Guides A-Z

Rigid Foam Insulation Installed over Existing Foundation Slabs

Guide describing how to insulate an existing slab floor by adding rigid foam insulation over the slab then installing a floating subfloor.

Roof Anchor System for Solar Panels

A guide for choosing, installing, and flashing roof anchoring systems for solar panels.

Roof Deck Sheathing and Sealing for Sloped Roofs

Guide describing requirements for sheathing and sealing the roof decking in accordance with the requirements of the IBHS Fortified Home Program's Hurricane and High Wind Standards, and other roofing considerations to increase the roof's disaster resistance.

Roof Eaves Sealed with Self-Adhering Membrane in Cold Climates

Guide describing how to apply heavy membranes at eaves in cold climates to help guard against ice dams.

Roof Edge Protection

Guide describing designs and construction retrofits for roof assemblies to resist pressures at roof edges during high-wind events.

Roof Escape Openings for Flood-Prone Areas

Guide describing options for providing access to the roof via openable skylights, dormer windows, or roof hatches, for occupants of homes in areas prone to severe flooding.

Roof/Attic to Exterior Wall Air Control Upgrade

Guide outlining how to retrofit an exterior wall and/or attic to provide continuous air sealing.

Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters

Guide describing design for shelter-in-place spaces during windstorm storm events.

Screens and Other Deterrents for Birds, Rodents, and Other Pests

Guide describing steps to keep birds, rodents, and other pests out of vent openings and other locations in new and existing homes.

Sealed and Insulated Fiber Board Ducts

Guide describing how to air seal and insulate fiber board ducts.

Sealed and Insulated Flex Ducts

Guide describing how to air seal and insulate flex ducts.

Sealed and Insulated Metal Ducts

Guide describing how to air seal and insulate metal ducts.

Sealing Duct Boots to Floor or Drywall

Guide describing how to air seal around duct shafts and flues installed through ceilings, walls and flooring in new and existing homes.

Seismic and Insulation Retrofits of Solid Masonry Walls

Guide describing how to retrofit older solid masonry homes to withstand seismic activity while including energy efficient retrofits.

Seismic and Thermal Resistance in Slab-on-Grade Foundations with Turned-Down Footings (Monolithic Slabs)

Guide describing how to construct and retrofit homes built on slab-on-grade foundations in earthquake-prone areas to withstand seismic forces by properly installing wall to foundation connections.

Service Water Pressure

Guide describing service water pressure requirements for EPA's WaterSense Program.

Shading and Solar Control for Windows and Skylights

Guide describing various methods of shading and solar control to reduce heat gain through windows.

Showerheads

Guide describing how to install WaterSense® labeled showerheads.

Site Drainage Practices to Minimize Localized Flooding

Guide describing steps that builders can take to reduce the likelihood of standing water and localized flooding around the foundation of a home during rainy conditions, with links to several full guides providing detailed instructions for improving water management in new and existing homes.