BUILDER Magazine's November cover story, "Facing Fire," takes a timely look at the wildfires that threaten homes in California and across the country and addresses what home builders can do to increase the odds of survival both for homes and for those who risk their lives to protect them. The story examines California fire codes--the only state that has adopted statewide codes regarding wildfire home ignition risks.
Homes ignited in wildfires are unlikely to be saved, BUILDER says, so experts recommend builders utilize tools that prevent ignition. Such fire prevention features include Class A roof coverings, special attic vents that resist flame intrusion, and ignition-resistant walls and decks. While no product is fail-proof against wildfires, these fire prevention efforts can help to protect builders' assets and give homebuyers more peace of mind.
"Wildfires are a constant concern in some areas of the country," says Editor in Chief Denise Dersin. "But the enormity of the recent wildfires in California make the story that much more meaningful at this time. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the wildfires, and we hope BUILDER's content will provide information that can be of assistance in the rebuilding process and future fire prevention."
In other BUILDER content, Editorial Director Boyce Thompson travels to Dubai for an in-depth report on Emaar Properties. The company invested in the U.S. home building industry in a big way by acquiring the country's largest private home builder, John Laing Homes. A company that always thinks big, Emaar is currently constructing in Dubai what is billed as the world's tallest building.
"Industry Insight," a new column by analyst Ivy Zelman, debuts with her assessment of how today's housing recession compares with the last recession, in 1990-1991. BUILDER's "Products" section features pellet stoves, an inexpensive, earth-friendly way to heat homes. Online, BUILDER recaps last month's Builder's Choice awards with a slide show featuring all of the winning entries and offers a Web seminar on how to create high-performance homes.
Other featured articles from BUILDER Magazine's November Issue.
Bright Spots In a down market, smart design moves can mean the difference between a stellar seller and a dud.
One Door Clothes, Another Opens Former home building managers, casualties of their companies' budget cutting and downsizing, take stock of their careers and lives, and start over.
Rally the Troops Take your weekly sales meeting from dull to dynamic.
Find stories on California wildfires, fire prevention, the housing recession and building products on BUILDER Online. For more BUILDER features, past BUILDER issues, and additional information, visit Builder Online.
About Hanley Wood
Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media and information company serving housing and construction. Through four operating divisions, the company produces award-winning magazines and Web sites, marquee trade shows and events, rich data and custom marketing solutions. The company also is North America's leading publisher of home plans. Hanley Wood Business Media (Washington, D.C.), publishes 36 award-winning residential and commercial construction titles, including BUILDER, REMODELING, CUSTOM HOME, CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION and residential architect. Hanley Wood Business Media also offers the construction industry's foremost collection of Web sites, including BUILDER ONLINE, REMODELING ONLINE, and ebuild, the comprehensive online guide to building products, as well as the largest collection of house plans online through eplans.com and Dream Home Source.
Founded in 1976, Hanley Wood is a $250 million company owned by affiliates of JPMorgan Partners, LLC. CCMP Capital Advisors manages the Hanley Wood investment for JPMorgan Partners.