May 2008
by Aaron Hoover
Despite months of front-page Hurricane Katrina news coverage in 2005, building codes and enforcement practices continue to vary greatly. Moreover, surprisingly little is known about how hurricane winds pull apart and drive rain into homes — and what affordable measures can seal them tight. Plus, existing homes — which comprise the majority of the coastal housing stock — may have few (if any) of the hurricane protections standard in new homes. Fortunately, a small community of building scientists at universities and in the public sector is working to close at least some of these gaps. As Aaron Hoover reports, current hurricane research points the way to practical improvements for coastal homes.
First 100 Words:
Wild Winds and Rolling Waters Current hurricane research points the way to practical improvements for coastal homes Aaron Hoover When Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida in 1992, it broke through unprotected windows, blew off flimsily built roofs, and turned weakly attached shingles into clouds of damaging flack. Lessons learned from the 200,000 damaged or destroyed homes or businesses spurred big improvements not only in hurricane-resistant building techniques and materials but also in on-the-ground construction practices and code enforcement intensity. Hurricanes in later years prompted further progress, and though Florida remains the national leader, homes built along much of the Gulf
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