think they may have gotten the myth mixed up with a tornado. Why would you open the windows during a hurricane?

The myth says that to protect the integrity of the structure, not what is inside, it's better to keep the windows open.

[RL3AO]

The myth is during a tornado the rapid pressure drop would cause the house to explode so you open up your window. While there is a large pressure drop, even in the eyewall of a cat 5, its nothing like a tornado which can have pressure drops of 100mb in a few seconds.

But I guess it would be hard to simulate the pressure drops of a tornado.

[O Town]

Oh I have heard the myth, I had to hear my parents talking about it back in 2004 when we had a busy season here, and I am pretty sure they cracked all their windows during all 3 storms. My dad remembers as a teenager going through Hurricane Donna in 1960 and watching the roof bounce up and down, I guess they believe if you allow the wind to go through the house the likely hood of your roof getting ripped off was less. Just another old wives tale. There are quite a few of those I have tried to talk them out of. They just have an older way of thinking.

[Dionne]

Opening windows during a hurricane? Not me. My decision is based on experience. For us, Katrina was a 5 hour windstorm......there is NO WAY that opening our windows would have been an advantage. I can feel the walls vibrating from the sustained winds and you want me to open the windows?