The Institute for the Building Envelope (IBE) applauds Ned Barnett’s opinion piece in The News & Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina) about what government officials can do to address rising home insurance premiums. As North Carolina continues to rebuild from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene and as the state prepares for more severe weather events in the future, homeowners, home buyers, and home builders should look to innovative building materials that “increase the resilience of structures” to defend against potential destruction, protecting both property and life.
The IBE has worked with state government leaders, including North Carolina officials, to improve public policy related to building materials and construction methods that lower home insurance rates and increase overall resiliency. In 2023, the IBE lauded NC legislators for implementing new provisions for unvented attics, which, when designed with spray foam insulation, makes not only for a more comfortable home year-round, but in the face of high wind events, like hurricanes, provides a secondary structural benefit and wind uplift protection to the roof of a home.
Taking proactive measures to mitigate risk is a critical step to ensure homeowners can live in stronger, more energy efficient houses at affordable prices.