When extreme weather hits, small construction details can make a big difference in how well a home performs.
According to Fred Malik of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), research continually points to roofs, openings, and structural connections as potential failure points. Damage in these areas can allow wind and water into a home and trigger larger, cascading losses.
For builders, stronger construction can also help reduce disruption for homeowners, limit warranty-related costs, and protect a company’s reputation for delivering durable homes.
“Resilient, durable buildings are usually the result of making several intentional decisions,” Malik says.
Here are eight steps builders can take to improve resilience ahead of severe weather:
1. Treat the roof as a system
Rather than approaching roofing as a collection of individual products, Malik recommends treating the entire roof as one interconnected system. The goal is to keep the roof intact and prevent an initial failure from creating a pathway for additional wind or water damage.
2. Seal the roof deck
A sealed roof deck creates an additional layer of protection beneath the primary roof covering. If shingles or other roofing materials are damaged or blown off during severe weather, this secondary layer can help limit water intrusion into the home.
3. Pay close attention to flashing
Small details can have an outsized impact on performance. Builders should carefully install and inspect flashing at roof edges, roof-to-wall transitions, vents, chimneys, and other penetrations. These areas can become pathways for water if they aren’t properly protected.
4. Protect windows and doors
Windows, entry doors, and other openings need to withstand both wind pressure and wind-driven rain. Following manufacturer installation instructions and properly installing flashing are critical to maintaining the home’s building envelope.
5. Don’t overlook the garage door
Garage doors represent a large opening in the building envelope and need to withstand pressures generated by high winds. Malik notes that this is important even in inland markets, where tornadoes can cause significant structural damage.
6. Create a continuous load path
In areas exposed to more severe winds, builders should consider a professionally designed continuous load path connecting the roof to the walls and ultimately the foundation. Strong connections throughout the structure help transfer wind forces safely through the building instead of allowing individual components to fail.
7. Protect critical equipment from flooding
In flood-prone areas, elevate or otherwise protect mechanical, electrical, and utility equipment. Keeping critical systems above anticipated flood levels can reduce damage and make it easier for homeowners to return to their homes after an event.
8. Consider a verified resilient construction program
Programs such as IBHS’ FORTIFIED standards provide builders with a framework for putting resilience measures into practice. FORTIFIED goes beyond minimum code requirements with an emphasis on keeping the roof on, keeping water out, and tying the structure together.
The program also requires third-party documentation of critical resilience measures, including construction details that may no longer be visible once finishes and other materials are installed.
Overall, resilience isn’t dependent on a single product or construction technique. It’s the cumulative result of getting multiple details right, Malik says.
