Heat created by underground structures is increasing the risk of damage to buildings, recent studies have found.
Basements, train tunnels, sewers, and other underground systems are making the ground around them warmer, which causes soil, sand, clay and silt to shift, settle, contract, and expand, according to an insurance executive quoted in a Business Insurance report. As a result, foundations are suffering damage.
Underground elements in the built environment can heat the ground between the surface and bedrock by as much as 27 F. Building owners should have their buildings inspected regularly and carefully analyze their insurance policies to find out how much coverage is provided for this issue.
The executive warns owners to beware of exclusions, exceptions, and endorsements that might impact their policies.
Related Stories
Resiliency | Nov 15, 2017
Resilient design for waterfront buildings: a real estate win-win in vulnerable area
The developer sees resilient developments achieving top-of-market pricing, faster leasing, higher renewal, and higher occupancy rates.
Greenbuild Report | Oct 18, 2017
Rebuild, retreat, or resist
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma expose the necessity—and limitations—of resilient design and construction measures.
Resiliency | Oct 18, 2017
Cities weigh relocations as part of their defenses against natural disasters
Convincing people to relocate can be a psychological hurdle.
Resiliency | Oct 16, 2017
The race to codify resilience design
An array of guidelines and standards coming from all kinds of sources are jockeying for position to stamp their imprint on resilience best practices and, potentially, new codes.
Resiliency | Oct 13, 2017
Resiliency takes center stage in new projects around the country
Projects like these, where resilience is central to their design and construction, are becoming more commonplace.
Resiliency | Sep 27, 2017
The East Side Coastal Resiliency Project will span 2.5 miles of Lower Manhattan
The project will safeguard the Lower East Side against severe weather and rising sea levels.
Codes and Standards | Sep 11, 2017
Natural solutions would be most effective flood resilience policies for Houston
New green infrastructure should be part of rebuild.
Mixed-Use | Aug 30, 2017
A 50-acre waterfront redevelopment gets under way in Tampa
Nine architects, three interior designers, and nine contractors are involved in this $3 billion project.
Resiliency | Jun 7, 2017
New disaster-resilient infrastructure building and upgrades hope to keep Haven Plaza up and running
The affordable housing complex was hit hard during Hurricane Sandy, leaving residents without electricity or water.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017
Florida preparing to adjust to new building elevation requirements
New floodplain maps and state code changes loom.
