Building for the Storm – How U.S. Construction Practices Are Evolving to Withstand Hurricanes

By Rajeev Ranjan Mishra, Senior Manager, Catastrophe & Exposure Management

Why Hurricanes Have Always Shaped How We Build

From the colonial era to today, hurricanes have done more than alter coastlines—they’ve reshaped how Americans build, legislate, and insure. The devastation of storms like Hurricane Andrew (1992) and Katrina (2005) triggered widespread reform in building codes and public safety policy. Now, with climate change fueling more frequent and severe hurricanes, the urgency to rethink construction is greater than ever.

More than $54 billion in annual hurricane-related damages is now expected. But beyond the dollars, the real story is in how construction practices are shifting to meet the challenge—and what that means for insurers, regulators, and builders alike.

Where We’re Making the Most Progress

Tougher Codes, Smarter Standards

• States like Florida have adopted leading-edge building codes tailored to hurricane threats.
• These regulations are raising the bar for design wind speeds, roof-to-wall anchoring, and materials performance.

Design That Withstands the Worst

• Architects and engineers are optimizing for wind resistance, minimizing vulnerabilities at the building envelope.
• Elements like reinforced roof connections and wind-rated cladding are becoming the norm in storm-prone regions.

A New Class of Materials

• Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is tougher and more flexible than traditional mixes, helping buildings absorb shock.
• Impact-resistant glass and shatter-resistant design features are now integral to hurricane zone construction.

What Resilience Looks Like in Action

Take Babcock Ranch, Florida—a planned, solar-powered town with underground utilities and homes built to rigorous hurricane standards. When Hurricane Ian hit in 2022 as a Category 4 storm, Babcock Ranch sustained minimal damage and became a shelter for surrounding communities. It’s a working model of climate-resilient construction.

Why It Matters

Resilient construction isn’t just a response to extreme weather—it’s a strategy for risk mitigation and long-term cost savings. For insurers, it means fewer catastrophic claims. For communities, it’s about safety and faster recovery. And for builders, it’s an opportunity to lead with innovation and purpose.