Built to Last: A Decade of Sustainable Science
Roy Wright discusses past achievements and the exciting future of building science at IBHS.
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Building Vulnerability to Wind-Driven Rain Entry
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…
Building Vulnerability to Hailstorms
Research IBHS developed methods for producing artificial hailstones and simulating realistic hail impacts, including the ability to conduct full-scale hail testing. This unique research is leading the way for improving products and standards that will help reduce damage and losses due to hail. Demonstration In 2013, researchers created more than 9,000 hailstones that were used…
Building Vulnerability to Ember Exposure
Research As part of its research effort to study and understand the vulnerabilities of buildings subjected to wildfire exposures, IBHS developed the capability of simulating ember exposures on building components and assemblies. The primary objective of this research is to reduce the likelihood of wildfire-caused building ignitions in communities located in wildfire-prone areas. 2011 Demonstration…
Building Performance in SW Florida during Hurricane Ian (2022)
Research Hurricane Ian made landfall along the barrier island of Cayo Costa near Punta Gorda, Florida on September 28, 2022, as a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Hurricane Ian was the most significant test of the modern Florida Building Code since Hurricane Charley (2004) which made landfall in nearly the exact…
Building For Wildfire Summit Explores How To Protect Homes, Communities
How better building methods and materials can reduce wildfire risks.
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…
Building Codes
Building Codes IBHS strongly supports the statewide adoption of building codes and standards, strong local enforcement of the codes, and training and licensing of building officials, builders, and contractors. Building codes are sets of regulations, standards, and guidelines adopted by states and local communities to promote the construction of safe and durable structures. Building codes…
Broad coalition urges California Governor, legislative leaders and local elected officials to rebuild Los Angeles to country’s strongest building code
Sacramento, CA and Richburg, SC ─ As the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and the broader Los Angeles community continue to reckon with the devastating toll of the January 2025 wildfires, a broad coalition of housing, fire science, insurance and policy experts are urging Los Angeles to rebuild using Chapter 7A building code.
Birmingham Revitalization Program Provides Safety, Security and Peace of Mind
Birmingham, AL, February 2, 2023 – An innovative public-private partnership is helping revitalize Birmingham’s historic Northside neighborhoods with home improvements that will mean homeowners will be safe, dry and better prepared for severe weather. Today, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Alabama Insurance Commissioner Mark Fowler, Protective Life Corporation President & CEO Rich Bielen and other community leaders were joined by Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) CEO Roy Wright to meet with residents and tour homes recently re-roofed to the FORTIFIED standard for resilient construction.