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["                CRE Guide to Natural Hazards and Property Insurance Underwriting"]
["Introduction: About This Guide"]
["This resource for the commercial real estate (CRE) industry was created by the ULI Urban Resilience program (uli.org/resilience) to support real estate owners, developers, and investors challenged by increasing physical climate risk and rising insurance premiums. The interactive search and reference tool was designed to help CRE industry professionals understand risk-reduction strategies and their implications for property insurance policies.\n\nThis resource is intended for use by real estate risk management and sustainability teams, development teams, design teams, property and asset management teams, investment committees, or other stakeholders seeking information on the strategies available to reduce risk from specific or multiple hazards and their implications for property insurance premiums.\n\nThis resource contains 50+ data points that may be evaluated during the property insurance underwriting process, specifically tied to climate and environmental hazards and their impact on premium cost. The resource includes\n• Applicable Hazard(s): Which hazard(s) the asset is exposed to.\n• Applicable Geography: The location where property insurance premiums are impacted.\n• Relevant Underwriting Consideration: Asset characteristics typically evaluated during the property insurance underwriting process.\n• Underwriting Inputs: Data points that increase or decrease vulnerability to applicable hazards. Where a data point is unknown, the most typical answer is assumed during underwriting. \n• Impact on Premium: How the underwriting inputs affect property insurance premiums. Where available, quantitative impact on average annual loss (AAL) is shared. A decrease in AAL may translate to a decrease in premium. Where quantitative impact is unavailable, qualitative impact is provided."]
["The data points included in the “Natural Hazards & Underwriting” tab are most likely to affect the premium costs of engineered buildings. Though not commonly held or developed by CRE firms, nonengineered buildings may benefit from additional risk-reduction strategies.\n\nIt’s important to note that underwriting begins first with building attributes that are only indirectly linked to specific climate and environmental risks and thus are not included in the “Natural Hazards & Underwriting” tab. Location and construction attributes are the primary underwriting drivers and include\n• Location: The street address or latitude/longitude of the asset or site will define the level of hazard exposure. Selecting assets or sites with lower exposure to climate and environmental hazards will reduce overall risk and favorably impact property insurance premiums (and availability). \n• Construction Type: Weaker construction types, such as metal frame, unreinforced masonry, wood frame, and tilt up may negatively impact underwriting depending on the building location and applicable hazards. Reinforced concrete, reinforced masonry, and steel frame construction types typically result in more favorable underwriting.  \n• Occupancy Type: Some occupancy types carry more risk than others and therefore may see higher premiums. For example, hotels typically see higher average annual loss rates and longer business interruption rates, multifamily properties carry more habitation risk, and warehouses and manufacturing facilities are exposed to higher risk than office buildings. \n• Year Built and/or Upgraded: Newer buildings built to modern codes or buildings that have undergone major structural upgrades are likely to result in more favorable premium rates.\n• Building Replacement Cost: The total replacement value of the building or site. Higher replacement values require higher amounts of insurance coverage and thus may increase property insurance premiums. \n• Contents Replacement Cost: The replacement value of the contents within the building. Like the building replacement cost, higher value contents may require more coverage and thus higher premiums. If contents are water-resistant or protected from potential flooding, that can reduce vulnerability and therefore cost. \n• Business Interruption: The yearly business income that would be lost if the building was unable to be occupied. Higher business interruption rates require higher coverage amounts and thus may increase premiums. "]
["Instructions: How to Use This Guide"]
["Accessing the Tool\nTo use the tool, click on the “Natural Hazards & Underwriting” tab to begin. \n\nFiltering Hazards\nStart in the Applicable Hazard(s) section. Select the hazards relevant to your site/portfolio by clicking the filter button in each column and de-selecting the box next to “(Blanks)” in the dropdown menu. It is highly recommended that users do not “filter out” hazards that may technically be unrelated to your site/portfolio by deselecting the “X” in the filter dropdowns in those Hazard columns. Doing so will also remove criteria that are relevant across multiple hazards.\n\nBest Practices for Filtering\nTo avoid inadvertently losing valuable data points, it is recommended that users generally “filter for” criteria they are interested in by de-selecting “(Blanks)” in column filter dropdowns, rather than “filtering out” criteria by de-selecting the “X” boxes. \n\nNote: If the definition of a column or category is unclear, be sure to read the description in italics under the column header.\n\nFurther Applications\nUsers can include identified strategies as a jumping-off point for discussions with other stakeholders; for example, when discussing property insurance policy renewals or crafting capital improvement plans. \n\nBeyond positively impacting policy premiums, risk-reduction strategies can also protect business continuity, enhance building reputation and marketability, and reduce the potential of future insurance claims. For additional information on identifying and selecting risk-reduction strategies, explore the ULI Developing Resilience Toolkit (https://uli.org/resilience-toolkit).\n\nTo learn more about property insurance and CRE investment decision-making, including the many factors that influence property insurance premiums, download the ULI–Heitman report, Insurance on the Rise (https://uli.org/insurance)."]
