Showing results 1 - 50 of 1165
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Example of the advanced framing technique, double-stud wall cavity, which will later be filled with blown insulation
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Impervious surfaces like patio slabs, sidewalks, and driveways that are within 10 feet of the home should slope away from the house.
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Install mesh insect barrier along the bottom of the rain screen behind the exterior cladding of above-grade walls
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These folding louvered porch doors provide effective shade from low-angle east and west sunlight and can open for views; the photovoltaic panels overhead allow in filtered natural light
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A 1- and ½-story home with a room located in the attic and the thermal boundary located at either a) the walls and ceiling of the attic room with small vented attic spaces or b) the roof line for an unvented attic
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A 5,000- 6,000 Btu/hr air conditioner drawing about 500 watts can be installed in one window of a designated cool room (it is important that the installation is insulated and well-sealed
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A battery storage system can provide reliable back-up power during a grid power outage
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A battery storage system's capacity is shown using three different usage approaches.
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A combination of brackets and self-locking drawers. Drawer closures should be used to protect the home during seismic events.
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A cone or disc of plastic or sheet metal can be installed on pipes and downspouts to prevent rodents from climbing up the outside and gaining access to the roof
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A continuous drainage mat rainscreen made from vacuum-molded plastic provides uniform support for the siding and allows moisture to flow horizontally and diagonally in addition to vertically.
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A continuous load path uses structural connections to transfer horizontal and vertical loads from the roof to the foundation to help keep the building intact in high-wind and seismic events
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A cool roof utilizes materials with high solar reflectance and thermal emittance to reflect solar energy and reduce heat gain to the home
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A cool room should have low enough heat gains to be easily cooled by a small single-zone cooling system such as a mini-split or a window air-conditioner as shown here
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A Corsi-Rosenthal Box is a highly effective DIY air cleaner made of easy to obtain materials such as HVAC filters, a box fan, cardboard, and tape
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A cross-section of a vinyl-framed window showing metal reinforcement which helps support the window and prevent collapse if exposed to heat from a fire.
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A deck or other attached structure located at the top of a slope with vegetation underneath is at high risk of ignition during a wildfire
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A dense concentration of buildings and pavement can create the Urban Heat Island Effect, where local temperatures can be several degrees higher than the surrounding areas
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A dormer with an openable window (not shown) can provide access to the roof if flood waters rise too high and too quickly; the dormer should be properly insulated, flashed, and air sealed
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A dry hydrant is a pipe a homeowner can have installed in a natural water source on their rural property to provide easy access to the water by firefighting crews.
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A drywell, shown here used for downspout catchment, can also be used to receive water from a French drain.
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A flat plate solar hot water system heat potable water in a glass covered collector that sits on the roof.
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A French drain contains a perforated drain pipe wrapped in rock and landscape fabric.
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A fuel tank elevated above the design flood elevation on a platform in a high velocity flow area.
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A fuel tank is strapped onto a concrete slab at the top of compacted fill above the DFE.
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A fuel tank should be anchored with ground anchors designed for site conditions to maintain secure connection to its base in a flood or earthquake
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A gable end failure due to improper bracing caused collapse of most of the trusses on this roof under hurricane force wind conditions.
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A green strip is a type of fuel break planted with less flammable vegetation; e.g., crested wheatgrass.
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A layer of pea gravel or crushed stone, 4 inches thick and sloped 5%, provides a pest-resistant ground break around the perimeter of a slab foundation
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A layer of pea gravel or crushed stone, 4 inches thick and sloped 5%, provides a pest-resistant ground break around the perimeter of a basement foundation
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A low-sloped shed roof with the thermal boundary located at either a) the flat ceiling with a vented attic or b) the roof line for an unvented attic
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A masonry chimney is reconstructed to withstand seismic forces by adding an insert to the existing firebox
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A masonry chimney is reconstructed to withstand seismic forces by completely retrofitting the firebox and chimney using light-frame construction on the top of the foundation
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A masonry chimney is reconstructed to withstand seismic forces by maintaining the current firebox but replacing the chimney section with a metal flue and light-weight chimney enclosure.
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A masonry chimney is shortened and capped at roof level to reduce its chances of detaching in high winds or earthquakes; the fireplace can no longer be used.
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A metal storm panel is installed in a track permanently mounted above and below the window frame and secured with wing nuts to studs mounted on the track.
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A mini-split air-conditioning system can be a highly effective low-energy approach to provide cooling to one designated zone in the house
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A molded plastic drainage board rainscreen allows vertical drainage while providing uniform support for the siding and resisting compression from screws and nails.
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A patio and wall constructed of noncombustible concrete, stone, or brick helps to deflect heat and protect the deck and house from approaching wildfires.
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A permanent awning prevents snow and overflowing ice dams from causing damage to HVAC equipment below.
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A piece of siding is used as sill extension and to provide slope in the opening for the window, which is deeper because exterior rigid foam has been added
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A plastic fiber drainage mat rainscreen provides uniform support for the siding and allows moisture to flow horizontally and diagonally in addition to vertically.
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A professional tree survey should be made prior to construction to assess the health and usefulness of each tree surrounding the future home and to determine which trees on a building site should be preserved.
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A raised wood pier foundation can raise the subfloor above the design flood elevation.