Library

2015 edition of code establishing a baseline for existing building retrofits to reach appropriate safety levels under new construction requirements covered in other ICC codes.

2021 edition of code establishing a baseline for existing building retrofits to reach appropriate safety levels under new construction requirements covered in other ICC codes.

Catalog describing FEMA preparedness seminars from 2021 including preparedness and natural hazards topics.

Article describing products that can enhance the efficiency and safety of clothes dryer vents.

Report providing builders in marine climates with guidance for building homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

Web page describing essential guidelines and recommendations for optimal installation of ductless heat pumps in cold climates, ensuring maximum heating performance and long-term satisfaction for homeowners, supported by research-backed insights and detailed resources.

Article describing tree health, environmental considerations, and details on how to preserve trees.

Energy Star web page providing guidance on attic ventilation.

Website containing commercial information related to air conditioning and heating.

Fact sheet describing best strategies to bring ductwork on single-story homes with a slab-on-grade foundation in hot, dry climates into the conditioned envelope of the home intending to highlight the pros and cons of multiple ductwork integration strategies, including traditional duct systems in...

Report describing advanced framing techniques, including discussion of cost and energy savings.

Specifications for water heating systems designed to advance higher performing electric and gas heat pump water heaters.

Specification sheet for residential, commercial, multifamily, and industrial water heaters and heating systems.

Technical report describing the SPS (Structural Panel System), an innovative implementation of the "perfect wall" concept, situating environmental control layers on the exterior side of structural components for improved constructability, cost-effectiveness, and performance, validated through the...

Article describing shade trees and how to plant, maintain, and replace them.

Webpage that gives an introduction to PSC motors and their operation.

This ANSI/RESNET/ICC standard provides a consistent, uniform methodology for evaluating the airtightness of building, dwelling unit, and sleeping unit enclosures and heating and cooling air distribution systems, and the air flows of mechanical ventilation systems.

Power Point PDF presentation on historical architecture in New Mexico

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.”

Fact sheet describing recommended practices for installing brick veneer that will enhance wind resistance in high wind regions and examples of proper installations and brick veneer tie spacings; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”

Document providing background and approach for the prep work necessary prior to adding attic insulation - focusing on combustion safety, ventilation for indoor air quality, and attic ventilation for durability.

Web page describing the benefits of attic fans, with rules for sizing fans and intake vents.

Blog article discussing pros and cons of attic ventilation fans.

Webpage describing how to improve a variable capacity heat pump's efficiency by not programming a deep setback on the thermostat.

Article describing different kinds of water-resistant backer boards.

DOE report characterizing market and technical barriers impeding broader utilization of fault detection technology for residential HVAC energy efficiency applications.

Article describing the benefits trees provide through quotes and anecdotes.

Report describing detailed information on costs associated with the installation of electric vehicle chargers.

Book presenting the best techniques for energy and resource efficient residential construction in the colder climates of North America.

Document providing guidance to U.S. home builders who want to accept the challenge.

Report summarizing the guidelines for developing and reporting analytical results in a consistent and meaningful manner for all home energy uses.

Report investigating implementation of advanced framing in both production and prototype built homes built in a variety of climate regions across the USA.

Research study describing a number of promising foundation and basement insulation strategies that can meet the requirement for better thermal control in colder climates while enhancing moisture control, health, and comfort.

Report comparing a variety of roof insulating strategies to present their advantages and disadvantages according to several comparison criteria.

Website providing information about the Title 24 building energy efficiency standards for the State of California and links to current and past standards including the 2025, 2022, 2019, and 2016 standards, etc.

State code requiring energy efficiency measures for residential and commercial buildings.

Document providing an example procedure for establishing acceptance-range criteria to assess results from software undergoing BESTEST-EX.

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

Webpage explaining how to site and orient a house to take advantage of the solar path.

Report describing ventilation system design, including a central fan integrated supply (CFIS) system, made up of a 6-inch outdoor air intake duct connected to the return side of the air handler with a fan cycling control to make sure the fan runs a programmed minimum amount of time.

Fact sheet providing guidance and best practices on the selection of building materials used for coastal construction, and discussing flood, wind, corrosion, decay resistance, and protection recommendations; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact...

Fact sheet describing the characteristics that make for a successful coastal residential building, including design and construction recommendations; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”

Installation manual describing proper installation practices, industry standards and the code requirements of roofing tiles.

Article describing the process of constructing concrete walls

Guidance from Zero Energy Project on construction techniques for warmer climates, such as home orientation, and insulation requirements.

Webpage from U.S. Department of Energy describing 'cool roofs' and their usage for passive home cooling.

DOE Energy Saver webpage summarizing the use of whole-house fans for cooling.

Fact sheet summarizing NFIP requirements, general guidelines, and recommendations concerning the construction and installation of decks, access stairs and elevators, swimming pools, and accessory buildings under or near coastal residential buildings; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s...

Fact sheet describing design and construction practices that reduce the likelihood of flood damage in the event that flood levels exceed the BFE, including illustrations of appropriate construction practices; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact...

Report providing guidance on designing buildings to be flood resistant.