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

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

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 apply water management strategies to below grade walls.

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

Guide describing how to select the siding materials best suited to withstand hazards the home is likely to face within its lifetime.

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

Guide describing how to retrofit older solid masonry homes to withstand seismic activity while including energy efficient retrofits.

Guide describing how to construct and retrofit homes built on slab-on-grade foundations in earthquake-prone areas to withstand seismic forces by properly installing wall to foundation connections.

Guide describing the need for adequate structural sheathing in exterior walls in homes in high-wind areas.

Guide describing how to construct the walls of a home with bracing to resist wind and earthquake loads.