BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Wrong – Drain pipe has been cut and foundation penetration has not been properly sealed

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Flood-Resistant Crawlspace Foundations

Guide

Guide describing how to design or retrofit a crawlspace to reduce the risk of damage during a flood event.

Flood-Resistant Pier, Pile, Post, and Column Foundations

Guide

Guide describing how to construct flood-resistant homes using pier, pile, post, or column foundations.

Pest protection measures include a termite shield under the rim joist and extending out on either side of the stem wall, insect screening under the furring air gap, and brick veneer to protect slab-edge insulation.

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An anchor side plate is used to connect the concrete foundation to the sill plate from the exterior as part of a seismic retrofit when the sill plate is not accessible from the interior of the home

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Right – The raised-slab, CMU block stem wall, above-grade walls, and roof of this house use flood damage-resistant materials, integrated water, vapor, and air control layers, and construction methods which promote good drainage and rapid drying

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Right – The raised-slab, poured-concrete stem wall, above-grade walls, and roof of this house use flood damage-resistant materials, integrated water, vapor, and air control layers, and construction methods which promote good drainage and rapid drying

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Right – The raised-slab, brick-and-block stem wall, above-grade walls, and roof of this house use flood damage-resistant materials, integrated water, vapor, and air control layers, and construction methods which promote good drainage and rapid drying

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Increase Seismic Resistance and Thermal Performance of Basement, Crawl Space, and Crawl Space with Cripple Wall Foundations

Guide

Guide describing different options for providing seismic and thermal resistance for homes with basement foundations, crawlspace foundations, or crawlspace foundations with a "cripple" wall.

Good water management practices like sloping grade away from house, and installing gutters, perimeter drain pipe, a capillary break, and free-draining soils or drainage mat protect the foundation from water saturation.

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Measure Guideline: Guidance on Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Reference

Measure Guideline research report providing simple, long term, and durable solutions when using tapes and flashing membranes in conjunction with the exterior face of rigid polymeric foam sheathing to create the drainage plane of a wall system.

Back to Basics: Termites and Building Construction

Video

Video presentation from PMP TV covering different building strategies as they relate to different slab and foundation types and building materials to keep out termites.

Poor drainage conditions can enable water to pool around the home.

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West Virginia Stormwater Management and Design Guidance Manual

Reference

Manual showing how to properly use grass swales to manage excess water runoff.

Comprehensive water management features include a capillary break (≥ 6-mil polyethylene sheeting) at all crawlspace floors

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Wrong – Driveway is not sloped away from the house

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Right – Driveway is installed to slope water away from the house

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Wrong – The final grade does not slope away from the house

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Right – The final grade slopes away from the house

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Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters

Guide

Guide describing the design of a shelter-in-place room in a home for protection during hurricanes and tornadoes.

Managing Indoor Humidity and Ventilation in Cold Weather

Guide

Guide describing steps to take to minimize indoor humidity during cold winter weather.

FEMA P-320 Safe Room Design Concrete Plans and Details

CAD File

Air Sealed, Insulated Basements

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate a basement to improve the overall thermal performance of the building and provide more dry, usable conditioned space for home occupants and HVAC equipment.

Earthquake Overview

Information Guide

Overview guide describing how to prepare homes to be resistant to earthquake forces.

High-Thermal-Mass Construction

Guide

Guide describing materials and methods for incorporating thermal mass into the construction of a home for temperature regulation, energy savings, and resistance to extreme heat and cold.

Design and Retrofit for Flood Protection

Information Guide

Information guide describing flood protection measures to minimize damage and increase structural resilience of homes during a flood.

Gutters and Downspouts

Guide

Guide describing the installation of gutters, downspouts, and alternate options for managing rainwater run-off from roofs.

Hurricanes and High Winds Overview

Information Guide

Overview guide outlining home construction techniques used in hurricane and high wind areas.

Swales, Drains, and Site Grading for Stormwater Control

Guide

Guide describing the use of swales, French drains, and site grading to minimize saturation of foundations and ponding of stormwater runoff on sites.

Flooding Overview

Information Guide

Overview guide describing residential floodproofing steps.