The prevalence of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods, means more U.S. homes are under threat of sustaining significant damage, according to a Realtor.com analysis reported by Axios.
The analysis found that nearly one in five homes, collectively worth about $8 trillion, are at risk of hurricane wind damage. Additionally, just over six percent of homes, worth around $3.4 trillion, are at risk of flood damage.
Residents in these high-risk areas are experiencing rising insurance premiums. Other homeowners are finding it harder to obtain insurance, as the frequency of these weather events have driven insurers to leave the market.
The report identifies 14 metro areas in Louisiana, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas that are 100% at risk of hurricane wind damage.
While we can’t predict where storms will land, or their severity, we can take steps to build more resilient homes that can better weather the storm. Building stronger homes is becoming a more popular concept among homeowners wanting to ensure their home is protected against nature’s forces.
For homeowners looking to strengthen their home’s building envelope, spray foam insulation’s innovative properties not only make homes more comfortable inside, but they also have secondary structural benefits that add to the overall resiliency of a home. An unvented attic designed with spray foam provides wind uplift protection to the roof of a home, critical during high wind events like hurricanes. It also increases your home’s raking strength, which when applied the walls of a home, can better withstand heavy wind and storms.
In the realm of flood preparedness, closed-cell spray foam insulation emerges as an exceptionally effective preventative measure. FEMA has designated closed-cell spray foam insulation as the only acceptable insulation material resistant to floodwater damage. Other types of insulation may have to be thrown out after coming into contact with floodwaters and excessive moisture. However, closed-cell spray foam insulation does not retain water, reducing the risk of mold and mildew development. Data from a case study showed it can simply be washed off before allowing the rest of the home to dry out. Using closed-cell spray foam can minimize repair time and get you back into your home faster.
Homeowners looking to protect their biggest investment should look to spray foam insulation as a vital building material against the impacts of severe weather events.