Library

Article describing vapor retarder requirements in the International Residential Code and International Building Code 2021.

Article describing methods for venting a vented attic and a roof assembly over an unvented attic.

Report providing guidance on wet floodproofing crawlspaces, unfinished basements, and garages.

Article about different types of weather resistant barrier.

Technical fact sheet describing ways to construct asphalt shingle roofs to be more resistant to high winds and hurricanes; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”

Report describing approaches to insulating basements in homes built to meet Energy Star levels of performance of heat loss reduction.

Fact sheet describing basement insulation considerations.

Information sheet describing techniques for insulating basements.

YouTube channel featuring 90+ videos to educate Bay Area homeowners and contractors about seismic retrofitting, including information for various home and construction types.

Web based tool providing decision-making guidance for selecting wall assembly components.

Article describing the control layers (air, thermal, and vapor barriers) needed to build homes successfully in very cold locations.

Information sheet discussing how OSB will define the future of the structural sheathing market. OSB will define the future of the structural sheathing market. - See more at: http://bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/by-title/choosing-between-oriented-strandboard-and-plywood/#sthash.RilEtDpl.dpuf

Information guide describing issues with concrete floors, in multiple climate zones.

Information sheet about what length screws should be used, and how closely to space the screws when fastening furring strips to a foam-sheathed wall.

Article explaining what a continuous load path is and the key connection points that make it up.

Article describing methods to manage moisture, rainwater, and vapor in basements and crawlspaces.

Factsheet describing ways to install sheathing over existing 1x roof decking.

Checklist describing requirements for roof sheathing along the gable end truss or rafter to achive a FORTIFIED Roof, including New Roof designations and exceptions.

Checklist highlighting key concepts of wind design uplift pressures and design uplift pressure ratings for proper selection and installation of residential roof covering systems to comply with section R905.1 of the 2015 International Residential Code for a FORTIFIED Roof™–New Roof designation.

Checklist providing selection and installation guidance for residential, non-structural metal roof systems installed over wood roof decks with a roof slope 2:12 or greater to comply with section R905.1 of the 2015 IRC for a FORTIFIED Roof – New Roof Designation.

Checklist providing additional guidance and options for asphalt shingle installations at roof edges, intersections and valleys.

Website offering an online training that teaches disaster-resistant best practices for roofers.

Handbook providing guidance on the design and construction of foundations for homes, including insulation, air sealing, and water management details for basements, crawlspaces, and slabs.

Article describing what the building codes say about frost-protected shallow foundations as a cost-saving alternative to conventional concrete foundations.

Guides describing frost-protected shallow foundations as an alternative method for building an energy-efficient foundation for a house in a cold climate that uses less concrete and saves on labor.

Article describing frost-protected shallow foundations with construction drawing details.

Document that gives a step-by-step approach for designing attachments for cladding materials through foam sheathing.

Brochure describing FEMA documents and foundation tips for floodproofing homes.

Blog entry describing methods for insulating basement walls on the interior or exterior.

An article and video of a breakdown on the preparation and installation of basement insulation.

Report outlining results from a 2005 hygrothermal pilot study in the South.

Video describing how a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) is constructed and including use of a stay-in-place EPS (expanded polystyrene) footing form that provides insulation and simplifies the installation of frost-protected monolithic concrete slab foundations.

Video describing how a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) is constructed and including use of a stay-in-place EPS (expanded polystyrene) footing form that provides insulation and simplifies the installation of frost-protected monolithic concrete slab foundations.

Information sheet providing links and resources for insulating basements in cold climates.

Article showing steps for kick out flashing at roof-wall intersection.

Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.

Discussion of building sheathing.

Document describing guidance and requirements for flood openings in walls at and below grade.

Report covering wind loading on roofing assemblies.

Information sheet including a checklist of steps to follow for pouring concrete.

Website providing information about how to keep the properties rat-free and address conditions that can lead to rats.

Report describing how to construct a frost protected shallow foundation (FPSF) as a practical alternative to a deeper, more-costly foundation in cold regions with seasonal ground freezing and the potential for frost heave.

Fact sheet describing proper roof sheathing installation and illustrating fastening methods that will enhance the durability of a building in high-wind areas; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”

Fact sheet describing building envelope performance measures applicable to residential and small commercial construction.

Guide describing the installation of windows in walls that have foam plastic insulating; guide provides several methods for attaching, supporting, and flashing windows in walls with rigid foam sheathing. (Note: The link only goes to the table of contents for the guide, the full guide can be...

Website providing information on all types of pest management for multi-family housing.

Information sheet describing correct application of stucco.

Discussion of building sheathing.

Report presenting information that aids qualified architects and engineers in the identification of the best available refuge areas in existing buildings for sheltering in place during a tornado.

Information sheet with methods for constructing or retrofitting basements to reduce moisture issues.