Hurricane and Wind Forces on Building Envelope Components

January 31, 2024

Join Tampa Senior Associate Wiley Hodges and co-presenters Megan L. Reese (YA Engineering Services), Michael A. Fried (Strategic Claims Consultants), and Sean Fee (Forensic Building Science) as they present for the Windstorm 2024 Conference on January 31, 2024.

This presentation explains the relationship between wind speeds and the resulting forces on building envelope components during hurricane and high wind events, including fenestration, cladding, and roof materials. The effects of wind on building envelope components will be compared to the design requirements of building codes and other industry standards. Hypothetical examples will be used to compare the effects of wind speeds on different building typologies and geographical locations. Examples will illustrate common building envelope component failures during high wind events and the factors contributing to their cause. The presentation will discuss common policy language and legal hurdles to handle hurricane and high wind claims.