BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Correct seismic retrofit hardware for securing the sill plate to foundation wall

Publication Date

Thu, 08/12/2021 - 12:00

Durability concerns on a house continuously sheathed with a proprietary fiber structural panel used as bracing. Photo 1 of 2.

Publication Date

Thu, 08/12/2021 - 12:00

Durability concerns on a house continuously sheathed with a proprietary fiber structural panel used as bracing. Photo 2 of 2.

Publication Date

Thu, 08/12/2021 - 12:00

Low-slope roof assemblies constructed of two deck sheathing layers sandwiching rigid foam, and topped with mechanically fastened membrane

Right – This low-slope roof and parapet assembly has continuity of both the air and water barriers

A combination of brackets and self-locking drawers. Drawer closures should be used to protect the home during seismic events.

Wrong – Roof underlayment is not fully adhered and roof deck seams are not sealed so roof is susceptible to high-wind events

Right – Roof underlayment is fully adhered and roof deck seams are sealed so roof is resistant to high-wind events

Garage Doors are Pressure Rated

Guide describing garage doors that are pressure-rated to withstand wind pressures from hurricanes, high winds, and tornados.

During high wind events, vortices form along the edges of the roof creating areas of localized negative pressure (“suction”) above the roof

Right – The roof membrane is fully adhered and deck seams are sealed so the membrane will not flutter and fail due to negative pressure from high winds

A drywell, shown here used for downspout catchment, can also be used to receive water from a French drain.

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

Shrubs, trees, and herbs create a tight network of roots and stems that bind the soil and slow the flow of water down hillsides.

Flooded Homes: Installing Roof, Window, and Door Tarps

Publication Date

February, 2022

Author(s)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Organization(s)

EPA

Video describing how to install temporary weather barriers in a home after a flood or hurricane

Swales are trapezoidal channels dug to receive storm-water overflow, with specific vegetation planted to improve aesthetics, filter stormwater runoff, and prevent erosion.

An engineered bioswale uses perforated pipe laid in rock and landscape fabric at the bottom of a vegetated trench to direct water away from a site.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/01/2010 - 12:00

Step 5. Install sheathing tape flashing over the duct or pipe and wood blocking on either side for later attachment of trim.

Step 6. Install vent hood trim block, metal cap flashing; seal top edge of flashing with sheathing tape.

Kickout diverter flashing keeps bulk water from the roof from overflowing the gutter and continuously wetting the siding material.

Publication Date

Mon, 06/28/2021 - 12:00

Shear Strength Comparison Between a Foundation Stud Anchor (on left) and a Shear Transfer Angle (on right)

Structural Sheathing (plywood/OSB) in Exterior Walls

Guide describing the need for adequate structural sheathing in exterior walls in homes in high-wind areas.

Right – Closed-cell polyurethane foam is sprayed on the underside of the roof deck to provide structural connections and seal seams in the sheathing to increase wind resistance

Step 4. Install insulating sheathing and vertical furring strips on the retrofitted exterior wall; seal around pipe or duct with urethane sealant.

Wrong – The cabinets and drawers were not outfitted properly with mechanical or self-locking latches, causing them to swing open and spill their contents onto the floor.

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.

Wrong – If roof membrane is not fully adhered, it can flutter and fail due to negative pressure from wind above and positive pressure from air leakage through roof deck below

Annual mean precipitation across the U.S.

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2017 - 12:00

Final Grade

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to properly waterproof foundations.

Framing of Gable Roof Overhangs

Guide describing construction of gable roof overhangs to resist uplift pressures in high winds.

Backwater Valve Installation

Publication Date

April, 2017

Author(s)

cityofwindsor

Organization(s)

cityofwindsor

Video from cityofwindsor showing the steps taken to install a backwater valve to prevent backup flooding in a home.

Building America worked with Mercedes Homes in east Florida to design homes using cast-in-place concrete walls capable of withstanding wind-blown debris impacts of up to 200 mph (Source: Mercedes Homes).

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Hillside House Green Roof

Publication Date

August, 2013

Video discussing the components of a green roof.

Building Science Insights: To Vent or Not to Vent

Publication Date

February, 2014

Author(s)

Lstiburek

Organization(s)

Owens Corning

Video presentation describing proper attic venting design for energy efficiency and weather resistance.

Window and Door Rough Openings

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to air-seal around window and door rough openings.

Fully Sealed Continuous Weather Resistance Barrier (2)

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to seal a continuous weather resistance barrier.

Right - Metal drip edge on this south Florida CMU home protects the top of the fascia and edge of the roof deck from water, wind-blown rain and embers, and insects.

