EFFECTS OF HURRICANES ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE
To reasonably analyze how a palapa might behave under the effects of hurricanes, it's important to consider that its structure is made of wood and sometimes metal, and that synthetic palm thatch is attached to this structure with screws. Based on these circumstances, we can consider how much resistance a palapa might have to the onslaught of a hurricane. Given that a Category 3 hurricane can cause structural damage to roofs and walls, and that a Category 5 hurricane can cause them to collapse completely, we can logically conclude that a palapa will suffer the same fate, even when covered with synthetic palm thatch, because it is clearly much more fragile than concrete and metal.
Some laboratory tests are circulating that "certify" that synthetic palm thatch can withstand winds even stronger than those of Category 5 hurricanes. This certification is based on tests that subject the thatch to gusts of wind lasting only a few seconds. In reality, hurricanes carry sustained winds that last at least 2 to 8 hours and also bring abundant water and debris. Therefore, these laboratory tests do not reflect reality. It is misleading to claim that synthetic palm thatch can withstand Category 5 hurricanes, as this would be tantamount to saying that everything will collapse except the synthetic palm, because it is supposedly stronger than concrete and metal—a claim we categorically doubt.
At Palapas Sintéticas de México, we prioritize the lives of all living beings. Because we are aware of the devastating effects of hurricanes, we refuse to risk anyone's physical safety by making them believe we have a miracle product that will keep them safe from a catastrophic hurricane. It would be far more catastrophic if our absurd predictions claimed the lives of any living being, instead of being honest with them and urging them to protect themselves from the onslaught of these violent and destructive natural phenomena. Using deceptive advertising and spreading lies simply to make a sale has no place in our business policies.
Sincerely,
General Management, Synthetic Palapas of Mexico, S.A.P.I. de C.V.