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 385 results:

Video:

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

Image:

A contractor prepares a home for a full window replacement

A contractor prepares a home for a full window replacement
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 Kalamazoo homeowner reduced wintertime chill, condensation, and snowblower noise by installing high-performance interior storm windows

A Kalamazoo homeowner reduced wintertime chill, condensation, and snowblower noise by installing high-performance interior storm windows
Image:

A metal storm panel is installed in a track permanently mounted above and below the window frame and secured with wing nuts to studs mounted on the track.

A metal storm panel is installed in a track permanently mounted above and below the window frame and secured with wing nuts to studs mounted on the track.
Image:

A new high-performance window will be installed in the rough opening of this existing home

A new high-performance window will be installed in the rough opening of this existing home
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 piece of siding is used as sill extension and to provide slope in the opening for the window, which is deeper because exterior rigid foam has been added

A piece of siding is used as sill extension and to provide slope in the opening for the window, which is deeper because exterior rigid foam has been added
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 thin-triple window uses a narrow interior glass pane and narrower gaps between panels often filled with krypton, rather than argon gas, to achieve triple-pane performance with an IGU that fits in a double-pane window frame

A thin-triple window uses a narrow interior glass pane and narrower gaps between panels often filled with krypton, rather than argon gas, to achieve triple-pane performance with an IGU that fits in a double-pane window frame
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:

Accordion-type hurricane shutters protect sliding glass doors from high winds and wind-borne debris.

Accordion-type hurricane shutters protect sliding glass doors from high winds and wind-borne debris.
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:

Air seal and insulate drawer and closet boxes in attic kneewalls

Air seal and insulate drawer and closet boxes in attic kneewalls
Image:

Air seal around all duct shafts and flues installed through ceilings, walls, or flooring to keep conditioned air from leaking into unconditioned space.

Air seal around all duct shafts and flues installed through ceilings, walls, or flooring to keep conditioned air from leaking into unconditioned space.
Image:

Air seal around kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to keep conditioned air from leaking into unconditioned space.

Air seal around kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to keep conditioned air from leaking into unconditioned space.
CAD File:

Air seal at chase walls - plan

Preview Image
Air seal at chase walls - plan