Publication Date

Tue, 06/01/2021 - 12:00

Winter Weather

Author(s)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Organization(s)

FEMA

Publication Date

January, 2020

Website providing consumers with general guidance on preparing for and surviving a winter storm.

Know More Risk: Seismic Gas Shutoff Valves

Publication Date

November, 2014

Author(s)

FM Global

Organization(s)

FM Global

Video explaining what a seismic shutoff valve is, how it works, and the importance of installing one in hurricane-prone areas.

Natural Hazards

Author(s)

U.S. Geological Survey

Organization(s)

USGS

Publication Date

August, 2020

Website containing USGS-related publications related to natural hazards.

Project: Roofing in High Wind Zones

Publication Date

May, 2020

Author(s)

Guertin Mike

Organization(s)

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Video presentation describing steps to properly install roofs and shingles in high wind zones.

Fully Sealed Continuous Weather Resistance Barrier (3)

Publication Date

September, 2015

Video describing how to fully seal a continuous weather resistance barrier.

Material Properties of Rigid foam Insulation

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

An underground fuel tank is anchored onto poured-in-place concrete counterweights.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Many plan to raise homes to avoid flooding

Publication Date

September, 2017

Author(s)

KHOU 11

Organization(s)

KHOU 11

Video from KHOU 11 on the process of elevating homes to avoid future flood damage.

Wind speeds increase significantly with height above ground

Publication Date

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 12:00

Building Enclosure: Exterior Wall Overview

Fully Sealed Continuous Weather Resistance Barrier (1)

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to apply a fully sealed continuous weather barrier.

Floodwalls and Levees

Publication Date

November, 2016

Video explaining flood walls/levee construction practices and science from LSU AgCenter.

Mitigation Success

Publication Date

December, 2012

Author(s)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Organization(s)

FEMA

Video testimonial from a homeowner whose home survived a flood due to proper lower level wet floodproofing.

Wrong – This roof membrane on a low slope roof is fluttering and may fail because it is not fully adhered and deck seams below are not sealed, allowing air to leak up into the assembly while the membrane is pulled up due to negative pressures from wind

Installation of Backflow Prevention Devices

Publication Date

May, 2017

Author(s)

Sunshine Coast Council

Organization(s)

Sunshine Coast Council

Video from Sunshine Coast Council showing the proper elements and requirements for installing a backflow prevention device.

Introduction to Temporary Erosion Control

Publication Date

April, 2010

Author(s)

STLouisCountyMNGOV

Organization(s)

STLouisCountyMNGOV

Video from St. Louis County, Minnesota on the negative effects that erosion can have on construction and management practices to mitigate these effects.

Important Things to Know Before a Disaster

Publication Date

February, 2018

Author(s)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Organization(s)

FEMA

Video explaining six things homeowners and renters can do to prepare for a natural disaster.

Addressing mold after a natural disaster

Publication Date

September, 2014

Author(s)

Reichel

Organization(s)

HUD

Video showing the ten steps to take to prevent mold growth after a natural disaster according to the LSU Ag Center and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Vinyl Siding Installation

Author(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute

Organization(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute

Publication Date

January, 2018

Website describing proper methods for installing vinyl siding on homes.

Stormwater Strategies: Erosion & Sediment Control

Publication Date

July, 2011

Author(s)

San Diego County

Organization(s)

San Diego County

Video from San Diego County on best management practices to mitigate sediment and erosion issues.

This home was designed with continuous roof vents and very few roof penetrations, allowing more room for the solar shingles that integrate with the asphalt shingles installed to meet IBHS Fortified Roof criteria for increased resistance to high winds and wind-driven rain.

This home was designed with continuous roof vents and few roof penetrations, allowing more room for the solar shingles that integrate with the asphalt shingles installed to meet IBHS Fortified Roof criteria for increased resistance to high winds and rain

Publication Date

Thu, 08/17/2023 - 12:00

Digital Coast

Author(s)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Organization(s)

NOAA

Publication Date

November, 2020

Website helping communities address coastal issues with data, tools, and training resources.

Building Enclosure: Foundation Overview

Furred-out siding

Publication Date

Sun, 10/01/2000 - 12:00

Saturated ground water

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2001 - 12:00

Foundations

Publication Date

July, 2008

Video showing how to design high-wind-resistant foundations according to FLASH Strong Home guidelines.

Wind Zones in the U.S.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Constructability of Elevating Concrete Slabs on Grade

Publication Date

April, 2019

Author(s)

American Concrete Institute

Organization(s)

ACI

Video from American Concrete Institute explaining the differences between foundation construction strategies and heights to mitigate damage from flooding.

