Earlier this week, North Texas experienced some of the most intense winds in recent memory. The winds were so strong that they ripped doors off buildings in downtown Wichita Falls. Yet, despite their age, those century-old structures remained firmly in place.
However, the same can’t be said for some newly constructed homes. As the demand for housing continues to surge across Texas, builders are prioritizing speed and affordability—but are they sacrificing durability in the process?
The Issue with Modern Home Construction
Many homeowners who have purchased new homes in the past decade have complained about poor construction quality. Some have noticed that their homes feel like they were built for calm weather, not the strong storms and high winds that frequently hit Texas.
What’s Different About New Homes?
- Cheaper Materials – Many new homes no longer use plywood for structural support. Instead, builders use a pressed board substitute, which is less durable.
- Faster Construction – Builders are under pressure to complete homes quickly, sometimes cutting corners on structural integrity.
- Lower Wind Resistance – Some homes are designed to meet only minimum building code standards, which may not be enough for the strong winds common in Texas.
Texas: A State with Powerful Winds
Texas is home to some of the strongest winds in the country, especially in:
- The Panhandle – Known for its powerful, sustained winds.
- North Texas – Frequently experiences high wind events and severe storms.
- The Gulf Coast – Faces hurricane-force winds and tropical storms.
Building Codes vs. Reality
While Texas building codes require homes to withstand certain wind speeds, those standards may not always match the extreme weather conditions Texans actually face. This has led many to question: Are today’s homes built to last?