Skip to main content

Resources

Explore a library of home construction and renovation guidance and easily search through galleries containing hundreds of building science-related photos, drawings, videos, CAD files, case studies, and presentations.

Filter

View Library

Showing 1 - 24 of 236 results:

Video:

5 key areas around the home you must examine when assessing wildfire risk

Image:

A central fan-integrated supply system uses a fresh air intake ducted to the home's central furnace or air handler unit to supply fresh air throughout the home

A central fan-integrated supply system uses a fresh air intake ducted to the home's central furnace or air handler unit to supply fresh air throughout the home
Image:

A comparison of a dirty furnace filter on left and clean filter on right. Dirty filters block airflow and make the furnace or air handler work harder.

A comparison of a dirty furnace filter on left and clean filter on right. Dirty filters block airflow and make the furnace or air handler work harder.
Image:

A Corsi-Rosenthal Box is a highly effective DIY air cleaner made of easy to obtain materials such as HVAC filters, a box fan, cardboard, and tape

A Corsi-Rosenthal Box is a highly effective DIY air cleaner made of easy to obtain materials such as HVAC filters, a box fan, cardboard, and tape
Image:

A cross-section of a vinyl-framed window showing metal reinforcement which helps support the window and prevent collapse if exposed to heat from a fire.

A cross-section of a vinyl-framed window showing metal reinforcement which helps support the window and prevent collapse if exposed to heat from a fire.
Image:

A deck or other attached structure located at the top of a slope with vegetation underneath is at high risk of ignition during a wildfire

A deck or other attached structure located at the top of a slope with vegetation underneath is at high risk of ignition during a wildfire
Image:

A dry hydrant is a pipe a homeowner can have installed in a natural water source on their rural property to provide easy access to the water by firefighting crews.

A dry hydrant is a pipe a homeowner can have installed in a natural water source on their rural property to provide easy access to the water by firefighting crews.
Image:

A green strip is a type of fuel break planted with less flammable vegetation; e.g., crested wheatgrass.

A green strip is a type of fuel break planted with less flammable vegetation; e.g., crested wheatgrass.
Image:

A North American map showing states with active NFPA fire sprinkler coalitions.

A North American map showing states with active NFPA fire sprinkler coalitions.
Image:

A patio and wall constructed of noncombustible concrete, stone, or brick helps to deflect heat and protect the deck and house from approaching wildfires.

A patio and wall constructed of noncombustible concrete, stone, or brick helps to deflect heat and protect the deck and house from approaching wildfires.
Image:

A reciprocating saw works well to cut PVC pipe during pool pump installation

A reciprocating saw works well to cut PVC pipe during pool pump installation
Image:

A roughed-in fire sprinkler head (left) and fire sprinkler riser (right), both using CPVC piping.

A roughed-in fire sprinkler head (left) and fire sprinkler riser (right), both using CPVC piping.
Image:

A shaded fuel break is created on forested lands when trees are thinned, tree canopies are raised by removing lower branches, and the understory vegetation is managed to reduce the fire threat.

A shaded fuel break is created on forested lands when trees are thinned, tree canopies are raised by removing lower branches, and the understory vegetation is managed to reduce the fire threat.
Image:

A wall assembly approved for use in the wildland-urban interface has 5/8-inch type X gypsum installed exterior of the wood sheathing and an exterior covering or siding that has a 1-hour fire-resistance rating

A wall assembly approved for use in the wildland-urban interface has 5/8-inch type X gypsum installed exterior of the wood sheathing and an exterior covering or siding that has a 1-hour fire-resistance rating
Image:

Above-ground welded-steel cistern with hydrant for fire engine hose hookup installed on private land for residential fire suppression.

Above-ground welded-steel cistern with hydrant for fire engine hose hookup installed on private land for residential fire suppression.
Image:

Adjustable weatherstripping can be installed around the interior side of the door frame to help keep out wind-blown rain and embers and hot gasses from wildfires (FEMA 577).

Adjustable weatherstripping can be installed around the interior side of the door frame to help keep out wind-blown rain and embers and hot gasses from wildfires (FEMA 577).
Image:

After inserting the new filter, replace the filter slot cover to minimize air leakage and heat loss.

After inserting the new filter, replace the filter slot cover to minimize air leakage and heat loss.
Video:

Air Sealing Retrofits: Reduce Air Bypass at the Return Grille by Taping around the Filter with Removable Tape

Image:

All return air and mechanically supplied outdoor air pass through filter prior to conditioning

All return air and mechanically supplied outdoor air pass through filter prior to conditioning
Image:

Annual Wildfires and Acres Burned, including Wildland Fires on Federal and Nonfederal lands (1991-2020)

Annual Wildfires and Acres Burned, including Wildland Fires on Federal and Nonfederal lands (1991-2020)
Video:

BCD500 (Segment 1 of 3) Code Requirements for Fire and Sound

Image:

Bioswales or rain gardens filter storm water through vegetation and rock and sand substrate layers.

Bioswales or rain gardens filter storm water through vegetation and rock and sand substrate layers.
Case Study:

Builders Challenge High Performance Builder Spotlight: David Weekley Homes, Houston, Texas

Case Study:

Building America Top Innovations 2014: California Energy Standards Recognize the Importance of Filter Selection