The Muck Stops Here: Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Basics

Publication Date

December, 2017

Author(s)

Ohio EPA

Organization(s)

Ohio EPA

Video from Ohio EPA focusing on sediment erosion near active construction sites.

Right - Garage door label shows design wind pressures.

Publication Date

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 12:00

Preparedness Webinars

Author(s)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Organization(s)

FEMA

Publication Date

July, 2022

Database describing FEMA preparedness webinars including natural hazard preparedness.

The Importance of Roof Truss Bracing

Author(s)

Woolf

Organization(s)

Minera Roof Trusses & Joints

Publication Date

August, 2019

Report illustrating CAD drawings and modeling of bracing layouts for a gable roof truss.

This roof was constructed to meet the IBHS Fortified Roof standard by sealing the decking seams with flashing tape, installing synthetic roof underlayment secured with metal drip edge and nailed every six inches, and using self-adhered starter shingles.

Publication Date

Thu, 08/17/2023 - 12:00

Installation details for weather-resistant barriers

Publication Date

Sun, 10/01/2000 - 12:00

Wall Construction

Publication Date

September, 2008

Video providing how-tos for wind-resistant wall construction from FLASH Strong Home guidelines.

Inside FORTIFIED Talking with the Homeowner NCIUA

Publication Date

August, 2018

Video explaining the role of the homeowner in installing a FORTIFIED roof to meet IBHS standards.

Right – Integrate pipe flashing with roof shingles

Publication Date

Mon, 06/01/2020 - 12:00

Sandbags and Other Inflatables

Publication Date

November, 2016

Video explaining how to construct a temporary sandbag wall to protect your home from floods. Recommendations from LSU AgCenter.

How to Correctly Construct a Garage Floor Elevation

Publication Date

January, 2019

Author(s)

Weather Proofing America

Organization(s)

Weather Proofing America

Video describing how a garage floor should be constructed with elevation changes to prevent storm or flood water intrusion.

QuickFlash Wall Penetration Flashing Installation

Publication Date

August, 2017

Author(s)

Weather Proofing America

Organization(s)

Weather Proofing America

Video explaining how to install wall penetration flashing properly to keep rain water out of the wall.

Code Compliant Portal Frames Built Right

Author(s)

The Engineered Wood Association

Organization(s)

APA

Webinar explaining the importance of wall bracing to resist loads from wind and earthquakes.

A French drain contains a perforated drain pipe wrapped in rock and landscape fabric.

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Compost Erosion Control and Amended Soils for Construction Sites

Publication Date

July, 2020

Author(s)

Seattle Public Utilities

Organization(s)

Seattle Public Utilities

Video from Seattle Public Utilities on how to mitigate erosion issues during the construction process on new homes.

Right - Braced wall line spacing is correctly calculated for determining wall bracing in accordance with the IRC.

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2016 - 12:00

Dry Floodproofing

Publication Date

November, 2016

Video from LSU AgCenter describing dry floodproofing and how to dry floodproof your home.

Is Your Home Ready for an Earthquake?

Author(s)

Yeats Robert

Organization(s)

Oregon State University

Publication Date

January, 1998

Article describing dozens of ideas on how to retrofit a home so it is more earthquake ready.

2020 Florida Building Code, Residential, Seventh Edition

Author(s)

International Code Council

Organization(s)

ICC

Publication Date

July, 2020

Residential building code for the State of Florida.

Sustainable Living Series

Author(s)

Office of Sustainability

Organization(s)

Washington University St. Louis

Publication Date

October, 2019

Presentation by the Washington University in St. Louis Office of Sustainability on saving energy.

Wall Bracing, R602.10

Author(s)

Bajnai Charles S

Organization(s)

International Code Council,

ICC

Publication Date

February, 2008

A guide describing how to do wall bracing calculations and evaluations.

New and Recommended Construction Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Publication Date

December, 2012

Author(s)

City of Edmond Oklahoma

Organization(s)

City of Edmond Oklahoma

Video presentation describing the design of a construction site sediment control plan from the City of Edmond Oklahoma.

Small Wind Site Assessment Guidelines

Author(s)

Olsen Tim,

Preus Robert

Organization(s)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

September, 2015

Technical report providing site selection guidance for installation of small wind turbines.

Building Enclosure: Exterior Door Installation

Video describing installation of an exterior door, including flashing, in-place adjustments, fastening, and finishing

Stormproof Your Roof

Publication Date

May, 2020

Author(s)

Guertin Mike

Organization(s)

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Video presentation explaining proper roof membrane and shingle installation, including key weak points where moisture can get in during a disaster weather event.