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SAWHORSE
CT Governor orders stronger building codes
http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/SECTION/&template=staff
Citing global warming as the cause of more frequent and severe weather events, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has ordered the strengthening of state building codes for commercial and residential structures.
Malloy said Friday that he has directing state agencies to develop new standards that will better protect structures from damage caused by flooding and high winds.
"The science could not be more clear – global warming is real. Knowing what the science says, we should plan and be prepared as we take steps to mitigate our carbon footprint," Malloy said. "Experts say that every dollar invested in more resilient construction can save $4 in insurance claims, which is a significant return on investment. This is a commonsense step to help plan and prepare for the future."
Through his executive order, the governor is instructing the Department of Administrative Services, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Insurance Department to work with the State Building Inspector to include those standards for new and renovated structures in the next revision to the building code.
Many of these measures are relatively inexpensive when compared to the significant damage to homes and businesses they can prevent or mitigate, according to the governor.
Some examples of possible code revisions include:
Requirement to seal seams in the roof deck to eliminate or reduce the volume of water that can seep in if shingles are blown off in a storm;
Stronger tie-down of roofs to the building structure and gable end vents; and,
Require impact resistant glass in areas of state subject to high winds.
http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/SECTION/&template=staff
Citing global warming as the cause of more frequent and severe weather events, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has ordered the strengthening of state building codes for commercial and residential structures.
Malloy said Friday that he has directing state agencies to develop new standards that will better protect structures from damage caused by flooding and high winds.
"The science could not be more clear – global warming is real. Knowing what the science says, we should plan and be prepared as we take steps to mitigate our carbon footprint," Malloy said. "Experts say that every dollar invested in more resilient construction can save $4 in insurance claims, which is a significant return on investment. This is a commonsense step to help plan and prepare for the future."
Through his executive order, the governor is instructing the Department of Administrative Services, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Insurance Department to work with the State Building Inspector to include those standards for new and renovated structures in the next revision to the building code.
Many of these measures are relatively inexpensive when compared to the significant damage to homes and businesses they can prevent or mitigate, according to the governor.
Some examples of possible code revisions include:
Requirement to seal seams in the roof deck to eliminate or reduce the volume of water that can seep in if shingles are blown off in a storm;
Stronger tie-down of roofs to the building structure and gable end vents; and,
Require impact resistant glass in areas of state subject to high winds.