BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

2019 California Building Code, Title 24, Part 2 (Volumes 1 & 2) with July 2021 Supplement

Reference

Building code for the state of California providing the building rules and regulations as well as disaster resistance tools.

Specifying Rigid Foam Insulation for NFPA 285 Fire Requirements - Safety Meets Energy Efficiency

Reference

Factsheet describing the use of rigid foam insulation to meet energy efficiency requirements and minimize fire risks.

The Growing Threat of Urban Flooding: A National Challenge 2018

Reference

Article from Texas A&M University and the University of Maryland analyzing why and how urban flooding happens and what can be done to mitigate damage.

Earthquake Hazard Mitigation for Nonstructural Elements Field Manual, FEMA 74-FM

Reference

FEMA guide containing recommendations on how to implement cost-effective measures that can help to reduce the potential hazards associated with earthquakes.

Your Home Can Survive a Wildfire

Video

Video presentation from the National Fire Protection Association with Dr. Jack Cohen, a fire science researcher with the USDA Forest Service, explaining steps to take to protect critical parts of a home from igniting due to flames and embers.

House Siding Options, Plus Costs, Pros & Cons 2020

Reference

A starting point for ballparking and comparing the cost of different siding materials and a brief overview of the pros and cons of different siding materials.

How to Destroy a Wall in Two Easy Steps

Reference

Article describing how omission of two small but critical wall details, a kick-out flashing and a weep screed, lead to extensive water damage to a wall.

Resistance of Exterior Walls to High Velocity Projectiles

Reference

Report describing the testing of various siding materials for their ability to resist bullets from small firearms.

Assessing the Impact of Thickness of the Performance of Stucco Cladding

Reference

A report that evaluates the force it takes to crack stucco of various thicknesses.

NFPA 22 – Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection

Reference

An NFPA standards document that provides minimum requirements for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of tanks and accessory equipment that supply water for private fire protection.

Brick Masonry Rain Screen Walls

Reference

Document focusing on the design and wall components that contribute to a pressure equalized rain screen wall, including the frequency of the weep holes and other brick masonry rain screen wall requirements.

New National Guide for Wildland-Urban Interface Fires

Reference

Report for local governments, planners, emergency managers, developers, insurers, and property owners describing ways to improve the wildfire resistance of buildings, infrastructure and communities in the wildland urban interface.

Repair of Earthquake-Damaged Masonry Fireplace Chimneys - South Napa Earthquake Recovery Advisory, FEMA DR-4193-RAI

Reference

Webpage from FEMA describing how to properly reconstruct masonry fireplace chimneys damages by earthquakes.

Requirements for Flood Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures, Technical Bulletin 1

Reference

Technical bulletin describing National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements for flood openings in foundation walls and walls of enclosures below elevated buildings.

Keeping Warm during Winter Power Outages

Reference

Webpage describing how to conserve heat or find alternative heat sources during a power outage to keep one room warm.

Wet Floodproofing Requirements and Limitations - For Buildings and Structures Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas in Accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program, Technical Bulletin 7

Reference

Technical bulletin describing wet floodproofing requirements for buildings located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).

Wildfire Smoke Impacts on Residential IAQ

Reference

Article describing the impacts of wildfire smoke on indoor air quality and some ways ASHRAE is responding.

Safe and Healthy Recovery and Rebuilding: A Consumer Guide for Caribbean Homes, Puerto Rico Edition

Reference

Factsheet from HUD describing how to properly rebuild following natural disasters in Puerto Rico.

Safe and Healthy Recovery and Rebuilding: A Guide for Caribbean Homes, Puerto Rico Edition

Reference

Factsheet from HUD describing how to rebuild following natural disasters in Puerto Rico.

Indoor AirPlus Program Documents

Reference

Website providing the technical specifications and related documents for home builders, subcontractors, architects, and other housing professionals interested in certifying a home to the EPA's Indoor airPLUS program requirements.

Actions You Can Take to Protect a Flood-Prone House or Business with a Crawlspace

Reference

Report providing guidance to homeowners and business owners on protecting crawlspaces from flood damage.

Attic Air Sealing Guide and Details, GM-1001

Reference

Document providing background and approach for the prep work necessary prior to adding attic insulation - focusing on combustion safety, ventilation for indoor air quality, and attic ventilation for durability.

Flood Series: Prepare for a Flood

Video

This video provides a wholistic approach to preparing for a flood.

Preparedness Journey

Video

This video encourages everyone to prepare themselves and their homes for any type of emergency.

Wind and Trees: Air Infiltration Effects on Energy Use in Housing

Reference

Paper describing wind influences on air infiltration related energy losses for residential housing and the shielding effects of fences, adjacent structures, and vegetation.