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Architectural shading can include large eaves, a porch roof, a well-designed pergola, or other building elements

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A screened-in porch will protect windows from rain, provide shade, and allow more airflow through windows than window screens would

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This house has key features to block heat such as such as tree shading for the west wall and roof, minimized west-facing windows, and a porch roof, floor, and wing walls creating deep architectural overhangs and fins to shade south-facing windows

Right - This house has key features to block heat such as such as tree shading for the west wall and roof, minimized west-facing windows, and a porch roof, floor, and wing walls creating deep architectural overhangs and fins to shade south-facing windows

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Building America Energy Performance Brief: Air Sealing a Porch Wall

Case Study

Case study describing the benefits of and steps involved in air sealing a porch wall.

Fire Resistant Decks, Patios, and Porches

Reference

Webpage from FireSafe Marin explaining the vulnerability of different deck setups and materials.

Walls Adjoining Porch Roof

Guide

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to separate the porch attic from the conditioned space.

FireWise Construction: Site Design & Building Materials

Reference

Wildfire construction guidelines from the Colorado State Forest Service focusing on site design and building materials to mitigate damage to homes in wildfire-prone areas.

FORTIFIED Animation: Attached Structures

Video

Video showing how to retrofit or install attached structures to a home properly to comply with IBHS FORTIFIED Home requirements.

Air sealing at porch roof at 1/2 inch plywood exterior sheathing

CAD File

Air sealing wall between a porch roof and attic with 1 inch of rigid insulation

CAD File

Porches, Carports, and Deck Attachments

Guide

Guide describing how to install appropriate connectors to provide a continuous load path to improve the wind resistance of attached porches, carports, and decks during high-wind events.