A recently released study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that California’s building code for higher risk wildfire areas has significantly reduced structural loss.
A home built in 2008 or later under the Golden State’s expanded wildfire building code is about 40% less likely to be destroyed than a 1990 home experiencing an identical wildfire, according to the research. “There is strong evidence that these effects are due to state and local building code changes,” the bureau’s report says.
California now requires all roof material in wildfire hazard areas to be rated Class A for fire resistance. In addition, exterior siding must be fire resistant, vents must covered by a fine wire mesh to resist ember intrusion, windows and doors must resist fire for at least
20 minutes, and decks and other building appendages must be built of non-combustible materials. The most recently update code also includes requirements for defensible space.
Other states that have experienced damaging large-scale wildfires including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington have not as yet followed California’s lead to beef up building codes. California’s code, research suggests, presents a useful model for others to follow.
Related Stories
| Feb 16, 2012
Gain greater agility and profitability with ArchiCAD BIM software
White paper was written with the sole purpose of providing accurate, reliable information about critical issues related to BIM and what ArchiCAD with advanced technology such as the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server provide as an answer to address these issues.
| Feb 9, 2012
Initiative to sell off under-used federal property gaining momentum
The bill is similar to a White House planto cut $8 billion worth of building costs by the end of the 2012 fiscal year, and to establish a panel to identify other sites worth selling or donating to nonprofits or state and local governments.
| Feb 9, 2012
Computer tool helps engineers design roof cladding using Canada's building code
Easier to design roof cladding that can withstand winds in a given area.
| Feb 9, 2012
Webinar focuses on lessons learned from LEED-certified industrial project
This case study will focus on strategies used to save the client money, achieve certification, and effectively market success once the project was complete.
| Feb 9, 2012
Rapid growth of zero energy buildings expected
Much of that growth will be in the European Union, where near-zero energy buildings are mandated by 2019 for public buildings, and by 2021 for all construction.
| Feb 9, 2012
Stiffer OSHA fines put strain on Kansas contractors
A fine for a violation that once cost between $750 and $1,200 now runs $7,000 or more per incident, according to a state industry association official.
| Feb 9, 2012
Webinar focuses on lessons learned from LEED-certified industrial project
A Construction Specifications Institute webinar will focus on the lessons learned through the design and construction of a LEED-certified industrial project, Better Living Mill Shop, the first industrial building in Central Virginia to earn LEED certification.
| Feb 8, 2012
California likely to eliminate redevelopment agencies
Leaders of California cities had been trying to fashion a compromise with lawmakers after the state Supreme Court ruled the state had the authority to eliminate the agencies and use their property tax money for local services.
| Feb 8, 2012
Project aimed at economical seismic retrofits on historic Memphis structures
The group will develop a low-cost seismic retrofit model that would benefit aging brick-and-mortar structures. It involves bolting steel brackets to existing wooden floor and ceiling joists.