BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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

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

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

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

Wrong - Ladder framing method for a gable overhang offers low resistance to wind uplift.

Publication Date

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 12:00

Framing of Gable Roof Overhangs

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

Hillside House Green Roof

Publication Date

August, 2013

Video discussing the components of a green roof.

Right - Installation steps for the L-bent strap method of bracing a gable end wall

Publication Date

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 12:00

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

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.

Wrong - The studs added for support were cut at an angle providing weak support where the stud meets the compression block.

Publication Date

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 12:00

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

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

Saturated ground water

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2001 - 12:00

Right - Lookout or outrigger framing for a gable overhang provides two points at each outrigger to add metal connectors to strengthen the overhang against wind uplift.

Publication Date

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 12:00

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

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

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.

Install gutters and downspouts that divert water away from home.

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Secure Shingle Tabs

Publication Date

June, 2019

Video that explains the need to secure shingle tabs and steps to take to seal shingle tabs on your roof per IBHS guidelines.

Retrofit Tie-Downs to Secure Chimney to Roof Framing

Properly driving roofing nails.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

A masonry chimney is reconstructed to withstand seismic forces by adding an insert to the existing firebox

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

IBHS' Guide to Gable End Bracing

Publication Date

August, 2012

Guide to retrofitting or strengthening gable end walls to reduce chances that the wall will be damaged in a hurricane per IBHS Fortified Home practices.

Why A Sealed FORTIFIED Roof

Publication Date

February, 2020

Video showing why having a FORTIFIED roof is important for water resistance from IBHS FORTIFIED Home standards.

Inside FORTIFIED: Sealing Roof Seams with Tape

Publication Date

May, 2018

Video showing how to seal the roof deck with tape per IBHS Fortified Requirements.

Right – Flashing is installed around chimney, skylight, vents, dormers, in valleys and at eaves

Publication Date

Mon, 06/01/2020 - 12:00

Locations of Fasteners for Asphalt Shingles in high-wind areas

Publication Date

Sat, 06/01/2019 - 12:00

Wrong – Incorrect location of fasteners in an roof asphalt shingle

Publication Date

Sat, 06/01/2019 - 12:00

Disconnect or Redirect Your Downspout Brochure

Author(s)

Mid-America Regional Council

Organization(s)

MARC

Publication Date

September, 2020

A guide on the use of rain barrels for greater water efficiency and use in gardens and lawns.

Retrofit Improvements - Bracing of Roof Projections

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

HIRL

Publication Date

February, 2012

Fact sheet describing how to install bracing to retrofit roof dormers for increased wind resistance.

Window Systems

Author(s)

University of Florida IFAS Extension

Organization(s)

University of Florida IFAS Extension,

University of Florida

Publication Date

May, 2006

Fact sheet describing impact-resistant window systems with specifics on Florida’s building codes.

General Flashing Guidelines for Steep-Sloped Roofs

Author(s)

Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

Organization(s)

IBHS

Publication Date

February, 2018

Guide describing how and where to install flashings in order to weatherproof a roof.

Hail Supplement to the High Wind Standard

Author(s)

Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

Organization(s)

IBHS

Publication Date

January, 2020

Guide describing the requirements by FORTIFIED Home™ for improving the home's resistance to high wind and hail.

Downspout termination

Publication Date

Thu, 02/01/2018 - 12:00

Inside FORTIFIED Intro for Evaluators NCIUA

Publication Date

August, 2018

Video explaining the role of the evaluator in FORTIFIED roof installations, ensuring that the installation is up to code per IBHS requirements.

Integrate pre-formed vent pipe flashing, shingle-fashion, with roofing underlayment and shingles

Publication Date

Mon, 06/01/2020 - 12:00

What is Roof Flashing & How to Install it

Publication Date

July, 2017

Author(s)

Weather Proofing America

Organization(s)

Weather Proofing America

Video explaining how to correctly install wall-to-roof flashing and kick-out flashing to protect walls from rain water damage.

Roofing nails should be driven in straight and flush, not overdriven, underdriven, or angled

Publication Date

Sat, 06/01/2019 - 12:00

Right – Examples of sheathing fastener patterns.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Steps for installing asphalt roof shingles for enhanced wind resistance.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Roof-wall flashing details.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Example of a cool roof, painted white to reflect solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:00

Insurance Difference Between a Hip and Gable Roof

Author(s)

Colucci Robert

Organization(s)

RTC Insurance Advisors

Publication Date

June, 2013

Article describing the insurance savings of a home with a hip roof versus a gable roof from the perspective of an insurance advisor.

