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Airflow can be directed across thermal mass in the ceiling, floor, or elsewhere inside the home through various window and louver configurations

Airflow can be directed across thermal mass in the ceiling, floor, or elsewhere inside the home through various window and louver configurations

Publication Date
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Removable options for keeping sun off windows to minimize solar heat gain include awning, retractable and swinging shutters, interior or exterior curtains.

Removable options for keeping sun off windows to minimize solar heat gain include awning, retractable and swinging shutters, interior or exterior curtains.

Publication Date
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In areas prone to high winds and hurricanes, double vertical “jack trim” and horizontal “header” and “sill” studs are recommended on all sides of window and door openings.

In areas prone to high winds and hurricanes, double vertical “jack trim” and horizontal “header” and “sill” studs are recommended on all sides of window and door openings.

Publication Date
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This windows in this very old building in the Virgin Islands are protected from hurricanes with robust shutters constructed of 2x4 lumber, bolted connections, and heavy metal hinges.

This windows in this very old building in the Virgin Islands are protected from hurricanes with robust shutters constructed of 2x4 lumber, bolted connections, and heavy metal hinges.

Publication Date
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When the EIFS siding on this house gave way in high winds, it revealed severe rotting of the sheathing beneath the windows due to long-term water leakage.

When the EIFS siding on this house gave way in high winds, it revealed severe rotting of the sheathing beneath the windows due to long-term water leakage.

Publication Date
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Right: This house plan orients broad building surfaces away from the west and east, trees are used to shade the west and east, and large overhangs shade windows on the south wall

Right: This house plan orients broad building surfaces away from the west and east, trees are used to shade the west and east, and large overhangs shade windows on the south wall

Publication Date
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Porch roofs, pergolas, and large overhangs can effectively shade windows and doors facing south, southeast, southwest, or even due east or west for most of the day if the overhang is very deep and sufficiently wide.

Porch roofs, pergolas, and large overhangs can effectively shade windows and doors facing south, southeast, southwest, or even due east or west for most of the day if the overhang is very deep and sufficiently wide.

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In tropical climates such as Puerto Rico, some houses have metal jalousie louvers instead of glass windows; metal jalousies look like shutters, but typically offer little debris resistance.

In tropical climates such as Puerto Rico, some houses have metal jalousie louvers instead of glass windows; metal jalousies look like shutters, but typically offer little debris resistance.

Publication Date
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A resilient multifamily building in Puerto Rico constructed of concrete on a raised slab foundation with a hip roof design for wind resistance and deep overhangs and permanent awnings to keep sun and rain off windows.

A resilient multifamily building in Puerto Rico constructed of concrete on a raised slab foundation with a hip roof design for wind resistance and deep overhangs and permanent awnings to keep sun and rain off windows.

Publication Date
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Windblown embers and firebrands are the most common cause of structural fires in wildfires, followed by fires started by radiant heat igniting surfaces or breaking windows and allowing embers in, followed by direct flame contact

Windblown embers and firebrands are the most common cause of structural fires in wildfires, followed by fires started by radiant heat igniting surfaces or breaking windows and allowing embers in, followed by direct flame contact

Publication Date
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This garage door was blown from its track by positive wind pressure and adhesive-set roof tiles were pulled up but the windows were protected by roll-up shutters from the 140 to 160 mph hurricane winds.

This garage door was blown from its track by positive wind pressure and adhesive-set roof tiles were pulled up but the windows were protected by roll-up shutters from the 140 to 160 mph hurricane winds.

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Right - In cooler climates, landscape shading should focus on the east- and west-facing walls, while leaving the south side of the house clear for solar access in winter (well-sized roof overhangs could provide summer shading for the south-facing windows)

Right - In cooler climates, landscape shading should focus on the east- and west-facing walls, while leaving the south side of the house clear for solar access in winter (well-sized roof overhangs could provide summer shading for the south-facing windows)

Publication Date
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This home survived the Laguna Beach fire of October 1993, which claimed more than 400 neighboring homes, thanks to a fire-resistant tile roof, stucco exterior, stucco-covered boxed eaves and under-decks, double-pane windows and selective landscaping

This home survived the Laguna Beach fire of October 1993, which claimed more than 400 neighboring homes, thanks to a fire-resistant tile roof, stucco exterior, stucco-covered boxed eaves and under-decks, double-pane windows and selective landscaping

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Latest North American Fenestration Standard Published

Author(s)
American Architectural Manufacturers Association,
Canadian Standards Association,
Window & Door Manufacturers Association,
Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance
Organization(s)
AAMA,
CSA,
CSA Group,
WDMA,
FGIA
Publication Date
2017 version of a standard covering requirements for single- and dual-pane windows, glazed side-hinged door systems, sliding doors, tubular daylighting devices, and unit skylights developed jointly by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Canadian Standards Association...
Reference

How to better equip your home for hotter temperatures

Publication Date
Author(s)
CBC News
Organization(s)
CBC News
Video from CBC News on long-term solutions for building homes for hot weather, including using radiant cooling and energy efficient windows.
Video

How to Perform a Wind Mitigation Inspection #1

Publication Date
Author(s)
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
Organization(s)
InterNACHI
Video from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors on how to inspect your home for wind resistance, including door and window impact ratings.
Video
Multi-layer honeycomb cellular shades such as these can provide summertime energy savings by blocking and reflecting solar heat, as well as wintertime energy savings by providing added insulation.

Multi-layer honeycomb cellular shades such as these can provide summertime energy savings by blocking and reflecting solar heat, as well as wintertime energy savings by providing added insulation.

