Disaster Resistance -
Winter Weather
Description
Information guide providing an overview of winter weather issues for home owners and building science solutions for home builders.
Roof Type
Description
Guide discussing disaster resistance related to asphalt shingle roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.
Description
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.
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Guide discussing disaster resistance related to metal roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.
Description
Guide describing how to construct homes and decks to manage heavy snow loads in winter weather.
Roof Sealing / Sheathing / Venting
Description
Guide describing causes of condensation in attics and roof assemblies during cold weather and ways to reduce this condensation.
Description
Guide describing how to seal roof valleys and how to seal around pipes, chimneys, and other roof deck penetrations.
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Guide describing how to apply heavy membranes at eaves in cold climates to help guard against ice dams.
Description
Guide describing how ice dams form and how roofs can be constructed to prevent them.
Roof Attachments
Description
Guide describing the installation of gutters, downspouts, and alternate options for managing rainwater run-off from roofs.
Attic Insulation / Air Sealing
Description
Information guide describing proper attic air sealing, insulation, and ventilation to combat ice dam formation on roofs in cold climate zones.
Description
Guide providing information about constructing a roof with full insulation at the eaves, and insulating eaves in existing homes.
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Guide describing methods for insulating an unvented attic along the roof line.
Description
Guide describing how to air seal attic access panels, doors, and stairs to provide a continuous air barrier at the ceiling.
Description
This guides describes how to insulate and air seal attic knee walls and floor joist cavities under knee walls.
Description
Guide describing how to correctly air seal a wall with missing top plates or open wall cavities.
Description
Guide describing ways to seal drywall to the top plate of an exterior wall to air seal the wall cavity.
Description
Guide describing air sealing of non-ICAT recessed lights installed in accessible attics of existing homes.
Walls
Description
Guide describing ways to construct wall assemblies in cold climates to minimize the likelihood of condensation formation inside the walls.
Windows
Description
Guide providing information about high-performance and high-efficiency windows including ENERGY STAR-certified windows.
Description
Guide describing how to install low-e interior storm windows.
Description
Guide describing how to install low-e exterior storm windows.
Doors
Description
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.
Porches / Carports / Decks
Description
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.
Foundation
Description
Guide describing how to insulate a basement to improve the overall thermal performance of the building and provide more dry, usable conditioned space for home occupants and for HVAC equipment.
Description
Guide describing methods for insulating an unvented crawlspace or conditioned basement with rigid foam on the interior side of the walls to provide an insulated space for HVAC equipment.
Description
Guide describing how to apply water management strategies to below grade walls.
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Guide describing how to insulate slabs on grade in climate zones 3 and higher.
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Guide describing appropriate flooring for wet areas of the home.
Description
Guide describing how to properly grade a site so water will flow away from the foundation.
Operations
Description
Guide describing steps to take to minimize indoor humidity in preparation for cold winter weather.
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Guide describing space planning for emergency supplies storage.
Equipment
Description
Guide describing how to provide combustion air for fireplaces and how to test fireplaces for combustion safety.
Description
Information guide describing options and considerations for installing a generator for backup power in case of temporary power outages.
Description
This guide describes home stationary battery storage and associated electric panel and equipment needed to safely supply electricity during a blackout. As homes become increasingly reliant on electricity for cooking, water heating, and space conditioning, a blackout becomes more disruptive. These...
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Guide describing combustion furnaces with compliance and installation guidance.
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Guide describing condensing boilers and hot water heat distribution systems used for home heating.
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Guide describing how to install a tankless hot water heater in a new or existing home to provide domestic hot water that is heated on demand without the standby losses associated with tank storage water heaters
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Guide describing installation procedures for combined space and water heating systems.
Description
Guide describing gas-fired boilers and hot water heat distribution systems used for home heating.