Resilient Building for Extreme Weather Conditions

You may have recently heard the term “resilient design” being used more frequently within the construction and architectural industries. The Resilient Design Institute defines resiliency as “the capacity to adapt to changing conditions and to maintain or regain functionality and vitality in the face of stress or disturbance.” A large reason why resilient design has become a movement in the building industry is due to an increase in extreme and unanticipated weather conditions.  NASA reports that within recent years, sea levels have significantly risen, global temperatures have risen, and ice sheets have been melting at an unusually rapid pace –all of which may be contributing factors to changing weather patterns.

So what does all this mean for builders? With resiliency in mind, homes are being built to take on even greater blows from Mother Nature.  The Washington Post recently spoke with a number of builders about the importance of resilient design. According to the article, “there is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a resilient home — solutions vary from region to region.” Although there might be different approaches to resilient design based on environmental needs — like wind zones, extreme heat, and flooding — having the proper building materials can be a crucial factor for mitigating home damage.

In issue 14 of Engineered Wood Magazine, our feature story was all about challenging the elements. Although the term “resilient design” is fairly new, the concepts discussed in the article are similar to the current conversation around resilient structures. Products like LP^®LongLength^™ and LongLength XL^™ OSB Sheathing can be used to improve frame strength in regions of high wind. Our LP^® SmartSide^® Trim & Siding also meet additional resiliency needs as they are manufactured to withstand harsh elements and offer some impact resistance. With innovative product designs, LP’s products are a valuable resource for builders looking to create high-performance, resilient structures.  

Are you seeing the resiliency movement make it’s way into your industry? Tweet us your thoughts or experiences on this growing trend at @lpcorp!