Publication Date
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Rigid Foam Insulation for Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to apply an air control layer directly over existing wall sheathing and cover with two layers of insulating sheathing held in place by vertical furring strips.
Guide

Design for Extreme Heat

Information guide describing ways to design a home to be resistant to extreme heat.
Information Guide

Passive Solar Design Principles

Publication Date
Author(s)
Master Builders Victoria
Organization(s)
Master Builders Victoria
Video from Master Builders Victoria on passive solar design principles for home construction.
Video

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

Guide describing how to install insulated concrete forms to block excessive heat loss and gain though structural framing.
Guide

Panel Closures

Publication Date
Video explaining how to prepare a home for flood conditions using temporary panel closures recommended by LSU AgCenter.
Video

How to Design a Home for a Cold Climate

Author(s)
Diez Roy
Organization(s)
New Home Source
Publication Date
Article summarizing for potential homeowners items to check or demand from the builder in designing a home for a cold climate.
Reference
Mitigation Steps for the Homeowner

Mitigation Steps for the Homeowner

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA,
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Publication Date
Presentation describing simple and more engaged steps homewoners can take to prepare for floods.
Presentation

Hurricane Shutter Types

Author(s)
Hurricane Research Division,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Organization(s)
NOAA
Publication Date
NOAA webpage providing images and short descriptions of different types of hurricane shutters.
Reference

Sustainable Living Series

Author(s)
Office of Sustainability
Organization(s)
Washington University St. Louis
Publication Date
Presentation by the Washington University in St. Louis Office of Sustainability on saving energy.
Reference

Hurricane Straps

Publication Date
Author(s)
FLASH Strong Home
Organization(s)
FLASH
Video describing hurricane ties and how they make your home more ready for severe weather by strengthening structural connections.
Video

Rebuilding After a Wildfire

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing conditions for wildfire, how a home catches fire, how to create a survivable space, the ideal fire resistant home.
Reference

Prepare Your Home Ahead of Severe Thunderstorms

Author(s)
Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Website providing guidance on how to reduce the risk of damage to a home from hail.
Reference

Prepare to Avoid the Dangers of Flying Debris

Publication Date
Video showing the importance of preparing your home for flying debris common in severe weather per IBHS FORTIFIED Home guidelines.
Video

The Weather Channel - Protecting Openings

Publication Date
Video showing steps to take to prepare openings in homes for a hurricane or high wind event as explained by the Weather Channel and IBHS Fortified Home.
Video

Construction & Design Considerations in Warmer Climates

Author(s)
Zero Energy Project
Organization(s)
Zero Energy Project
Publication Date
Guidance from Zero Energy Project on construction techniques for warmer climates, such as home orientation, and insulation requirements.
Reference

Keeping Homes and Cities Cool in Extreme Heat

Author(s)
Kyle Mittan
Organization(s)
University of Arizona
Publication Date
Article from University of Arizona on keeping homes cool during extreme heat, both personal and system changes.
Reference

Be Prepared For Extreme Heat, FEMA V-1004

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Information sheet from FEMA on preparation for extreme heat, including measures for keeping homes cool.
Reference
Right - Automatic metal roller shutters are always in place and can be electronically or manually opened and closed.

Right - Automatic metal roller shutters are always in place and can be electronically or manually opened and closed.

Publication Date
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Solar Radiation Data Manual for Buildings

Author(s)
Marion William,
Wilcox Stephen
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Document providing incident solar radiation data and window overhang sizing guidance for multiple locations across the U.S.
Reference

Wind Safety of the Building Envelope

Author(s)
Smith Tom
Organization(s)
Whole Building Design Guide,
WBDG
Publication Date
Article discussing structural and nonstructural building components and illustrates a variety of wind-induced damages, including wind-driven rain infiltration.
Reference

Resilient Home Solutions

Publication Date
Video overviewing how to make a home flood resistant, meaning that they can be quickly restored to their original condition after a natural disaster. Recommendations from LSU AgCenter.
Video
This hot climate zone home uses high quality batt insulation to insulate truss-joist headers.

This hot climate zone home uses high quality batt insulation to insulate truss-joist headers.

Publication Date
Image

Cooling with Ventilation

Author(s)
Chandra Subrato,
Houston Michael M,
Fairey Philip W
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Report providing recommendations to builders regarding how to reduce cooling loads, use air-circulation fans, natural ventilation, window and building design for natural ventilation, and whole-house fans.
Reference
The unprotected glazing in this door was broken by roof tiles dislodged by wind.

The unprotected glazing in this door was broken by roof tiles dislodged by wind.

Publication Date
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Seismic Safety of the Building Envelope

Author(s)
Arnold Chris
Organization(s)
Whole Building Design Guide,
WBDG,
National Institute of Building Sciences,
NIBS
Publication Date
Article outlining the key issues related to the protection of the building envelope against seismic forces.
Reference

Designing Houses That Keep Their Cool

Author(s)
Wilson Alex
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Article from Green Building Advisor on strategies to take when building homes to reduce the need for air conditioning, including insulation, windows, site selection, and roofing.
Reference

Glazing Hazard Mitigation

Author(s)
Smith Joseph L,
Renfroe Nancy A
Organization(s)
Whole Building Design Guide,
WBDG,
Applied Research Associates Inc.,
National Institute of Building Sciences,
NIBS
Publication Date
Article describing the fundamentals and basics of glazing hazard mitigation practices for both new and existing buildings.
Reference