Retrofit Improvements: Flash and Seal Roof Penetrations

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

HIRL

Publication Date

June, 2020

Fact sheet describing flashing of roof penetrations to make a home more resistant to high winds, hurricanes, and rainwater intrusion.

FORTIFIED Home Roof Flashing

Author(s)

Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

Organization(s)

IBHS

Publication Date

November, 2017

Fact sheet instructing installers about flashing installed on a FORTIFIED roof and points to roof covering manufacturers for flashing installation instructions.

Water Moisture Issues: Flashing Windows, Water Leaks, and Kick-Out Flashings

Publication Date

August, 2016

Author(s)

MW Alliance

Organization(s)

MW Alliance

Steve Easley details the 2009 IECC residential requirements regarding Water and Moisture issues. Flashing, windows, water leaks and kick out flashings are all discussed.

CAD image for roof pipe penetration water and air sealing details

DWG

PDF

Protect Your Home from Lightning

Publication Date

July, 2012

Video explaining the potential hazard of lightning strikes and how to prepare your home to resist strikes. Recommendations from FLASH Strong Home guidelines.

Inside FORTIFIED Non-Roofer Considerations NCIUA

Publication Date

August, 2018

Video explaining additional steps not covered by roofers that homeowners should take to fortify their roofs to comply with IBHS guidelines.

Inside FORTIFIED: Installing Drip Edge in High Wind Areas

Publication Date

May, 2018

Video showing proper installation techniques for drip edges in high wind regions per IBHS Fortified Home building practices.

Right – An existing gable wall is reinforced with horizontal braces that butt up to the gable end wall and connect back to multiple trusses; retrofit studs make full contact with the wall and the compression blocks and are connected to the horizontal brac

Publication Date

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 12:00

A masonry chimney is reconstructed to withstand seismic forces by completely retrofitting the firebox and chimney using light-frame construction on the top of the foundation

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

Calculate projection factor (PF) by dividing overhang (A) by length of window (B).

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:00

FORTIFIED Home Choosing the Right Tape

Author(s)

Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

Organization(s)

IBHS

Publication Date

May, 2019

Checklist providing recommendations for the right tape in order to reduce the risk of leaks during storms with wind-driven rain.

Wind Resistant Roof Types

Publication Date

September, 2008

Video discussing wind-resistant roof types and providing recommendations on how to choose the right roof type for your home per FLASH Strong Home guidelines.

Lightning Protection Systems

Publication Date

June, 2015

Video explaining the effects that lightning damage can have on a home and ways to make your home more resistant to lightning strikes per FLASH Strong Homes guidelines.

The Weather Channel - Prepare for High Winds

Publication Date

April, 2020

Video from the Weather Channel showing a Q&A interaction for common questions about steps homeowners can take to prepare their homes for high winds per IBHS recommendations.

Inside FORTIFIED Talking with the Roofer NCIUA

Publication Date

August, 2018

Video explaining additional steps not covered by roofers that homeowners should take to fortify their roofs according to IBHS guidelines.

Inside FORTIFIED: Installing Sealed Roof Deck with Self-Adhered Underlayment

Publication Date

November, 2018

Video showing how to correctly install sealed roof deck with self-adhered underlayment in accordance to IBHS Fortified Home protocols.

Resilient Home Solutions

Publication Date

August, 2020

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.

Right – Proper bracing hardware for retrofitting gable ends

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Right – Proper fastening of sheathing on gable end overhang when re-roofing

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Wind path and uplift force for gable ended roof, hip roof, and pyramidal (another variant of a hip) roofs

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

Right – Examples of roof-top plate framing connectors and brackets.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Vinyl and aluminum soffit panels can blow away in high winds if not properly connected.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Provide structural supports that soffit panels can be nailed to at no less than 12 inches apart.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Loss of the fascia cover in high winds exposes the vinyl soffit to entry by wind-driven rain.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

A masonry chimney is shortened and capped at roof level to reduce its chances of detaching in high winds or earthquakes; the fireplace can no longer be used.

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

A masonry chimney is reconstructed to withstand seismic forces by maintaining the current firebox but replacing the chimney section with a metal flue and light-weight chimney enclosure.

Publication Date

Tue, 08/10/2021 - 12:00

FORTIFIED Home New Roof Requirements Overview: High Wind

Author(s)

Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

Organization(s)

IBHS

Publication Date

January, 2015

Checklist providing good and bad methods of fortifying the roof, especially in high wind situations.

