Whole-Building Design Strategies -

Disaster Resistance

Guide describing ways to seal drywall to the top plate of an exterior wall to air-seal the wall cavity.

Guide discussing disaster resistance related to asphalt shingle roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.

Guide providing guidance on insulating attic eaves in new and existing single-family homes and multifamily buildings.

Guide describing how to insulate and air-seal attic knee walls and floor joist cavities under knee walls.

Guide discussing disaster resistance related to clay or concrete tile roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.

Guide describing combustion furnaces with selection and installation guidance.

Guide describing ways to construct wall assemblies in cold climates to minimize the likelihood of condensation formation inside the walls.

Guide describing causes of condensation in attics and roof assemblies during cold weather and ways to reduce this condensation.

Guide describing condensing boilers and hot water heat distribution systems used for home heating.

Guide describing how ice dams form and how roofs can be constructed to prevent them.

Guide describing how to apply water management strategies to below grade walls.

Guide describing the use of doors that are insulated and are impact rated or have protective coverings for resistance to hurricane, high winds, wildfires and thermal losses.

Guide describing how to provide combustion air for fireplaces and how to test fireplaces for combustion safety.

Guide describing how to install low-e interior storm windows.

Guide describing how to install low-e exterior storm windows.

Guide describing how to construct homes and decks to manage heavy snow loads in winter weather.

Guide discussing disaster resistance related to metal roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.

Guide describing how to provide a continuous load path with appropriate connectors to improve the wind resistance of attached porches, carports, and decks during high-wind events.

Guide describing how to apply heavy membranes at eaves in cold climates to help guard against ice dams.

Guide describing how to seal roof valleys and how to seal around pipes, chimneys, and other roof deck penetrations.