Roofs, Attics & Ceilings -

Roofs

Guide describing the installation of insulating sheathing above the roof deck on existing homes. This retrofit assembly is appropriate for homes with conditioned attics or where the retrofit is intended to create a conditioned attic.

Guide describing how to air-seal duct and flue shafts.

Guide describing how to air-seal around light tubes.

Guide describing how to correctly seal structural insulated panel (SIP) seams.

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 how to add spray foam insulation to the underside of the existing roof deck as part of the conversion of a vented attic to an unvented, insulated attic.

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 repair or replace skylights in existing homes.

Guide describing construction of gable roof overhangs to resist uplift pressures in high winds.

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 steps to take to minimize indoor humidity in preparation for cold winter weather.

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

A guide for choosing, installing, and flashing roof anchoring systems for solar panels.

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.

Guide outlining how to retrofit an exterior wall and/or attic to provide continuous air sealing.

Guide describing how to install step and kick-out flashing on roofs.

Guide describing a method for insulating an unvented attic by spraying foam insulation along the underside of the roof deck.

Guide describing construction of sloped roofs that are unvented and are insulated above the roof deck.

Guide describing an approach to re-roofing an existing flat roof to improve thermal, water, and air control performance.

Guide describing how to re-roof an existing home with a sloped and add insulation above the roof deck.

Guide describing the types of whole-house fans, installation details to reduce energy loss, and how to operate them for comfort and energy savings based on climate zone.