Right – Retrofit Specification for installing roof sheathing an 18-inch gable end overhang

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Right – Correct fasteners and nailing pattern for structural wall sheathing

Publication Date

Thu, 08/01/2019 - 12:00

Wrong – These clay roof tiles were dislodged by high winds due to inadequate anchorage.

Publication Date

Sun, 02/01/2009 - 12:00

Right – Examples of wall stud to sill plate and foundation and wall rod connectors and brackets.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Wrong – The metal panels covering this roof used snaplocks and concealed fasteners that gave way in high winds.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Wrong – The ridge flashing fasteners were placed too far apart and came loose in high winds.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Locations and causes of common water intrusion problems in homes.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Rainwater Management Performance of Newly Constructed Building Enclosures During August and September 2004, RR-0503

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2005

Report covering the performance of residential buildings during three hurricanes impacting Florida in 2004.

FORTIFIED Home Fastening Roof Sheathing Over Existing 1x Roof Deck Boards

Author(s)

IBHS Fortified Home

Organization(s)

IBHS

Publication Date

November, 2019

Factsheet describing ways to install sheathing over existing 1x roof decking.

FORTIFIED Home Sealed Roof Deck - Material Options for Taping the Roof Deck Seams

Author(s)

Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

Organization(s)

IBHS

Publication Date

February, 2015

Checklist providing options and a guide for taping roof deck seams.

How to Properly Install Concrete or Clay Tile Roofing

Publication Date

July, 2017

Author(s)

Weather Proofing America

Organization(s)

Weather Proofing America

Video demonstration of proper concrete or clay tile roofing, including underlayment per Weather Proofing America guidelines.

Inside FORTIFIED: Installing Starter Strips Using Roof Cement

Publication Date

August, 2018

Video showing how to install starter strips on roofs using roof cement to prevent moisture damage while complying with IBHS FORTIFIED Home specifications.

Inside FORTIFIED: Installing Self-Adhered Starter Strips

Publication Date

August, 2018

Video showing how to install starter strips on roofs using self-adhered technology to prevent moisture damage while complying with IBHS Fortified Home specifications.

Weather Hacks (High Winds)

Publication Date

August, 2018

Video showing how a home reacts in high wind conditions and certain easy-to-install measures homeowners can take to keep their home intact with recommendations from IBHS FORTIFIED Home.

The Importance of a Continuous Load Path

Publication Date

August, 2017

Video illustrating the importance of a properly installed continuous load path in homes for the home's structural integrity including where and how to properly install bracing measures per IBHS FORTIFIED Home specifications.

Add metal connectors to strengthen framing connections in an existing wall from inside the home by removing drywall.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Wind path and uplift force for a gabled roof, a hip roof, and a pyramidal (another variant of a hip) roof design

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

Wrong – The metal shingles and battens were inadequately secured

Publication Date

Sun, 02/01/2009 - 12:00

Right – Examples of wall stud to top plate and stud to rim joist framing connectors and brackets.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Nailing and ridge ventilation for roof sheathing used as a structural diaphragm in high-wind and seismic hazard areas.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Seal the roof deck as follows: Sweep roof decking, tape seams, and cover underlayment or roofing felt as shown.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

In high wind zones, if roof tiles are fastened with screws or nails, consider using clips on tiles at the corners, ridges, hips, and perimeters.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Soffits can be secured by caulking to the wall, sealing between each soffit panel and the wall channel, and screwing the wall channel to the soffit panels.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Wrong – The off-ridge roof vent on the right was poorly anchored and pulled off in high winds allowing water into the home.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Interference Effects on Wind Loads on Low-Rise Hip Roof Buildings

Author(s)

Ahmad Shakeel,

Kumar Krishen

Organization(s)

Aligarh Muslim University,

University of Roorkee

Publication Date

December, 2001

Article describing how the configuration of surrounding buildings affects the wind loads on a hip roof in a low-rise building.

Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies, Cool Roofs

Author(s)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Organization(s)

EPA

Publication Date

September, 2020

An EPA guide describing the causes and impacts of summertime urban heat islands, promoting strategies for lowering temperatures in U.S. communities.

FORTIFIED Home Eligibility Requirements—Foundations - Eligibility Requirements and Retrofit Requirements for Elevated-Floor (Not Slab-on-Grade) Houses

Author(s)

Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

Organization(s)

IBHS

Publication Date

April, 2017

Checklist intending to clarify FORTIFIED Home™ eligibility requirements that relate to a home’s foundation.