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 energy code compliance. A particular need for multi-layer wall systems is the understanding of wind loads on the various layers so that designers and product manufacturers can ensure acceptable building envelope performance of energy-efficient wall systems in high-wind events, such as hurricanes.
To address the knowledge gaps and practical concerns related to multi-layer wall systems with air-permeable exterior cladding, IBHS along with the Foam Sheathing Committee (FSC) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC); the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI); the National Association Home Builders Research Center (NAHB RC); State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company; and others have initiated research into wind loads on layers of multi-layer wall systems.