BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Right - Use high-wind vinyl siding in hurricane and high wind prone areas.

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Moisture-resistant plastic and fiber cement exterior trim and cladding are indistinguishable from wood building elements.

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The Effects of Windborne Debris on Saferoom Wall Panels and Fenestration Systems

Reference

Projectile missile testing of various wall panel configuration to understand how the different wall constructions would perform when struck with wind driven debris from a hurricane.

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

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Wood siding installation details for tongue-and-groove horizontal siding.

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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.

A plastic fiber drainage mat rainscreen provides uniform support for the siding and allows moisture to flow horizontally and diagonally in addition to vertically.

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A continuous drainage mat rainscreen made from vacuum-molded plastic provides uniform support for the siding and allows moisture to flow horizontally and diagonally in addition to vertically.

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A molded plastic drainage board rainscreen allows vertical drainage while providing uniform support for the siding and resisting compression from screws and nails.

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Wrong: The fiber-cement siding has cracked due to over-driven nails located too close to the edge of the board; these cracks provide a pathway for bulk water entry and offer little resistance to high winds.

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This fastener schedule for metal panel siding shows denser spacing for the end panels to resist stronger wind pressures. Some manufacturers specify that panels be installed with the prevailing wind - in this example wind direction is right to left.

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Moisture-, Impact-, Fire-, and Pest-Resistant Exterior Siding

Guide

Guide describing how to select the siding materials best suited to withstand hazards like rain, wind, hail, fire, and pests.

Fire-Resistant Wall Assemblies

Guide

Guide describing wall assemblies and materials that are resistant to destruction from wildfires.