It would create more of a barrier for wind and water to get caught in which could result in much more structural damage. My understanding is you WANT the air to flow through a house unabated in both situations as it would remove the instances of areas of very different air pressure which would result in essentially an air explosion.
Realistically if a tornado is bearing down on your home, get to safety. Just don’t be surprised if the house starts to “breathe” around you as it gets closer.
Also history has shown that if you can do that before a tornado it helps. Mainly that people have literally been sucked out of windows or doors that burst open from the pressure differentials. Is it 100%? No, but from my reading, education, and direction from more experienced people if you live in a house do it before the tornado comes if you’re concerned. Just that there’s pros and cons for either situation.
It would create more of a barrier for wind and water to get caught in which could result in much more structural damage. My understanding is you WANT the air to flow through a house unabated in both situations as it would remove the instances of areas of very different air pressure which would result in essentially an air explosion.
This is the correct answer.
Kind of - you’ll also get wind uplift if you have openings in those situations.
Yeah, there’s no 100% to saving your house. It’s more important to have somewhere safe to stay during the highest winds and pressures.
So if there is a tornado coming, should I run around opening windows?
Realistically if a tornado is bearing down on your home, get to safety. Just don’t be surprised if the house starts to “breathe” around you as it gets closer.
Also history has shown that if you can do that before a tornado it helps. Mainly that people have literally been sucked out of windows or doors that burst open from the pressure differentials. Is it 100%? No, but from my reading, education, and direction from more experienced people if you live in a house do it before the tornado comes if you’re concerned. Just that there’s pros and cons for either situation.