["Clarifications"]
["This resource is based on an AIR template last updated mid-2024 and reflects Verisk v11 modeling. \n\nThis guide is intended to provide an overview of the risk-reduction strategies understood and evaluated by the property insurance industry. It cannot guarantee premium reductions, nor is it intended to provide an exhaustive list of risk-reduction strategies, recommend any specific strategy, or replace the expertise of property insurance underwriters, brokers, architects, engineers, construction, or other professionals who specialize in property insurance and hazard risk reduction. The objective is to provide a tool for initial investigations and assessments of risk-reduction strategies for various hazards and foster enhanced collaboration between real estate owners, developers, and investors and property insurers and design teams when implementing risk-reduction strategies.\n\nLanguage in this resource was informed by AIR, a property insurance modeling tool that helps underwriters assess exposure, evaluate vulnerability, and price property insurance policies. While insurers may differ in their underwriting processes, AIR is a common industry tool and leverages similar data points to other common underwriting tools, such as RMS."]
["ULI Project Team"]
["Lindsay Brugger, Vice President, Urban Resilience \nRachel MacCleery, Executive Director, Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate \nAugust Williams-Eynon, Manager, Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate \nXuan Zhu, Coordinator, Centers & Initiatives \nDevan Andrzejewski, Sr. Vice President, Brand and Marketing\nClaire Daniel Gordon, Vice President, Content Marketing Strategy\nLibby Riker, Senior Editor"]
["Acknowledgments"]
["The following individuals provided invaluable expert technical review and guidance:\nRose Grant, President, R. Grant Architectural Services\nKevin Madden, Chairman, North America Real Estate Practice, Aon\nJames Oliver, Vice President, Catastrophe Modeling, Aon"]
[]
["© 2025 by the Urban Land Institute\n\n2001 L Street, NW | Suite 200 | Washington, DC 20036-4948\n\nAll rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the whole or any part of the contents of this publication without written permission of the copyright holder is prohibited."]

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[null,null,"CRE Guide to Natural Hazards and Property Insurance Underwriting"]
[]
[]
["Applicable Hazard(s)",null,null,null,null,"Applicable Geography",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Relevant Underwriting Consideration","Underwriting Inputs","Impact on Premium","Additional AIR Source"]
[]
["Hazard event(s) may impact a property, contributing to a higher average annual loss (AAL) if not mitigated with risk-reduction measures.",null,null,null,null,"While the applicable hazards apply to many different geographies, for the purposes of property insurance underwriting, some geographies are more impacted than others. ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Asset characteristics typically evaluated during the property insurance underwriting process.","Data points that increase or decrease vulnerability to applicable hazards. Where a data point is unknown, the most typical answer is assumed during underwriting. ","How the underwriting inputs affect \nproperty insurance premiums. \n\nNOTE: Where available, quantitative impact on average annual loss (AAL) is shared. A decrease in AAL may translate to a decrease in premium. Where quantitative impact is unavailable, qualitative impact is provided."]
["Inland Flooding (IF)","Tropical Cyclone (TC) / Hurricane (HU) / Typhoon (TY) and Coastal Flooding","Earthquake (EQ)","Wildfire (WF)","Straight-Line Winds / Tornadoes and Hail (ST)","United States (US)","California (CA)","Hawaii (HI)","Japan (JP)","Great Britain (GB)","Central Europe (CE)","Australia (AU)","New Zealand (NZ)"]
["X","X",null,null,null,"X","X","X",null,null,null,"X",null,"Flood Zone","Indicate FEMA Flood Zone or any custom flood designation","Properties located in a flood plain are more likely to flood and therefore may be subject to higher property insurance costs. \n\nRisk of storm surge may increase AAL for properties in Zone A by 17% and 34% in Zone X or Other.\n\nRisk of precipitation-induced flooding may increase AAL for properties in Zone A by 3% and 27% in Zone X or Other. A Zone V designation can reduce AAL due to precipitation-induced flood vulnerability by 5%."]
