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.
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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.
Wind Uplift of Asphalt Shingles
Research IBHS wind testing of asphalt shingle products has demonstrated that the most important factor affecting high-wind performance for self-sealing asphalt shingles is the strength of the seal between shingles. Self-sealing asphalt shingles contain a temperature-activated adhesive strip applied during the manufacturing process, which is used to adhere the lower-edge bottom surface of the exposed…
Relative Impact Resistance of Shingles
Research IBHS tests the impact resistance commercially available asphalt shingles using both 1.5- and 2.0-inch diameter laboratory manufactured hailstones using the IBHS hail impact testing protocol. Laboratory and field research by IBHS has shown that the impact energy and material properties of laboratory hailstone sizes can be directly related to typical natural hailstones in non-wind…
Near-Building Noncombustible Zone
Research Wildfire activity is on the rise and with this comes an increased impact on buildings, including homes and businesses, in the wildland-urban interface. Residents and business owners can take steps to reduce the risk to their property located in wildfire-prone areas. Eliminating fuels from the immediate area surrounding the building, as referred to as…
Building Codes by State
AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC Alabama 2015 International Building…