How Existing Homes Can Be Assessed and Upgraded for Emerging Climate Hazards
As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent and severe, homeowners are often left wondering whether protectin…
Climate and Design
The latest reporting, reviews, and recommendations from the Climate and Design desk.
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How Topography, Vegetation, Surface Materials, and Building Orientation Shape Residential Microclimates
A home does not experience precisely the same weather as the broader neighborhood surrounding it. While regional weather…
How Shading, Thermal Mass, Ventilation Strategies, and Backup Systems Support Homes During Extreme Heat
As prolonged heat waves place greater stress on homes and electrical infrastructure, residential heat resilience is no l…
How Roofs, Vents, Openings, and Exterior Assemblies Affect Residential Exposure to Wildfire Embers
Wildfire damage to a home is often imagined as a direct encounter with a wall of flames, but structure ignition can occu…
How Elevation, Flood-Resistant Assemblies, and Site Planning Reduce Residential Flood Vulnerability
Flood risk is not determined by water depth alone. The way a residential building responds to flooding depends on where…
How Roofs, Openings, Connections, and Building Geometry Influence Residential Wind Resistance
When severe winds move across a residential neighborhood, the forces acting on a house are more complicated than a simpl…
How Regional Climate Hazards Can Be Mapped to Residential Vulnerabilities and Adaptation Priorities
Residential buildings across the United States are exposed to very different combinations of environmental risk. A home…