["X","X","X","X","X","X","X","X",null,null,null,null,null,"Number of Stories Above Ground","Enter a single integer value, not a range; representing the building height","Taller structures are more vulnerable to high-wind events. Likewise, taller structures are more vulnerable to earthquake damage. When a one-story building is exposed to coastal or inland flooding, the contents of the building are considered vulnerable and modeled as a loss."]
["X","X",null,null,null,"X","X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,"Basement Floors","Indicate number of basement levels in the building:\n\n0 \n1 (One basement level)\n2 (Two basement levels)\nEtc.","Basements carry higher risk of flooding when built in a flood zone. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Connection_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X","X",null,"X","X","X","X","X",null,null,null,"X","Building Condition","Average \nGood \nPoor","The building condition feature qualitatively measures the status of a building’s load-resisting system. The external appearance of cladding and maintenance gives a qualitative estimate of expected performance. For example, buildings with signs of distress or duress, such as an aging roof, exterior walls, or cladding or cracking due to aging and ground settlement, overloading, or damage from previous hazard events, are likely to experience additional damage during a subsequent event. A \"Good\" or \"Average\" rating is superior to \"Poor\" and may reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,"X","Building Shape","Square\nRectangle\nCircular\nL-shaped\nT-shaped\nU-shaped\nH-shaped\nComplex","Shape is critical for the seismic performance of a structure, especially for large commercial buildings. In general, simple forms, such as squares and rectangles, perform better than combinations of those shapes, such as L- and T shaped buildings. The sharp corners in these complex shapes are vulnerable. During an earthquake, lateral loads tend to concentrate around wall intersections and corners. As a consequence, the complexity of a building’s shape will affect its performance.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,"X","Torsion","Symmetric\nAsymmetric\nCorner building","During ground shaking, the weight of building components, such as floors, walls, and roof, contribute to the main lateral force of the structure. The force is exerted through the center of mass, usually the geometric center of the floor (in plan). If the resultant force of resistance pushes back through this center of mass, dynamic balance is maintained. However, there can be eccentricity between the resistance center and the mass center. When subjected to ground shaking, such eccentricity causes a building to rotate around its center of resistance, and experience torsion. Wedge-shaped buildings and corner buildings are typical examples in which the lateral load-resisting components in a building are placed asymmetrically. This leads to torsional forces being induced when the building is shaken, which can lead to significant damage. Symmetrical buildings with balanced internal masses perform better in seismic events.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,"X","Soft Story","Indicate whether there is structural weakness at any floor in the building at this location:\n \nNo    \nYes","Soft story refers to one level of a building that is significantly more weak, flexible, or otherwise seismically vulnerable than the stories above it. The weakness is usually in the lateral load-resisting capacity of the floor and can often result in total (pancaking) collapse of the floor. A soft story often features relatively large window and door openings, with fewer partitions (less bracing) than the overlying levels. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,null,"Shape Irregularity","Indicate irregularity in such things as floor plans, structural components, uneven weight distribution, etc.:\n\nVertical offset\nNonuniform floor area (e.g., a sudden change in floor area along the height)\nDiscontinuous shear wall (i.e., the main load-resisting components are not provided in a regular, symmetric pattern)\nHeavy floor (e.g., placement of heavy equipment on higher floors)","Structural irregularities can lead to catastrophic collapse of properties as witnessed in the Mexico City and Kobe earthquakes. Vertically irregular buildings usually have sudden changes in mass and/or stiffness at certain floors that can make them more vulnerable during earthquakes. Vertical offsets, a nonuniform floor area, discontinuous shear walls, and a heavy floor plate can all increase seismic vulnerability.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,null,"Special Construction","Indicate whether there are earthquake-resistive systems installed in the building:\n\nBase isolation\nVisco-elastic dampers\nOther energy dissipaters","Some commercial buildings have special devices or design elements that resist earthquake loads and have proven effective in events such as the Northridge earthquake. Visco-elastic dampers, base isolation, and other energy dissipaters are all beneficial.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,"X","Retrofit","Bracing of cripple walls\nBracing of parapets\nBracing of soft-story\nFoundation anchorage (bolting)\nGlass/window strengthening\nTilt up\nGeneral","Retrofitting of buildings improves building performance during an earthquake and saves lives by preventing collapse. Some types of construction have specific inadequacies that have been addressed by modern seismic building codes. Retrofit strategies such as bracing of cripple walls, bracing of parapets, bracing of soft story, foundation anchorage (bolting), glass/window strengthening, and tilt-up retrofitting can improve earthquake resistive capabilities.