Library

Document describing three methods for elevating a home out of the flood zone.

Fact sheet describing air-sealing concerns and remedies, including HRV/ERV installation, caulking, spray foam, and weatherstrip installation.

Article describing how to stop air leaks around the windows and doors of a home.

Information sheet from FEMA on preparation for extreme heat, including measures for keeping homes cool.

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.

Document detailing how to build radon-resistant homes.

Fact sheet describing weatherstripping materials, types, expected life expectancy, installation requirements, and pros and cons.

Online textbook describing energy, including energy types, and energy use in homes.

ENERGY STAR specifications for residential window, door and skylights, Version 6, effective January 1, 2015.

Fact sheet discussing safe room and storm shelter door assemblies along with ICC® 500 compliance.

A website containing FEMA publications on safe rooms for both residential and community use.

Report comparing a high-performance house with a code-built control home.

Report describing dry floodproofing technologies for non-residential buildings, including information about regulatory requirements, design considerations, and descriptions of floodproofing methods and equipment.

Factsheet describing garage door pressure rating requirements in high wind– prone areas.

Website describing results of research on impacts to garage doors from hurricanes, tornadoes, and high wind events.

Website blog with guidance about calculating heat-loss.

Central return designs require an open pathway between the room and the heart of the house where the return grill is located.

Report describing ways to retrofit a home to make it more hurricane resistant.

Article describing the flashing of roofs and what to look for, targeted at home inspectors.

Article describing mulching with lawn clippings.

Fact sheet describing residential tornado safe room doors.

Fact sheet describing methods for flashing and air-sealing windows and doors.

Manual describing the installation process for Craneboard insulated vinyl siding; while installation is similar across insulated vinyl siding products, see manufacturers for specific guidance.

Standard establishing requirements for the performance and installation of gasketing systems including mortised to doors, frames or both which was published in the year 2021 and a can be purchased to be viewed in full from the ANSI webstore in the link.

Standard describing a test method measuring air-leakage rates through a building envelope under controlled pressurization and de-pressurization which was published in the year 2019 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link.

Standard describing two techniques for measuring air leakage rates through a building envelope in buildings that may be configured to a single zone which was published in the year 2022 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link.

A guide for homeowners on determining the risks from tornadoes and hurricanes and selecting a safe room type and location, as well as providing detailed plans for safe room construction.

Fact sheet describing best practices for flashing doors and windows to minimize air and water intrusion.

Article describing tips for effectively installing weatherstripping on windows and doors.

Article describing water leak detection and modes of testing (video camera inspection, hydrostatic pressure, electronic listening, isolation, and digital testing).

This text is one of series of supporting documents that provide guidance on implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for drinking-water quality; intended to support improvement of water safety within buildings.

Article describing the process of adding weatherstripping to and weatherizing old doors.

Webpage describing weatherstrip tips and tricks to properly air seal doors.

Article describing an overview of weatherstripping requirements.

Webpage describing how to flashing installation

Information sheet outlining the criteria for ENERGY STAR qualified, windows, doors, and skylights.

Article discussing the risks that can occur from undercutting bedroom doors to provide return airflow from bedrooms, as well as corrective measures that can be taken to address these risks.