Library

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.

Code establishing the rules of safety relating only to pressure integrity for the design, fabrication, and inspection of boilers and pressure vessels during construction which was published in the year 2021 and is available to order at the referenced link.

Article Describing methods for thermally isolating multifamily parking garages.

Report examining the cost differences between a typical home and a home constructed using wildfire-resistant materials and design features.

A website providing information on the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Solution Center, a source for innovations in residential building energy performance, energy efficiency, quality, affordability and comfort for more than 20 years.

Guide describing methodologies for assessing and mitigating thermal bridging in building envelopes, featuring detailed performance data, interface solutions, and assembly-specific strategies for energy-efficient construction.

California Office of the State Fire Marshal's homepage for the Building Materials Listing Program, providing builders, contractors, architects, and others with access to a database of fire alarm systems and fire-resistant construction materials including roof coverings, wall, ceiling, and floor...

California Office of the State Fire Marshal's compiled and searchable list of different building materials and their test results for fire resistance.

A comprehensive list of professional certifications offered by the Building Performance Institute. The webpage includes links to overviews of the different certificates, certification scheme handbooks, and directions for taking certification exams and recertification.

California State Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 8, Article 3, listing requirements for plumbing contractors.

Website homepage of the California Energy Commission.

Article describing the principle of capillarity in construction materials.

Catalog describing FEMA earthquake-resistant construction resources.

Website providing disaster preparedness information and resources for residents and building owners in locations susceptible to earthquakes.

A website describing a list of common vocabulary used when describing light bulbs.

A simple three-step guide for homeowners who are looking to replace existing light bulbs with more energy-efficient, higher-performing bulbs.

A list of EPA-certified wood-burning appliances for home heating for a range of budgets.

You can save energy and maintain a comfortable swimming pool temperature by using a smaller, higher efficiency pump and by operating it less.

A website explaining how to quickly clean up a broken compact fluorescent lightbulb.

Climate Consultant is a software tool for helping architects, builders, contractor, homeowners, and students to understand their local climate.

Website providing building science based guidance and training for residential construction.

Standard covering requirements for the assembly, installation, maintenance, and operation of controls and safety devices on automatically operated boilers directly fired with gas, oil, gas-oil, or electricity, having fuel input ratings under 12,500,000 Btu/hr.

Article describing the use of whole-house fans to provide cooling in the region surrounding Sacramento, CA.

Tool developed by LBNL to calculate potential savings from increasing wall and roof solar reflectance.

Standard describing prediction, mitigation, and reduction of moisture damage to the building envelope, materials, components, systems, and furnishings, depending on climate, construction type, and HVAC system operation; the webstore allows preview or full purchase.

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.

Wildfire resistant home checklist from Murray Milne, a professor of architecture at UCLA, who outlines seven steps to take to improve a home's chance of survival during a wildfire.

Report identifying codes and standards that embody the concepts of resiliency.

Guidelines from PG&E outlining how to stay safe during a flood event by shutting off natural gas and electric service to the home.

Article describing risks of living in wildfire-prone areas of southern California and ways to reduce risks to homes and communities.

Website for the Advanced Manufacturing Office detailing work on R&D projects, R&D consortia, and early-stage technical partnerships with national laboratories, companies (for-profit and not-for profit), state and local governments, and universities through competitive, merit reviewed funding...

Consolidated checklist for the U.S. Department of Energy Challenge Home National Program.

Information sheet with safety tips for home owners on proper maintenance of clothes dryers.

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.

Document explaining requirements and recommendations for defensible space, with a focus on sloped vegetation.

Study testing the effect of fan cooling on healthy adults at increased ambient temperatures.

Report describing guidance for selecting an electric vehicle charger

A factsheet that provides information and requirements for emergency water supplies for firefighting in Boulder County, Colorado.

Website from the U.S. Department of Energy providing consumers with information on saving energy and using renewable energy technologies.

Article by Energy Saver on how to save energy with your thermostat.

Website providing a listing of ENERGY STAR certified interior and exterior storm windows

Report from ENERGY STAR on HVAC design for homes.

A list of clothes dryers that made the EnergyStar Most Efficient list for 2021, delivering cutting technological innovation along with energy efficiency.

Webpage recognizing the most efficient products among those that are ENERGY STAR certified.

Homepage for NREL research, support, and deployment information for the safety and health of workers, visitors, the public, the environment, and laboratory assets.

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.

Article in the SIPA Technical Bulletin (No. 11) comparing the earthquake resistance of light-frame wood shear wall construction to residential construction with structural insulated panels (SIPS).

This report evaluates the performance of variable-capacity comfort systems, with a focus on inverter-driven, variable-capacity systems, as well as proposed system enhancements.

DOE-sponsored report describing a study investigating the energy savings potential of cellular shades in homes.