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,null,"Redundancy","No\nYes","Redundancy is a term used to describe the presence of multiple lateral load-resisting elements (frames or shear walls) in a structure. Redundancy is a desirable feature: if one structural system fails during an earthquake, another system is present to resist the lateral earthquake forces and avoid catastrophic collapse.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X",null,null,null,null,null,"Tank","No \nYes","Rooftop tanks are a falling hazard during an earthquake. Falling tanks can damage adjacent, shorter buildings as well as the structure upon which they sit.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Roof_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,null,"Short Column","No   \nYes ","The term “short column” applies when there is a difference in height between columns on the same story/level of a building. Significantly shorter columns exhibit greater stiffness compared to the other, taller columns. Greater stiffness attracts increased seismic loads, resulting in increased potential for damage during an earthquake. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,null,"Equipment","Well-braced    \nAverage bracing     \nUnbraced ","During an earthquake, damage to mechanical and electrical equipment can be prevented by anchoring equipment to the floor and/or bracing it against structural elements. In addition, piping should be braced to restrain the movement. Modern building codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC), usually have specific requirements for seismic bracing. Vibration isolators (springs) are not as effective as bracing. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X",null,null,null,null,null,"Chimney","No\nYes, height <=2 ft.\nYes, height <=5 ft.\nYes, height >5 ft.","Masonry chimneys are vulnerable in an earthquake. The taller the chimney is, the higher the risk of damage. In an effort to prevent chimneys from falling during an earthquake, building codes for high seismicity regions include chimney construction requirements. Chimneys in old houses or those constructed poorly or without authorization could significantly increase the probability of damage during an earthquake.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Roof_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,null,"Water Heater","Describe whether the water heater in the building is braced:\n\nBraced \nUnbraced ","When water heaters are not properly braced, they may topple down, causing water damage to the building during an earthquake. Unbraced water heaters located in upper floors are more likely to fail and cause cascading water damage. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,"X","Pounding","Describe the distance from the building to the closest structure:\n\n0–0.25 m.\n0.25–0.5 m.\n0.5–1.0 m.\n1.0–2.0 m.\n>2.0 m.","Pounding refers to the collision of adjacent buildings when subjected to ground shaking during an earthquake. If there is little or no clearance between structures, they may strike each other and suffer damage. Pounding damage may be particularly severe if the floors of adjacent buildings are at different elevations. During collision, one building’s floors may destroy the columns of the other. This process is not limited to adjacent buildings.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Surrounding_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,null,"Tall One Story","<=20 ft.\n>20 ft.\n>40 ft.","Single-story buildings that are taller than typical one-story structures, such as churches, gymnasiums, auditoriums, concert halls, etc. may be more susceptible to damage from ground shaking during an earthquake, as the roof of the building is higher from the ground, requiring taller columns and/or walls for support. These elements are likely to span long lengths without bracing, which may make them more susceptible to buckling. Furthermore, taller one-story buildings may experience larger overturning forces, as the lateral forces are further away from the ground.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,null,"Brick Veneer","Indicate the percentage of exterior walls that are brick veneer:\n\n>90% \n50–90%\n25–50% \n0–25% ","The masonry of brick veneer is typically unreinforced and is likely to crack and come loose when subjected to ground shaking. Therefore, buildings with this type of exterior siding are more likely to experience direct damage from repair of the masonry, and possible indirect damage due to repair of adjacent components that may be damaged by falling debris from the veneer. In areas of seismic activity, current building codes include requirements to prevent brick veneer from falling off during an earthquake. However, older structures that do not meet current seismic safety requirements can experience brick veneer separating from the building when subjected to shaking. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Wall_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,"X","Building Exterior Opening","Indicate the percentage of exterior walls that are open (that is, that have windows or doors):\n\nLess than 50% of wall open \nMore than 50% of wall open ","Exterior walls are essential structural components in wood and masonry buildings. They carry both vertical and lateral loads. Too many openings on a wall (over 50%) can significantly reduce a building’s capacity to resist earthquake loads. The percentage of open wall refers to the area occupied by window and door openings. It should be noted, a high percentage rate is only a concern in wood and masonry buildings.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Wall_Detail_Fields.htm"]
