What Is a Manufactured-Home Wind Zone?
A wind zone is a geographic designation used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish wind-load requirements for manufactured homes.
Under the federal HUD Code, manufactured homes must be designed to resist specific wind-related forces, including overturning, uplift, and sliding.
The required rating is based on where the home will be installed—not where it is purchased, displayed, or manufactured. Buyers should therefore know their intended placement location before selecting or ordering a home.
What Are the Three Wind Zones?
HUD divides the United States into three manufactured-home wind zones.
Wind Zone I
Wind Zone I covers locations that are not designated as Wind Zone II or III. This includes most inland areas of the United States and much of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Kansas.
Wind Zone II
Wind Zone II includes designated coastal areas that may experience stronger wind conditions. Under current federal standards, Wind Zone II homes are designed for a wind speed of 100 miles per hour using the standard referenced by the HUD Code.
The Texas counties identified as Wind Zone II are:
- Aransas
- Brazoria
- Calhoun
- Cameron
- Chambers
- Galveston
- Jefferson
- Kenedy
- Kleberg
- Matagorda
- Nueces
- Orange
- Refugio
- San Patricio
- Willacy
Buyers in or near a coastal county should verify the requirements for their exact installation address
A Wind Zone I home should not be installed in an area where a higher rating is required.
Wind Zone III
Wind Zone III applies to certain regions with the highest federal wind-design requirements. These include designated areas in Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Hawaii, Alaska, and several U.S. territories.
Wind Zone III homes are designed for a wind speed of 110 miles per hour using the standard referenced by the HUD Code.
A Wind Zone III rating does not mean that a home is hurricane-proof. It means the home was designed to meet the federal structural requirements assigned to that zone.
How Are Homes Built for Higher Wind Zones?
Homes constructed for higher wind zones may require stronger connections and additional structural considerations. These requirements may affect:
- Roof and wall framing
- Exterior sheathing
- Roofing and siding
- Windows and exterior doors
- Fasteners and structural connections
- Anchoring systems
Wind Zone II and III homes must be designed by a professional engineer or architect to resist the required wind loads. These features are incorporated into the home during factory construction, so the correct wind-zone rating should be determined before delivery.
How Can You Find a Home’s Wind-Zone Rating?
A manufactured home’s wind-zone rating is listed on its data plate. This paper label is generally located inside a kitchen cabinet, bedroom closet, or utility area.
The data plate contains information about the home, including its wind and roof-load zones. A HUD Certification Label, commonly called a HUD tag, is also attached to the exterior of each transportable section. However, buyers should check the interior data plate for the home’s specific wind-zone information.
Find a Home Designed for Your Location
Why Proper Installation and Anchoring Matter
Choosing a properly rated home is only one part of the process. The home must also be installed and anchored according to applicable federal, state, local, and manufacturer requirements.
The appropriate foundation and anchoring system can depend on the home’s design, soil conditions, installation location, and other site-specific factors. Buyers should work with qualified professionals who understand the requirements for their intended homesite.
Confirm Your Wind Zone Early
Knowing the required wind zone can help buyers avoid delays, additional expenses, or choosing a home that cannot be installed at their intended location.
Before purchasing a home:
- Confirm its intended installation address
- Ask which wind-zone rating is required
- Verify the rating on the home’s data plate
- Review local permitting requirements
- Use qualified professionals for installation and anchoring
Because local requirements can vary, buyers should confirm the current standards for their exact property rather than relying only on a general online map.
Find the Right Home With Titan Factory Direct
Titan Factory Direct can help buyers explore manufactured homes that may be appropriate for their intended location. From choosing a floor plan to coordinating financing, land preparation, delivery, and installation, Titan’s team is available to guide buyers through the process.
Ready to get started? Contact Titan Factory Direct to speak with a housing consultant and explore available manufactured homes near you.