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Presentation:

1 Building Science for Dry Climates - Introduction

1 Building Science for Dry Climates Title Slide
Video:

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

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A 5,000- 6,000 Btu/hr air conditioner drawing about 500 watts can be installed in one window of a designated cool room (it is important that the installation is insulated and well-sealed

A 5,000- 6,000 Btu/hr air conditioner drawing about 500 watts can be installed in one window of a designated cool room (it is important that the installation is insulated and well-sealed
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A battery storage system can provide reliable back-up power during a grid power outage

A battery storage system can provide reliable back-up power during a grid power outage
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A cool roof utilizes materials with high solar reflectance and thermal emittance to reflect solar energy and reduce heat gain to the home

A cool roof utilizes materials with high solar reflectance and thermal emittance to reflect solar energy and reduce heat gain to the home
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A cool room should have low enough heat gains to be easily cooled by a small single-zone cooling system such as a mini-split or a window air-conditioner as shown here

A cool room should have low enough heat gains to be easily cooled by a small single-zone cooling system such as a mini-split or a window air-conditioner as shown here
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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
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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.
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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
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A dense concentration of buildings and pavement can create the Urban Heat Island Effect, where local temperatures can be several degrees higher than the surrounding areas

A dense concentration of buildings and pavement can create the Urban Heat Island Effect, where local temperatures can be several degrees higher than the surrounding areas
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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.
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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.
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A mini-split air-conditioning system can be a highly effective low-energy approach to provide cooling to one designated zone in the house

A mini-split air-conditioning system can be a highly effective low-energy approach to provide cooling to one designated zone in the house
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A North American map showing states with active NFPA fire sprinkler coalitions.

A North American map showing states with active NFPA fire sprinkler coalitions.
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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.
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A professional tree survey should be made prior to construction to assess the health and usefulness of each tree surrounding the future home and to determine which trees on a building site should be preserved.

A professional tree survey should be made prior to construction to assess the health and usefulness of each tree surrounding the future home and to determine which trees on a building site should be preserved
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A reversible window fan can operate via thermostatic or remote control and can selectively exhaust air or bring in outdoor air

A reversible window fan can operate via thermostatic or remote control and can selectively exhaust air or bring in outdoor air
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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.
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A screened-in porch will protect windows from rain, provide shade, and allow more airflow through windows than window screens would

A screened-in porch will protect windows from rain, provide shade, and allow more airflow through windows than window screens would
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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.
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A shallow, open floor plan allows free flow of cross ventilation through the house

A shallow, open floor plan allows free flow of cross ventilation through the house
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A typical Las Vegas hot-dry climate home made of wood frame construction and insulated with R-25 expanded polystyrene externally over a drainage plane, with an unvented wood frame insulated attic and roof assembly.

A typical Las Vegas hot-dry climate home made of wood frame construction and insulated with R-25 expanded polystyrene externally over a drainage plane, with an unvented wood frame insulated attic and roof assembly.
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A typical Las Vegas hot-dry climate home uses stucco siding and a tile roof.

A typical Las Vegas hot-dry climate home uses stucco siding and a tile roof.
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A variety of battery-powered fans can be used for a cool room without electric power; most charge off a USB charger so they can be solar charged

A variety of battery-powered fans can be used for a cool room without electric power; most charge off a USB charger so they can be solar charged