["X","X","X",null,null,"X","X","X","X","X",null,null,"X","Foundation Type","Indicate the type of construction used for the foundation of the building:\n\nMasonry basement \nConcrete basement \nMasonry wall \nCrawl space cripple wall (wood)\nCrawl space masonry (wood)\nPost and pier \nFooting \nMat/slab \nPile \nNo basement \nEngineering foundation \nCrawlspace – raised (wood) ","Masonry or concrete basements can increase AAL due to storm surge by 26% and 168% due to precipitation. Piles, on the other hand, can reduce AAL due to storm surge by 19% and 83% due to precipitation. Footings, mat/slab, or eliminating the basement can reduce AAL due to precipitation by 78%. Crawl space cripple walls and masonry basements perform poorly in seismic events.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Connection_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,"X","X","X","X",null,null,null,null,"Ornamentation","Describe the amount of decorative elements attached to exterior of the building:\n\nNone \nAverage \nExtensive ","Ornamentation refers to decorative (nonstructural) components of a building’s exterior. Ornamentation is usually fragile and vulnerable in an earthquake. Moreover, repair costs of ornamentation are high due to their high standard of craftsmanship. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,"Lattice Type","Describe the type of web for H-shaped steel in the building:\n\nFull web \nGrid \nLattice ","This characteristic influences the ductility of a structure. Full web, grid, and lattice shapes can increase vulnerability to earthquakes. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,"Multistory Hall Type","No \nYes ","Multistory halls, such as those found in large open venues like convention centers, cause the unequal distribution of external forces among floors and columns. This causes stress to concentrate in some of the components, which makes buildings more vulnerable to earthquake damage.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Building_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,"Transition in SRC","Smooth \nNonsmooth ","Smooth transitions are more likely to result in reduced AAL.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Connection_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,"Cold Formed Tube","No \nYes ","Cold-formed tubes, which are formed via cold processing, can lower building ductility and therefore increase vulnerability to earthquakes and perhaps AAL.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Connection_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,"Column Basement","Describe whether basement support columns are embedded: \n\nMixed \nNonembedded \nEmbedded ","Nonembedded columns are most likely to result in the lowest AAL. Embedded columns may result in punching shear failure during an earthquake. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Connection_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,"Welding","Describe the quality of the welding in the building:\n\nOn-site \nIn-house ","In-house welding is typically higher quality due to the controlled environment in which the welds are made and are therefore less vulnerable during an earthquake.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Connection_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,null,null,"X","X",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Roof Hail Impact Resistance","Nonimpact-resistant \nImpact-resistant A (least impact-resistant)\nImpact-resistant B \nImpact-resistant C \nImpact-resistant D (most impact-resistant)","The underwriting inputs describe the class of the hail impact-resistant roof covering material for the building, based on UL2218, with D/Class 4 being the most impact-resistant. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Roof_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,null,"X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"Roof Pitch","Describe the slope of the roof:\n\nLow <10° \nMedium 10°–30° \nHigh >30° ","Low-pitched roofs have greater uplift forces acting on the roof as compared to high-pitched roofs. High-pitched roofs can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Roof_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,"X","X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,"X",null,"Roof Cover","Asphalt shingles \nWooden shingles \nClay/concrete tiles \nLight metal panels \nSlate \nBuilt-up roof with gravel \nSingle-ply membrane \nStanding seam metal roofs \nBuilt-up roof without gravel \nSingle-ply membrane ballasted \nHurricane wind-rated roof coverings","Damage to the roof covering can result in significant water damage to the interior of the building and contents. Hurricane wind-rated roof coverings are less vulnerable to uplift due to high winds and can reduce AAL by 2%. Asphalt or wooden shingles, clay/concrete tiles, slate, built-up roof with gravel, single-ply membrane, standing seam metal roofs, built-up roof without gravel, and single-ply membrane ballasted roofs can also reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%. However, built-up roofs with gravel are problematic in high-wind areas as the gravel can become wind-borne debris. Class A roofs with materials such as light metal panels, clay/concrete tiles, and slate increase wildfire resistance. Heavy roofing materials such as clay/concrete tiles and slate perform poorly in areas prone to seismic risk.