Stricter building codes enacted in the early 2000s after Hurricane Andrew are being credited with preventing extensive damage along Florida’s central coast during Hurricane Matthew. The latter storm, which tore along the mid and northern coasts of the state earlier this month, could have been far worse had codes not been updated and enforced, according to government officials.
Most of the damage Hurricane Matthew left behind along the central coast consisted of downed trees, damaged signs and piers, and beach erosion. Exterior impact protection including impact-resistant windows, hurricane shutters, and reinforced doors are now required on new construction. The storm did not make a direct hit, however, so the area escaped the storm’s highest wind speeds. Whether newer construction will hold up to the full wrath of a powerful hurricane remains to be seen.
Advertisement
Related Stories
Codes + Standards
Public Comment Period Opens for National Green Building Standard Updates
The 45-day public comment period for draft 2 of the 2024 NGBS begins on April 12, 2024
Codes + Standards
Public Comment Period Opens for 2024 National Green Building Standard Update
The 45-day public comment period opened Aug. 18, and comments must be submitted by Oct. 2, 2023
Codes + Standards
The Inefficiencies of the Latest Energy Code
The 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) hampers the return on investment for builders and homebuyers