[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by LuvtheVillages

No need to cover your windows during storms. One, we are too far inland. Two, building codes were enhanced 20 years ago. All windows are rated to withstand high winds. However, before a storm, you and your neighbors need to bring inside anything that the wind might pick up and blow around.

Some people cover their windows with plywood before a hurricane. Maybe their homes are older than 20 years. If you study the temperature charts, you can find out that worldwide the temperatures have been going up for the last 11 years. And 2023 was a record high for Florida and the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean temperatures. Because of this, Florida home insurance is 3 times greater than the US average. After all, Florida is practically an island with warm water all around, thus powerful hurricanes.
.........As far as winds and home orientation, probably the only SURE way to defend against high winds would be a DOME house - but, I don't think they would be allowed in The Villages. Well, you could also plant fast growing hedges to block the winds, but they would be over-matched by a hurricane or tornado.
..........But, The Villages is safer than the coasts.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

it gets extremely hot/humid here in the summer. The sun will fry you. A lanai that faces west is not a good idea, whether it is enclosed or not.

Yes about the summers. Also, it would be ideal if you had a shade tree on the west or south west part of your property.

[boxcarwilly]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

it gets extremely hot/humid here in the summer. The sun will fry you. A lanai that faces west is not a good idea, whether it is enclosed or not.

Unless you have a pool...ours faces SW..pool heats up quick and maintains comfortable temps all summer and most of fall.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Brwne

Over the last 4 years, winds have not been an issue, thankfully. Our lanai faces West and the summer heat is intense. That's solved by dual pane "sliders", shades and ductless A/C. Were we to buy another house (my wife informs me that's not going to happen) it would have North/South alignment.

According to SOME roof inspectors wind and pea size hail damaged a lot of roofs. Another thing after someone got free roof it took off like a wild fire. Funny thing? It was discovered years after hurricane????

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by MidWestIA

We are too far inland hurricanes lose power I was here 2017 for IRMA cat 5 - news gets hyped to holy heck saying we'd get gusts to 100-115
NWS - Leesburg Airport
11 4:53 SE 38 G 59
11 3:53 SE 43 G 69
NWS - Spanish Springs The Villages
11 5:50 E 31 G 43
11 5:30 E 33 G 51
11 5:10 E 32 G 54
11 4:50 E 36 G 51

What? That’s abnormal windy day in tornado alley