Designing for the Elements: A New Era in Selecting Building Materials Resistant to Extreme Weather Conditions

With the increase in extreme weather events like stronger hurricanes, flooding and heat waves, the construction industry is shifting its focus to using weather-resistant materials such as concrete, metal and stone for structures. This shift aims to ensure safety and create solid and long-lasting buildings.

Embracing these materials helps move toward a future where buildings are both resilient and sustainable.

The Impact of Extreme Weather on Construction

Severe weather causes billions of dollars in damage to properties each year. In 2023, the U.S. experienced $92.9 billion in weather-related damage, according to NOAA.

Here are some of the ways that weather impacts the built environment:

• Structure damage: Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires can cause severe building damage. Strong winds can blow off roofs and shatter windows. Heavy rain can cause flooding that undermines building foundations. Wildfires can eradicate structures.
• Project delays: Adverse weather accounts for 45% of annual construction project delays Delays can lead to higher costs, missed deadlines and penalties. Extreme weather makes it harder to plan and budget for construction projects.
• Safety concerns: Worker safety is a major concern in construction. Extreme temperatures can harm workers’ health, and hazardous weather increases the chances of accidents on jobsites.

Innovations in Weather-Resistant Building Materials

Extreme weather demands materials that better resist damage. Industry experts are spending considerable time to find what works in regions across the globe. For example, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) 2024 Trends Outlook Report highlights a shift toward designing buildings to endure harsh climates.

The following building materials and products offer protection against extreme elements:

1. Concrete framing: Concrete is strong and durable, making it a popular choice for building. Using insulated concrete forms (ICFs) instead of wood frames enhances the structure’s resistance to wind, storms and fire. ICFs can also handle extreme temperatures while improving energy efficiency.
2. Structural insulated panels (SIPs): These weather-resistant panels strengthen structures and lower energy use. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) makes SIPs ideal for framing and insulation.
3. Weathering steel: This material resists corrosion, wind, hail and ice damage. Its flexibility makes it suitable for earthquake-prone areas.
4. Stone: Natural stone, like granite, endures even the harshest weather. Its high compressive strength allows it to withstand heavy loads without changing shape.
5. Composite roof shingles: Synthetic polymer shingles offer a weather-proof alternative to asphalt. Overlapping rows create a watertight seal to protect roofs from the elements. These shingles can also withstand more substantial impacts and have higher UV resistance.
6. Fiber cement siding: Good-quality cladding protects buildings against severe conditions. This siding combines cement, sand and cellulose fibers into one durable package. It absorbs impacts while deterring flame and moisture for ultimate weather resistance.
7. Metal roofing: Metal can withstand debris and high winds during storms. The material resists hail, although it may dent. Metal also repels rain, moisture and fire. Installation costs for metal roofing are lower than many other options while remaining durable.
8. Fluid-applied flashing: Sealing gaps is critical in areas prone to storms or floods. Fluid-applied flashing is a waterproof sealant that helps create an airtight barrier around windows, doors and other locations where other flashing types may not work as well. Its elasticity also moves with the structure during extreme conditions.
9. Advanced composites: The construction industry favors carbon fiber-reinforced polymers for their strength-to-weight efficiency. These substances resist corrosion and weathering.
10. Storm doors: A structure’s front door is on the frontline of defense against extreme weather. A storm door offers extra protection against severe weather and improves insulation and energy efficiency.

Sustainable and Resilient Building Practices

The construction industry’s focus has shifted to creating adaptable and resilient buildings. Resilient design facilitates quicker recovery after a disaster and allows critical functions to continue after extreme events.

Together with using weather-resistant materials, these sustainable building strategies can amplify building resilience:

• Building for the future: Future-proofing structures ensure adaptability to changing conditions. Building materials may need replacement or reinforcement over time. Integrating proactive design and maintenance optimizes a building’s resilience to future threats.
• Prioritizing flexibility: Buildings in unpredictable climates need versatile designs. Flexible materials and movable parts enable swift adaptation to environmental changes. For example, windows or shutters can close in response to sudden weather shifts.
• Choosing natural materials: Weather-resistant construction can complement sustainability. Incorporating natural light, airflow or energy sources in design promotes resilience.
• Ensuring adaptability: Building regulations continue to evolve to meet extreme weather conditions. The construction industry can pre-emptively comply with evolving codes by reinforcing structures against the elements. Steps may include using higher-grade construction materials or conducting rigorous testing.
• Engineering for the weather: Building for extreme conditions requires considering the local climate. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) climate zone map divides regions, like North America for example, into different climate regions. This map establishes energy efficiency requirements for buildings. Forecasting an area’s long-term climate aids in weather preparedness.

The Way Forward With Weather-Resistant, Sustainable Building Materials

Designing for the elements marks a proactive shift in architecture. Today’s construction focuses on structural longevity and safety amid weather volatility. Robust, weather-resistant materials are a necessity in safeguarding the built environment and smart solutions can integrate sustainable materials during the process.

This new era demands innovative buildings that can adapt to nature’s unpredictability. Adopting resilient building practices answers the challenges posed by a changing climate.