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Library

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 101 - 123 of 123

Seismic Building Code Provisions for New Buildings to Create Safer Communities - Earthquake Resistance Through Building Codes

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency,
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
Organization(s)
FEMA,
NEHRP
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing improvements in the earthquake resistance of residential and commercial new construction through the adoption into the International Residential Code of seismic provisions including those developed by the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP).

Seismic Building Codes

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Website providing links to building codes, seismic codes, code enforcement, safe buildings, and seismic retrofitting.

Seismic Design Map

Author(s)
Structural Engineers Association of California,
California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
Organization(s)
SEAOC,
OSHPD
Publication Date
Web-based tool that uses the USGS web services to retrieve seismic design data and presents it in a report format.

Siding Cost.org

Author(s)
sidingcost.org
Organization(s)
sidingcost.org
Publication Date
Website providing the pros and cons of different siding materials for home building, including wood, vinyl, fiber cement, stucco, brick, metal, and stone.

Small Wind Electric Systems

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
A website discussing the use of consumer-grade small electric wind systems such as turbines to lower energy costs.

Standard for Wildfire Control, NFPA 295

Author(s)
National Fire Protection Association
Organization(s)
NFPA
Publication Date
Website containing links to key wildfire codes and standards.

Storm Prediction Center

Author(s)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
National Weather Service
Organization(s)
NOAA,
NWS
Publication Date
A website providing timely and accurate forecasts and watches for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes over the contiguous United States.

The Importance of Windows in Hot Climates

Author(s)
Ueno Kohta
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor,
GBA
Publication Date
Article from Green Building Advisor on the importance of window selection in hot climates, with an emphasis on window glazing.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Roofing Manual - 2020 Set

Author(s)
National Roofing Contractors Association
Organization(s)
NRCA
Publication Date
Manuals describing design, materials, and installation techniques applicable to almost all types of roof systems; four-volume set includes Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems, Membrane Roof Systems, Architectural Metal Flashing and Condensation and Air Leakage Control, and Steep-Slope Roof Systems.

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit Case Studies

Author(s)
U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
Organization(s)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
NOAA
Publication Date
Website providing guidance for people to find and use tools, information, and subject matter expertise to build climate resilience.

U.S. Geological Survey

Author(s)
U.S. Geological Survey
Organization(s)
USGS
Publication Date
Webpage for the United States Geological Survey for the Department of the Interior.

Vertical Bottom Inlet

Author(s)
Pacific Seismic Products
Organization(s)
Pacific Seismic Products
Publication Date
Products and specification for a State of California-compliant earthquake-actuated automatic gas shutoff valve.

Weather Related Fatality and Injury Statistics

Author(s)
National Weather Service,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Organization(s)
NOAA
Publication Date
Web page providing statistics on weather related fatalities and injuries.

What Are Seismic Shut-Off Valves?

Author(s)
MBS Engineering
Organization(s)
MBS Engineering
Publication Date
An informational guide established to educate the public on seismic shut-off valves and how to avoid fires following an earthquake.

What is a Levee?

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Document describing what levees are, how they work, and who owns them.

What Is a Seismic Shut-Off Valve?

Author(s)
MBS Engineering
Organization(s)
MBS Engineering
Publication Date
Infographic explaining what a seismic shut-off valve is and providing frequently asked questions.

Who's Leading: The Dance Between Mini-Splits and Existing HVAC Systems

Author(s)
Metzger Cheryn E
Publication Date
Conference paper presented at the 2020 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings presenting the results of an evaluation of control strategies used when new mini-splits are installed in a home with an existing HVAC system.

Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide

Author(s)
Restaino Christina,
Kocher Susan,
Shaw Nicole,
Hawks Steven,
Murphy Carlie,
Quarles Stephen L
Organization(s)
University of Nevada Reno Extension,
University of California Cooperative Extension,
Tahoe Resource Conservation District,
Cal Fire
Publication Date
A report for homeowners and contractors providing specific recommendations for how to retrofit existing components of a home to withstand wildfire.

Wildfire Prepared Protect Your Home from Wildfire

Author(s)
Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Webpage that providing designation program enables homeowners to take preventative measures for their home and yard to protect against wildfire.

Winter

Author(s)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Organization(s)
National Weather Service
Publication Date
Website sharing how to stay safe before, during, and after a winter storm.

Winter Weather

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Website providing consumers with general guidance on preparing for and surviving a winter storm.