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This past year, the U.S. has faced its fair share of extreme weather - brutal cold fronts in the Northeast, record-breaking dry spells and wildfires out West, and devastating storms across the South. As these events become more frequent, homeowners are paying closer attention to how their homes can better withstand disasters. Resilient design and smart upgrades aren’t just about safety - they also protect long-term value, lower repair costs, and even reduce energy use. Not every home starts out resilient, but by prioritizing performance upgrades, homeowners can take manageable steps toward fortifying their property’s defenses.
As a real estate agent, staying informed about resilient home features is crucial. By guiding your clients toward properties equipped with these enhancements and tools they can use to make their own upgrades, you’re not only helping to improve their safety and comfort, but also securing the long-term value and sustainability of their investments.
Let's delve into key home features that bolster resilience and sustainability, and explore how you can effectively communicate their benefits to your clients.
Protecting Against Wildfires
Wildfires can spread rapidly, leaving little time to react, which is why fire-resistant home design is critical in high-risk areas. Simple upgrades - like choosing noncombustible materials and maintaining defensible space - can dramatically reduce the chances of a home igniting.
In California, homeowners Michael Kovac and his wife, Karina Maher, residents of Pacific Palisades, rebuilt their 1950s home with specific fire-resilient features, including fiber cement siding, high-performance Class A roofing, a planted green roof, commercial-grade insulated glass, and a Phos-Chek fire retardant system. Kovac and Maher said because of these features, their home was able to withstand the recent wildfires in their area.
By implementing similar strategies, homeowners in high-risk areas can better protect their property from embers, flames, and intense heat.
Fire-Resistant Roofing: Use Class A fire-rated materials like metal, concrete, slate, or treated shingles to minimize ignition risks. Metal and concrete roofs are particularly effective in preventing ember ignition.
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Noncombustible Siding: Choose fiber cement, stucco, or brick, which offer superior fire resistance compared to wood or vinyl. Brick and stone provide the highest resistance but may require additional structural support.
Ember-Resistant Vents: Install metal-mesh vent covers (⅛-inch or smaller) to prevent embers from entering attics or crawl spaces. Dual-layer mesh screens offer added protection.
Defensible Space: Maintain a 30-foot buffer zone around the home by clearing dry vegetation and using fire-resistant plants, gravel, or stone instead of flammable mulch.
Flooding is one of the most destructive and costly disasters, with just one inch of water causing up to $25,000 in damage, according to FEMA. In flood-prone areas, even small preventive measures can make a significant difference in protecting a home. These flood-prevention measures can help reduce water intrusion and protect homes from costly damage:
Elevate Critical Systems: Electrical panels, water heaters, and HVAC units should be installed above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) to prevent costly water damage.
Seal Foundations and Walls: Waterproof coatings applied to basements, crawl spaces, and entry points help prevent seepage. Gutters and rain barrels can direct water away from the home.
Use Water-Resistant Materials: Below BFE, ceramic tile, closed-cell insulation, and mold-resistant drywall offer better protection than carpet or hardwood, which can be destroyed by flooding.
Install a Sump Pump with Backup Power: This system detects rising water and pumps it away before it can cause damage, especially useful during hurricanes and heavy rainstorms.
Improve Drainage and Landscaping: Land grading, permeable pavers, and rain gardens help manage water runoff and reduce flood risks.
For high-risk areas, flood vents can prevent structural damage by allowing water to flow through foundation walls rather than build pressure. While resilient construction reduces damage, insurance is still essential. Standard homeowners' policies do not cover flooding, and flood insurance takes 30 days to go into effect, so homeowners must plan ahead. Incorporating these features can save thousands in repairs and ensure homes are better prepared for the next storm.
Severe storms bring high winds, pressure changes, and flying debris, all of which can cause significant structural damage if a home isn’t properly fortified. In hurricane-prone areas, wind speeds can exceed 150 mph, turning loose objects into dangerous projectiles and putting immense pressure on roofs and walls. Homes built to withstand these forces incorporate specific resilient features designed to reduce damage and improve safety. Strengthening these key areas can help homes stand up to high winds, flying debris, and intense storm pressure:
Impact-Resistant Roofing: Choose shingles rated for high-wind conditions to prevent wind uplift. Metal and architectural asphalt shingles are among the most durable options, offering superior resistance to wind and hail damage.
Hurricane Straps: Use steel connectors to anchor the roof to the walls, reducing the risk of it being torn off during a storm. These connectors create a continuous load path, helping the home resist strong lateral and vertical forces.
Wind-Rated Garage Doors: Install reinforced garage doors to prevent structural failure due to storm pressure. A compromised garage door can allow wind to enter the home, increasing internal pressure and potentially lifting the roof off.
Storm Shutters or Impact Windows: Protect windows with shutters or reinforced glass to prevent breakage from flying debris. Tempered and laminated glass can withstand impacts, while roll-down or accordion-style shutters provide added security.
In Florida, Babcock Ranch has become a model for storm resilience. This community, located northeast of Fort Myers, was designed to endure hurricanes - and it has. During Hurricane Milton, while surrounding towns suffered widespread damage and power outages, Babcock Ranch remained largely unscathed. Its homes are built to withstand winds up to 150 mph, and its solar-powered infrastructure with underground electrical lines ensured the community never lost power. Preserved wetlands and natural drainage systems helped prevent flooding, keeping residents safe.
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Extreme heat can strain homes and energy systems, but thoughtful design can maintain comfort efficiently. Without proper heat mitigation, indoor temperatures can soar, making homes not only uncomfortable but potentially dangerous during prolonged heat waves. Implementing passive cooling techniques and investing in energy-efficient upgrades can significantly reduce the burden on air conditioning systems. Here are some other upgrades homeowners can implement:
High-Performance Insulation: Ensure proper insulation to keep heat out and cool air in, reducing reliance on air conditioning. Attic insulation, in particular, plays a major role in preventing heat buildup, as poorly insulated attics can trap extreme temperatures and radiate heat into the living space below.
Reflective Roofing and Light-Colored Walls: Use materials and colors that reduce heat absorption. Dark-colored roofs can be up to 50°F hotter than reflective or light-colored materials, significantly increasing indoor temperatures and cooling costs.
Strategic Shading: Implement trees, pergolas, or solar screens to block direct sunlight and keep homes cooler. Even simple exterior additions like retractable awnings or well-placed trellises with climbing plants can provide natural cooling benefits.
Controlled Ventilation: Maintain a well-sealed home with smart ventilation to prevent excess heat buildup. Ceiling fans and whole-house attic fans can further enhance airflow, reducing the need for continuous air conditioning.
By taking these steps, homeowners can reduce cooling costs, improve indoor comfort, and ensure their homes remain livable even during extreme heat events.
Looking Toward a More Resilient Future
Staying informed about regional climate risks and home resilience strategies not only helps your clients protect their investments - it sets you apart as a trusted resource in a rapidly evolving market. Educating buyers and sellers on performance upgrades, insurance considerations, and available tools ensures they make decisions that enhance both safety and long-term value.
One of the best ways to assess a home’s vulnerabilities and explore improvement options is through the Pearl App. Here, Pearl helps homeowners understand their property’s unique risks and take actionable steps toward a more resilient, energy-efficient future.
By equipping your clients with knowledge and access to the right resources, you’re not just selling homes - you’re helping build stronger, more resilient communities that can stand up to the challenges ahead.
Pearl is transforming the housing market by scoring, verifying, and certifying the performance of homes across the country.