The devastating wildfires in California remind us of the growing challenges posed by extreme weather and environmental conditions. While Pennsylvania may not face the same wildfire threats at this time, building resilient homes here is equally important—not just for durability, but also for ensuring the health and safety of those who live in them.

Durable Homes

Resiliency begins with durability. Our homes must withstand a wide range of weather conditions, from heavy snowfall to hurricane-like storms to near hundred-degree temperatures. Here are a few strategies to help keep your home durable:

1. Advanced Waterproofing Systems: High-quality roofing materials, like metal or impact-resistant shingles, and quality siding materials, like fiber cement and advanced wood siding, can endure strong winds, hail, and heavy snow loads.
2. Proper Air-sealing and Insulation: Proper insulation and air sealing can dramatically increase the health, comfort and durability of your home. With the recent snow, you have a great opportunity to review your heat loss. Examine your roof after it snows and see if there are spots that have melted faster than others. Those areas will give you an indication of whether there is heat loss in your ceiling. Below are examples of similar homes in orientation and roof pitch.

House #1: this home has an even amount of insulation. The snow has not melted except slightly near the ridge vent where air is venting.

House #2: this home has some heat loss near the chimney and right side of the home. This is indicated by the melted snow around these areas. Heat from the home moves through the attic in areas where minimal insulation exists and melts the snow above.

House #3: this home has dramatic heat loss. Most of the snow has melted off the roof due to minimal insulation. So much so, that the rafters in the roof are cooler than the attic and slow the snow from melting where the rafters are located.

A Community Effort

Creating resilient homes is about more than individual properties; it’s about fostering strong communities. Builders, designers, and homeowners must collaborate to prioritize durability and health, ensuring homes stand strong for generations while protecting those who live within them. Together, we can rise to the challenges of today while preparing for the uncertainties of tomorrow.

Post by: Kent Mylin