Do architects in San Diego have to design future houses using fire-resistant strategies because of recent wildfires?
I'm working on a project about being an architect in San Diego and was wondering if all of the future designs of houses need to include fire-resistant strategies in order to be built?
Thank you so much for helping me with this question. #architectural-design #architecture #California #San-Diego
2 answers
Jessica’s Answer
I do not live in California nor do I know the building codes, but I would expect the information to be readily available from the local codes department. Depending on how close the homes are to their neighbors, means of egress, and other determining factors, building codes can vary city to city. Different wall ratings may be required. Good luck in your search. Sorry I couldn't be more specific in my answer.
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Thomas "TC"’s Answer
Melvyn,
Answer is yes, they do take fire risks into their designs! Robert Thiele, a San Diego-based member of the American Institute of Architects' disaster-relief committee, estimates about half of homeowners ended up rebuilding after the recent fires in his area and new homes do have better fire resistance.
The methods of making buildings more fire resistant keep improving. Newer materials, such as composite decking that incorporates fire retardants and dual-pane tempered glass windows, also are becoming more affordable for residential use. Fiber-cement siding, which has fire-resistant properties, and Insulated Concrete Forms, popular in green-building, are now more widely available.
Thomas