Hurricane and Wind Forces on Building Envelope Components (W13)

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

11:15 AM – 1:00 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: Palani

Main Contact - Presenter(s)

Megan L. Reese, SM, PE (she/her/hers)

Senior Managing Engineer and Regional Manager
YA Engineering Services

Co-Presenter(s)

Wiley Hodges, Esq.

Attorney
Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig, LLP
Michael A. Fried, EGA, CPAU, IICRC, NFIP, OSHA-10

Vice President-Partner
Strategic Claims Consultants
Sean Fee

President
Forensic Building Science

This presentation explains the relationship between wind speeds and the resulting forces on building envelope components, including fenestration, cladding, and roof materials, during hurricane and high wind events. 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 utilized to compare the effects of various 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 be faced when handling hurricane and high wind claims.