Organization(s)
USGS
Publication Date
Description
A colored map showing seismic zones across the United States, ranging from lowest to highest seismic hazards.
This library contains research reports produced by the Building America program and other building science resources used to support this Solution Center. The materials cover both new construction and existing homes. Use the search box and/or the filters to explore hundreds of residential building resources. Access to some references not produced by Building America may require purchase from the publisher. Documents are listed alphabetically. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.
Showing results 1 - 45 of 45
Organization(s)
IAPMO
Publication Date
Description
Code set from IAPMO explaining plumbing standards. 2018 publication.
Organization(s)
AAMA,
CSA,
CSA Group,
WDMA,
Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance,
FGIA
Publication Date
Description
2017 version of a standard covering requirements for single- and dual-pane windows, glazed side-hinged door systems, sliding doors, tubular daylighting devices, and unit skylights developed jointly by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Canadian Standards Association...
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet from FEMA on preparation for extreme heat, including measures for keeping homes cool.
Organization(s)
Hammer & Hand
Publication Date
Description
This Best Practices Manual is the product of Hammer & Hand’s ongoing work to document and internally codify our standard operating procedures for construction practice.
Organization(s)
USFS,
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
Report examining the cost differences between a typical home and a home constructed using wildfire-resistant materials and design features.
Organization(s)
LBNL
Publication Date
Description
Tool developed by LBNL to calculate potential savings from increasing wall and roof solar reflectance.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Description
Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.
Organization(s)
DSA,
California Department of General Services,
DGS
Publication Date
Description
A quick guide from the California Division of the State Architect (DSA) explaining the three types of gas shutoff devices to stop the flow of natural gas into buildings in the event of an earthquake or rupture of the gas line.
Organization(s)
El Dorado County Fire District
Publication Date
Description
Document explaining requirements and recommendations for defensible space, with a focus on sloped vegetation.
Organization(s)
FDEP
Publication Date
Description
Handbook to help property owners understand the rules, procedures, standards, and criteria that apply to the environmental resource permit (ERP) program under Part IV of Chapter 373 of the Florida Statutes.
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Website providing the technical specifications and related documents for home builders, subcontractors, architects, and other housing professionals interested in certifying a home to the EPA's Indoor airPLUS program requirements.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report by the FEMA Mitigation Assessment Team on damages due to Hurricane Irma which struck Florida in September 2017, and recommendations for construction for future disaster resistance and preparedness.
Organization(s)
ATC,
Federal Emergency Management Agency,
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Reports describing a mathematical methodology for assessing the seismic performance of buildings.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Recovery Advisory document provide guidance related to the use and installation of opening protection systems to protect glazed openings (windows) from wind-borne debris during high-wind events.
Organization(s)
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension,
USDA Forest Service
Publication Date
Description
A guide to construction of wildfire resistant homes and communities.
Organization(s)
TFFT
Publication Date
Description
Five step plan from the Tahoe Fire & Fuels team outlining how to create an effective defensible space for wildfire protection. Recommendations include siting for homes on slopes.
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
Checklist highlighting the requirement for metal structural connections and materials fasteners used to retrofit or construct FORTIFIED buildings less than 3,000 ft from saltwater to be suitably protected from corrosion.
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
Checklist intending to clarify FORTIFIED Home™ eligibility requirements that relate to a home’s foundation.
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
Checklist describing requirements for roof sheathing along the gable end truss or rafter to achive a FORTIFIED Roof, including New Roof designations and exceptions.
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
Checklist providing prescriptive instructions on how to retrofit ladder framing on gable end overhangs to achieve a maximum depth of 18 in. from the face of the wall.
Organization(s)
U.S. Global Change Research Program
Publication Date
Description
Report analyzing the effect of global climate change on national interests, and providing climate predictions.
Organization(s)
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Publication Date
Description
Webpage describing federal regulation related to excess flow valves on residential natural gas lines.
Organization(s)
The Earthbound Report
Publication Date
Description
Article from The Earthbound Report on passive cooling design strategies for homes located in hot climates.
Organization(s)
4Ward Consulting Group
Publication Date
Description
A presentation describing the standards regarding who is responsible for what part of the design to ensure the roof truss is properly designed and braced.
Organization(s)
National Roofing Contractors Association
Publication Date
Description
A document providing guidance on integrating a PV array with a roof system.
Organization(s)
USDA
Publication Date
Description
Article describing the growth of the wildland urban interface in the United States from 1990 to 2010, expanding from 30.8 to 43.4 million homes (a 41% increase), and growing from 581,000 to 770,000 kM2 (33% growth), an increase of 189,000 km2, an area that is larger than Washington State.
Organization(s)
NFPA
Publication Date
Description
An NFPA standards document that provides minimum requirements for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of tanks and accessory equipment that supply water for private fire protection.
Organization(s)
OSHA
Publication Date
Description
A fact sheet educating the public on the proper operation of chainsaws to reduce the risk of injury from use.
Organization(s)
Purdue University
Publication Date
Description
Blog article describing considerations for how to use trees for shading to reduce cooling energy demand.
Organization(s)
Simpson Strong Tie
Publication Date
Description
Article describing how structural screws can be used to provide resistance to wind uplift in buildings.
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
Report assessing building codes in the 18 states most prone to hurricanes, as of 2018.
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
Report assessing and scoring code enforcement and administration and contractor licensing in the 18 states most vulnerable to catastrophic hurricanes along the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet explaining code-compliant methods for dealing with pests.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Recovery advisory guide providing guidance on existing code requirements as well as recommend best practices for attachment design, installation, and maintenance of rooftop solar panels to increase panel wind resistance in the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricane Maria.
Organization(s)
NFPA
Publication Date
Description
Website providing a link for purchasing NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant—Treated Wood and Fire–Retardant Coatings for Building Materials.
Organization(s)
NFPA
Publication Date
Description
Website providing a link for purchasing NFPA 1144, Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition Hazards from Wildland Fire.
Organization(s)
Town of Clarkdale
Publication Date
Description
Presentation on sustainable development including water conservation, passive solar, daylighting, natural ventilation, and land use.
Organization(s)
Fox News
Publication Date
Description
A story about bees building a hive in the drainage plane behind the brick veneer siding. The bees entered the wall through unprotected drainage holes.
Organization(s)
Texas A&M University,
University of Maryland
Publication Date
Description
Article from Texas A&M University and the University of Maryland analyzing why and how urban flooding happens and what can be done to mitigate damage.
Organization(s)
Vinyl Siding Institute
Publication Date
Description
Website describing proper methods for installing vinyl siding on homes.
Organization(s)
San Diego County
Publication Date
Description
A San Diego County standard outlining the requirements for installing fire protection water tanks.
Organization(s)
USDA
Publication Date
Description
Webpage describing the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and how to plan residential building to mitigate wildfire risks associated with building in the WUI.
Organization(s)
Journal of Structural Engineering
Publication Date
Description
Study analyzing wind pressures on hip roofs where two hip roofs come together forming an L or T shaped roof or building.
Organization(s)
U.S. DOE
Publication Date
Description
DOE presentation describing a project to study window attachments.