High Wind Zone

High Wind Zone Maps

Select the high wind zone that applies to this building section. The three high wind zones labeled 1-3 on the map, indicate where wind damage is likely to occur (1=minor damage, 2=moderate damage, and 3=major damage). The zones represent the cost increase associated with meeting the national building codes and engineering requirements for high wind resistance.

To minimize building damage and the subsequent injury and loss of life, national building codes have been created to specify the minimum engineering requirements for buildings in high wind situations. Usually, the requirements affect the design of the building shell and its ability to withstand the uplift, overturn and torsional pressures caused by wind.

For inland zones, there is no cost increase as common building practices have been found to meet current code requirements. For coastal areas, where sustained wind speed can exceed 90 miles per hour, code requirements include steel strapping applied to sill plates, exterior wall sheathing, and the connection of the rafters to the exterior wall.

Use the drop-down list to select the appropriate high wind zone. The system will automatically fill this information based on the zip/postal code you entered earlier, but you can select a different high wind zone.