As the Temperature Drops, Take Extra Steps to Protect Your Pipes
IBHS in The Seattle Times: As the winter chill sets in, it’s time to think about protecting your home from the elements.
Ember Characteristics
Research IBHS studies the characteristics of embers from different fuel sources, including vegetative and structural, and implications regarding their ability to ignite buildings and other combustible materials on the property. This work will ultimately help improve guidance for homeowners and communities. This research is a collaborative effort with researchers at UNC Charlotte, University of Maryland, University…
Flame Spread: Pine Straw
Research Researchers from the USDA Forest Service Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, Montana, are working with IBHS scientists to investigate the influence of wind speed on flame spread in pine needle beds. The relation between wildland fire rate of spread and wind speed used in the US wildland fire behavior decision support systems was developed…
A Recipe for Disaster
Dan Gorham speaks with Lou Manfredini about the recent wildfire demonstration and techniques to make your property more fire-resistant.
Alabama leads nation in building the strongest hurricane-resilient homes
Curiosity about Alabama’s progress in building Fortified homes is rising nationally in the aftermath of devastation from 2017-2018 hurricanes.
USA TODAY: Polar vortex fallout: frozen water pipes, how to thaw and prevent them freezing
IBHS helps provide simple tips will prevent your pipes from freezing during cold weather – from USA TODAY.
Fire‐Retardant Gels
Research In a study conducted in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, IBHS evaluated the long‐term effectiveness of two fire‐retardant gels when applied to a wood‐based substrate. Gels are a type of coating meant to provide protection for a short period, a few hours, and are typically applied manually just prior to…
Wind Loads on Components of Multi-Layer Wall Systems with Air-Permeable Exterior Cladding
Research Post-hurricane damage assessments have documented the failure of wall components and connections including the loss of various types of siding materials. In addition, recent US model building/energy code changes are expected to lead to increased use of continuous insulation, particularly foam sheathing attached to the exterior surface of light-frame wall framing, to achieve advanced…
Wildfires – Conflagration Continues
The vulnerability of thousands of communities and neighborhoods remains a significant knowledge gap that must be closed. In the meantime, home and business owners need to adopt a more defensive mind set.
Hurricanes of 2018 – a Tale of Two Landfalls
Florence and Michael brought punishing wind, wind-driven rain and storm surge, exploiting the weakness inherent in thousands of properties. However, they also offered stark evidence that we can build defensively and narrow the path of damage.
