Whole-Building Design Strategies -

Disaster Resistance

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 application of a radiant barrier layer in the attic to block radiant heat transfer between hot surfaces and heat-absorbing surfaces.

Guide describing ways to strengthen roof assemblies for resistance to hurricanes, high winds, and earthquakes.

Guide providing information about flashing around a chimney to protect the intersection of the roof and chimney walls from water intrusion and anchoring of a chimney to prevent collapse in high winds.

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

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

Guide describing how to provide a strong continuous load path from the roof through the wall to the foundation to ensure a structurally sound building and increase racking resistance in hurricanes, high winds, tornados, and earthquakes.

Guide describing how to create a designated shelter-from-heat space in a home to help occupants successfully weather an extreme heat event.

Guide describing the installation of roof vents that are resistant to damage from high winds and entry of wind-borne rain, wildfire embers, or pests.

Guide describing garage doors that are pressure-rated to withstand wind pressures from hurricanes, high winds, and tornados.

Guide describing the advantages and disadvantages of gable roofs and hip roofs and how both designs react under high wind loads.

Guide describing how to brace gable end walls to resist wind pressures.

A guide describing how to install low-sloped ("flat") roofs with insulation above the roof deck that resist wind pressures during high-wind events.

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 ways to retrofit an existing roof to increase its resistance to damage during hurricanes, high winds, and earthquakes.

Guide describing requirements for sheathing and sealing the roof decking in accordance with the requirements of the IBHS Fortified Home Program's Hurricane and High Wind Standards, and other roofing considerations to increase the roof's disaster resistance.

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

Guide describing designs and construction retrofits for roof assemblies to resist pressures at roof edges during high-wind events.

Guide describing options for providing access to the roof via openable skylights, dormer windows, or roof hatches, for occupants of homes in areas prone to severe flooding.

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