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Roof_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X","X",null,"X","X","X","X","X",null,null,null,"X","Roof Deck","Plywood \nWood planks \nParticle board/OSB \nMetal deck with insulation board \nMetal deck with concrete \nPrecast concrete slabs \nReinforced concrete slabs \nLight metal ","Roof decks transfer the roof loads to the underlying joists and purlins. Damage to the roof deck results in the breach of the building envelope resulting in significant building and interior damage. Plywood, wood planks, particle board/OSB, metal deck with concrete, precast concrete slabs, and reinforced concrete slabs can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%. Roof decks with property fastened OSB or metal deck with concrete topping perform well in earthquakes.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Roof_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,null,"X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"Roof Deck Attachment","Describe the nature of the connections used to secure the roof deck to the underlying roof support system:\n\nScrews/bolts \nNails \nAdhesive/epoxy \nStructurally connected \n6d nails @ 6 spacing, 12 on center \n8d nails @ 6 spacing, 12 on center \n8d nails @ 6 spacing, 6 on center ","Damage to the roof can result due to the improper attachment of the roof deck to the underlying roof support system. Structurally connected attachments typically perform well. Adhesive/epoxy attachment is unlikely to provide sufficient wind resistance on its own but may supplement other connections. More durable nails spaced more frequently, such as 8d nails @ 6 spacing, 6 on center, that meet or exceed the nailing schedule  are likely to perform better. Screw heads can shear off in high-wind events.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Roof_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X","X",null,"X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"Roof Attached Structure","Describe the mechanical and other equipment on top of roofs:\n\nChimneys \nA/C units \nSkylights \nParapet walls \nOverhang/rake (8–36 in.) \nDormers \nOther \nNo attached structures \nOverhang/rake (<8 in.) \nOverhang/rake (>36 in.) \nWaterproof membrane/fabric \nSecondary water resistance (e.g., bitumen tape)\nSecondary water resistance – No ","Attached structures such as chimneys, A/C units, parapet walls, overhang/rake, and dormers are often more vulnerable than the main building to lateral loads from high winds and earthquakes, especially if there is inadequate anchorage. Skylights can be damaged from hailstorms and may leak if inadequately waterproofed. Including secondary water resistance can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Connection_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X","X",null,"X","X","X","X","X",null,null,null,"X","Wall Type","Describe the materials used for external walls of the building:\n\nBrick/unreinforced masonry \nReinforced masonry \nPlywood \nWood planks \nParticle board/OSB \nMetal panels \nPrecast concrete elements \nCast-in-place concrete \nGypsum board ","Different types of wall materials offer varying degrees of resistance to wind-induced lateral loads. Breaches in the wall can result in internal pressure buildup. Reinforced masonry, wood planks, precast concrete elements, and cast-in-place concrete can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%. With respect to seismic performance, some wall forms can contribute to increasing the lateral-load capacity of a building while others tend to act independently when shaken. Typically cast-in-place concrete walls perform well in seismic zones while brick/unreinforced masonry walls are more likely to experience damage during an earthquake.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Wall_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X","X","X","X","X","X","X","X",null,null,"X","X","Wall Siding","Describe the materials used for weathering protection of walls: \n\nVeneer brick/masonry \nWood shingles \nClapboards \nAluminum/vinyl siding \nStone panels \nExterior insulation finishing system (EIFS)\nStucco ","Wall sidings offer protection from wind and rain. Different types of wall siding materials have varying degrees of wind load resistance. Breaches in wall sidings can expose walls to wind and rain, resulting in water intrusion and internal pressure buildup. Veneer brick/masonry, wood shingles, clapboards, aluminum/vinyl siding, stone panels, and stucco can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%. Stone panels often perform well in hail storms. Different types of cladding materials offer varying degrees of resistance to earthquake-induced lateral loads. Veneer and stone panels in particular are more susceptible to falling off in an earthquake. Stucco is likely to crack/spall in an earthquake but is fire resistant and therefore beneficial in wildfire areas. EIFS, vinyl siding, and wood shingles are not recommended in wildfire zones. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Wall_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,"X","X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"Glass Type","Annealed\nTempered \nHeat-strengthened \nLaminated \nInsulating glass units ","Different glass types have varying degrees of resistance to wind loads and debris impact. Laminated glass can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%. Tempered and laminated glass will perform better than annealed or heat-strengthened glass in hailstorms. In wildfire-prone areas, annealed glass is highly vulnerable to breakage. Heat-strengthened glass, laminated glass, tempered glass, and fire-rated insulating glass units will perform better when exposed to wildfire","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Wall_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,null,"X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"Glass Percent","Indicate the percentage of the wall area that is covered by glass for the building:\n\n<5% \n5%–20% \n20%–60% \n>60% ","The greater the percentage of glass in a wall, the greater the vulnerability to damage, in general. Maintaining a glass percentage of less than 60% can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Wall_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,null,"X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"Window Protection","Describe the type of wind protection system used for the windows of the building:\n\nNo protection \nNonengineered shutters \nEngineered shutters ","Protecting the windows can reduce the potential damage to a building. Both nonengineered and engineered shutters can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 3%.