Final answer:
Gable roofs tend to survive better during a tornado compared to flat roofs due to their sloping sides which help to divert wind and reduce the force exerted on the roof. However, no roof structure is completely tornado-proof and building codes and construction techniques also play a significant role.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to tornadoes, gable roofs tend to have a higher chance of surviving better compared to flat roofs. This is because gable roofs are triangular in shape and have sloping sides. The sloping sides help to divert the wind and reduce the force exerted on the roof, making it more resistant to the strong winds of a tornado. On the other hand, flat roofs are more susceptible to the force of the wind, as there is no slope to mitigate the impact.
For example, if a tornado were to hit a house with a gable roof, the wind would slide up the sloping sides of the roof, causing the force to be distributed more evenly. This helps to minimize the chances of the roof being torn off or significantly damaged. However, if the same tornado were to hit a house with a flat roof, the force of the wind would exert more pressure on the entire surface area of the roof, making it more likely to fail or collapse.
It's important to note that no roof structure is completely tornado-proof, as the intensity and path of a tornado can vary. Building codes and construction techniques also play a significant role in the structural integrity of a house during a tornado.