Customer Reviews

Extreme Weather Hits Home: Protecting Your Buildings from Climate Change

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I just returned this, which I rarely do with books, because it doesn't contain the specific information it claims to. For instance it says things like "check the weather reports for your area" in sections on the impact of storms on buildings. It's full of conceptual information you probably already know if you wanted to buy such a book and lacks almost totally in specific 'what can I do to adapt my system/building/etc to deal with climate changes better?'. The chapters are a few pages long for each aspect such as lighting, clay soils, heavy rain, etc. They spend a large proportion of each describing the problem (great - you already know that), then giving topical information about solutions. In a few cases the information seems novel and particularly useful, for the most part you're not going to find anything new in here if you're already interested in this field.

First I'll disclose that I'm not one that believes in global warming. There are natural disasters such hurricanes, flooding and other unfortunate events that occur regardless of global warming. That's just my opinion.

Regardless of what causes these unfortunate events to occur, few consultants have as much expertise and experience as John Banta when it comes to restoring effected buildings and specifying how to prevent or minimize damage to our homes. He's highly regarded as an expert in the industry. Every building contractor and insurance adjuster has opinions. Few understand the building sciences like Banta and even fewer can write about it in a way that while still technical, we can all understand. If you have an interest in how weather can affect your home this is the book for you.

There is also some information that is relevant without the need for a flood or hurricane to occur. For example, the sections on trapped moisture from excess humidity, "breathable" walls, ice-damming on the roof in the winter, foundation freeze and thaw, and frozen plumbing don't take an earthquake to cause major damage to your home. If you're a contractor, builder or home owner it would be good for you to understand some of these concepts. Could save you a lot of money.