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Wall_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,null,"X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"External Doors","Describe the type of doors used on the exterior of the building:\n\nSingle-width doors \nDouble-width doors \nReinforced single-width doors \nReinforced double-width doors \nSliding doors \nReinforced sliding doors ","Exterior doors are weak in resisting wind loads and so is the frame that holds the doors. They deflect considerably under high wind loads and thus fail. Unreinforced single- or double-width doors as well as sliding doors are more vulnerable to deflection. Reinforced doors that are specifically designed and tested for high-wind locations will perform better and reinforced single-width doors can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Wall_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X","X",null,"X","X","X","X","X",null,null,null,null,"Internal Partition","Describe the materials used for interior partition walls in the building:\n\nWood \nGypsum boards \nPlastered masonry \nBrick \nOther ","If the building is breached at low hazard levels, then internal wall materials may protect some contents from damage. However, with higher lateral loads, internal partition walls may fail, causing further structural or debris damage. Internal partitions, when effective, can protect the interior of the building when the building envelope is breached. The amount of loss caused by damage to internal partition walls depends on the type of materials used to construct them, such as masonry or gypsum board. Heavy, brittle materials, such as unreinforced brick masonry, have been known to experience great damage during an earthquake. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Connection_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,null,"X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"Attached Structures","Describe structures that are not an integral part of the main building but that are physically attached to it:\n\nCarports/canopies/porches\nSingle-door garages \nDouble-door garages \nReinforced single-door garages \nReinforced double-door garages \nScreened porches/glass patio doors \nBalcony \nNo attached wall structures ","Attached structures are often more vulnerable than the main building especially if there is inadequate anchorage. Under significant wind loads, wall-attached structures may experience heavier damage than the main structure. They may also become dislodged and create a breach for wind or floodwaters or become flying debris themselves. Single-door garages and reinforced single- or double-door garages that are high-wind certified are less vulnerable to high winds and can reduce AAL by 1%. Eliminating attached wall structures can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%. With respect to seismic performance, unreinforced masonry chimneys, as an example, generally collapse even under moderate levels of shaking. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Connection_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,null,"X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"Appurtenant Structures","Detached garage \nPool enclosures \nShed \nMasonry boundary wall \nOther fence \nNo appurtenant structures \nNo pool enclosures ","Appurtenant structures are buildings or other structures that are attached to or located on the same property as a main building. Avoiding appurtenant structures and pool enclosures can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 2%. If winds are high enough to damage the main building, a pool enclosure may become flying debris and increase the amount of damage. A detached garage, shed, masonry boundary wall, or other fence can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Connection_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,null,"X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"Small Debris","Indicate whether there is potential for small debris within a radius of 200 feet from the building at this location:\n\nNo \nYes ","Small debris, such as roof gravel, trash bins, or tree branches may be picked up by high wind and breach window glass. Small debris can be carried to all elevations at high wind speed. Small debris (gravel) in parking lots and when used as roof ballast can lead to glass breakage in adjacent buildings during high-wind events. Removing the potential for small debris can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Surrounding_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,null,"X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"Large Missile","Indicate whether there is potential for large missiles within a radius of 100 feet from the building at this location:\n\nNo \nYes ","Large debris, such as garden furniture, or wood planks or studs dislodged from nearby buildings, may become missiles at high wind speed and breach the building envelope. Removing the potential for large missiles can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 1%.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Surrounding_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,null,"X","X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,"Terrain Roughness ","Large city centers with at least 50% of the buildings having a height in excess of 70 feet (21.3 m)\nUrban and suburban areas, wooded areas, or other terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions having the size of single-family dwellings or larger\nOpen terrain with scattered obstructions having heights generally less than 30 feet (9.1 m)\nFlat, unobstructed areas ","Large city centers, urban and suburban areas, and wooded areas may produce more wind-borne debris. Flat, unobstructed areas and open terrain can reduce AAL due to wind vulnerability by 4% or 3%, respectively. "]
