IBHS has conducted several damage investigations following major hurricanes to assess building performance across different wind speed zones, exposures, and construction eras. All data are georeferenced and focus on details such as terrain exposure, elevation and roof structures, finishes, openings and opening protection, attached structures, and damage to these building systems. A major finding from…
Through an ongoing field study and collaboration with our academic partners, IBHS collects unique data from hailstorms to help improve detection, forecasting, and modeling capabilities of hail. This work will (1) allow for better prediction of the quantity and size of hailstones across a given storm area, (2) help improve loss prediction modeling, and (3) better inform claims adjusters…
Research IBHS researches variables that affect water entry into buildings during wind-driven rain events such as tropical storms and hurricanes. Results inform IBHS FORTIFIED Standards and other guidance for reducing this type of damage. Demonstration In 2011, IBHS conducted a first-of-its-kind full-house examination of how wind-driven water penetrates common types of openings in residential roof…
Research In buildings where combustible siding has been installed, fire-retardant coatings could be used to reduce their vulnerability to wildfire exposures, particularly radiant heat and flame contact exposures. These exposures are more common in situations where close building-to-building spacing exists and a neighboring building ignites and burns, and where other combustibles (e.g., a wood pile…
Research During a wildfire, attached decks can be a vulnerable component of a building. If ignited by flames or by wind-blown embers, a burning deck could then ignite the adjacent building. An underdeck flame impingement exposure is used to evaluate deck performance as part of the current California State Fire Marshal and American Society for…
Research Wind-blown embers are the principal cause of building ignitions. Although the importance of embers (also called brands or firebrands) has been understood for a number of years, the ability to evaluate them in a laboratory setting has been a relatively recent development. The objective of this study was to clarify the relative importance of…
Residents of Florida Panhandle Urged to Document and Protect Property; Plan for High Wind, Flooding and Power Loss; and Shut All Interior Doors
As families begin to rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Florence, IBHS recommends that homeowners stay vigilant against being victimized by fraudulent roofing contractors.
New OFB-EZ Module on Keeping Track of Equipment Also Available
