IBHS News Releases

Data also underscores need to upgrade existing homes

Tampa – A study of losses in the hardest hit area of Florida during Hurricane Charley in August 2004 shows the effectiveness of modern engineering-based building codes and supports the need to strengthen the wind-resistance of homes built before 1996.

The study, released today by the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), finds that when a home was built made a big difference in the damage it sustained as a result of Charley.  The findings are based on an examination of closed insurance claim files for Charlotte County, Fla. 

IBHS worked with a variety of groups including the FEMA Mitigation Assessment Team and University of Florida researchers to study damage and performance trends following Hurricane Charley.

The Institute’s analysis of claims data refines that information to help determine how the age of the home, construction standards and building materials affected claim frequency and the extent of damage – or the actual financial impact on homeowners.
 
IBHS study findings include:

• Homes built before 1996 suffered an average loss of $24 per square foot or $48,000 for a 2,000-square foot home, according to claims filed after the hurricane. The policyholders paid approximately $2,600 on average through their hurricane deductible.
• The severity of the loss dropped by 42 percent to $14 per square foot for homes built between 1996 and 2004, when modern engineering-based building codes were in place and builders and building officials were educated about the requirements.

When looking at building components, the study found damage to post-1996 homes resulted in:

• 44% fewer total roof covering replacements
• 38% fewer claims for window glass and/or frame damage
• 32% fewer total garage door replacements 

Instead, newer homes needed only partial roof covering replacement, window damage was primarily limited to screens, and garage door repairs were minor, such as track adjustments or dent repairs.

“While early reports confirmed the effectiveness of Florida’s newer building codes in decreasing the amount of damage, this claims research helps make a clear argument for the need to upgrade existing homes,” said Tim Reinhold, IBHS vice president and director of engineering.  “These findings reinforce our recommendations to install window and door protection, impact resistant garage doors and enhance roof strength when homes are re-roofed in all hurricane-prone areas.  Retrofitting older homes will go a long way toward addressing the issue of the availability and affordability of homeowners insurance.”

To read the summary report, “The Benefits of Modern Wind Resistant Building Codes on Hurricane Claim Frequency and Severity,” click on the download option at the top right of this release. 

Explore other sections of this site for information about retrofit options to improve the wind resistance of existing homes, or to learn about building disaster resistant homes through the Institute’s Fortified…for safer living® program.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other property losses by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.