["X","X",null,null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Service Equipment Protection","Indicate the level of protection to mechanical, electrical, or plumbing service equipment in the floodable parts of the basement of the building. \n\nProtection can be in the form of the equipment being elevated or in the form of some type of floodproofing:\n\n \nUnprotected \nLow protection for flood \nMedium protection for flood \nHigh protection for flood ","Protected equipment is less vulnerable to flood damage. Unprotected equipment can increase AAL due to storm surge by 3% and 2% due to precipitation-induced flooding. Conversely, low protection can decrease AAL due to storm surge by 4%, medium protection by 10% and high protection by 13%. In terms of precipitation-induced flood vulnerability, AAL can be reduced by 4% for low protection, 7% for medium protection, and 9% for high protection. What constitutes low, mediuim, or high protection varies by carrier. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Surrounding_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,"X",null,null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Certified Structures (IBHS)","Indicate whether the building has achieved an Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) FORTIFIED designation:\n\nFortified Home (IBHS) Bronze Option 1 \nFortified Home (IBHS) Bronze Option 2 \nFortified Home (IBHS) Silver Option 1 \nFortified Home (IBHS) Silver Option 2 \nFortified Home (IBHS) Gold Option 1 \nFortified Home (IBHS) Gold Option 2 \nFortified for Safer Living (IBHS) ","Residential single- and multifamily homes of wood, masonry, concrete, or steel that meet IBHS criteria for load resistance are eligible for gold, silver, or bronze certification, which represents the level of disaster protection or mitigation. In addition, commercial buildings including, but not limited to, hotels, group institutional housing, condominiums, general commercial buildings, retail stores, and wholesale stores that meet the IBHS fortification standards set forth for commercial buildings are eligible for this benefit. Meeting IBHS FORTIFIED standards is more likely to reduce AAL. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Surrounding_Detail_Fields.htm"]
["X","X",null,null,null,"X",null,null,"X",null,"X",null,null,"Custom Flood SOP","Indicate the increase in flood protection for the building at this location that custom flood protection systems, such as levees or flood walls, provide.\n\nThis field represents the height of a custom flood protection system (in feet) above the ground surface.","Custom flood protection systems with higher elevations provide greater protection and thus are more likely to lower AAL.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Surrounding_Detail_Fields.htm"]
["X","X",null,null,null,"X",null,null,"X",null,null,null,null,"First Floor Height","Indicate the height of the first floor in the building at this location above the ground surface/grade.\n","A raised first floor significantly reduces a building's vulnerability to flood damage. Elevating the first floor five feet above grade can reduce AAL due to storm surge by 44% and by 100% for precipitation-induced flooding. Elevating to 10 feet above grade can reduce AAL by 85% due to storm surge and by 100% for precipitation-induced flooding. A two-foot elevation above grade can reduce AAL due to precipitation induced flooding by 60%. An unelevated building can increase AAL due to storm surge by 51% and by 150% due to precipitation-induced flood risk. ","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Surrounding_Detail_Fields.htm"]
["X","X",null,null,null,"X","X","X",null,null,null,null,null,"Wet Floodproofing","Unprotected\nLow protection (to 1-ft. elevation)\nMedium protection (to 3-ft. elevation)\nHigh protection (above 3-ft. elevation)","Wet floodproofing can reduce damage from flooding. Low protection can decrease AAL due to storm surge and precipitation-induced flooding by 4%, medium protection by 10% for storm surge vulnerability and 7% for precipitation-induced flood vulnerability, and high protection by 13% for storm surge vulnerability and 9% for precipitation-induced flood vulnerability."]
[null,null,null,"X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Defensible Space","Distance ","This is the area between the structure and an oncoming wildfire, where landscaping has been managed to alter or cut off the fire's path, with the intent of increasing the structure's probability of survival.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Surrounding_Detail_Fields.htm"]
[null,null,null,"X",null,"X",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Firewise Community Participation","No \nYes ","Firewise USA™ (Firewise) program is a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) program cosponsored by the USDA Forest Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters.\n\nRecognition as a Firewise community requires numerous activities.","https://docs.air-worldwide.com/Validation/7.0/Exposure_Data/Location_Surrounding_Detail_Fields.htm"]