BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Windows and Doors are Fully Flashed

Guide describing how to install flashings to help direct water down and out of windows and doors openings in exterior walls.

Wrong - this building provides no overhangs, minimal window shading, and clear window glass resulting in high solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

This wall and window assembly has excessive framing around the windows, which can lead to heat gain in how climate zones.

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

Wrong – For proper detailing of vinyl around windows and other obstacles, use utility trim, punch snaplocks into siding, and do not overlap directly beneath a window.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Right – this commercial building employs good techniques to resist solar heat gain: awnings and pergolas over windows, recessed windows and entryways, deep tinting on glass, and shade plants.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right – Strategically placed trees provide shade to the south-facing windows of this building.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:00

Right - Covered porches protect the south-facing windows and doors of this building from solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right – the building on the right employs light-colored walls, deep tinting, and deeply recessed windows to minimize solar heat gain

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Hurricane force winds that breach external windows and doors can then cause failure of the entire building due to internal pressures on walls and roof.

Publication Date

Tue, 12/01/1992 - 12:00

Right – thermal mass walls, small windows, and recessed porch and trees on the south side of this southwest home help to minimize solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

A piece of siding is used as sill extension and to provide slope in the opening for the window, which is deeper because exterior rigid foam has been added

Publication Date

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 12:00

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

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Wrong – This multi family building appears to be done in traditional southwest architecture but the lack of useful overhangs, dark colored walls, and lack of tinting on windows will result in significant solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Imagine Homes: Stillwater Ranch, San Antonio, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a new home builder that strives to address health, safety, and durability issues in a hot and humid climate.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Nelson Construction: Hamilton Way, Farmington, CT

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing the design and testing of 10 high-performance homes in Farmington, Connecticut.

Right- Landscaping shades the entry on the south west corner of this hot dry climate building.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right – deeply inset entryways and overhangs provide shade to reduce solar heat entry to this building.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

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.

Right – Deep overhangs, pergolas, and covered entryways minimize heat gain in this commercial building in the hot-dry climate.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Wrong – The south side of this building in Arizona has very little architectural or landscape shading to block solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

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

Dry Floodproofing

Publication Date

November, 2016

Video from LSU AgCenter describing dry floodproofing and how to dry floodproof your home.

Hurricanes and High Winds Overview

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

Hurricane Straps

Publication Date

September, 2020

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.

Prepare to Avoid the Dangers of Flying Debris

Publication Date

February, 2019

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

The Weather Channel - Protecting Openings

Publication Date

September, 2019

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.

Install all layers of the drainage plane to overlap, not underlap, to direct bulk water down and out of the wall.

Publication Date

Thu, 11/01/2007 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Guide describing techniques for installing insulating sheathing as a continuous drainage plane on walls.

How To Strengthen Your Home for Under $10,000 – Insulated Concrete Forms

Publication Date

September, 2014

Video interview explaining the benefits of installing insulated concrete forms for both energy efficiency and disaster resistance in either new or existing homes for under $10,000. Recommendations from FLASH Strong Homes.

Designing Energy Efficient New Homes for a Warm Climate

Author(s)

EXtension Home Energy - Cooperative Extension

Organization(s)

EXtension Home Energy - Cooperative Extension

Publication Date

July, 2019

Article from The Home Energy Community of Practice on designing energy efficient homes in hot climate zones, including home orientation, window location, and roof design considerations.

End conditions for braced wall lines with continuous sheathing, Figure R602.10.7 in the IRC

Publication Date

Thu, 08/12/2021 - 12:00

Seismic and Insulation Retrofits of Solid Masonry Walls

Guide describing how to retrofit older solid masonry homes to withstand seismic activity while including energy efficient retrofits.

FEMA P-320 Safe Room Design Tables

PDF

FEMA P-320 Safe Room Design Exhaust/Ventilation Details

PDF

Residential Heating and Cooling Loads Component Analysis

Author(s)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Organization(s)

LBNL

Publication Date

November, 1999

Report describing a study using parametric computer simulations of 112 single-family and 63 multi-family residential building prototypes to quantify the contributions of building components such as roofs, walls, windows, infiltration, outside air, lighting, equipment, and people to the aggregate...

FEMA P-320 Safe Room Design CMU Plans and Details

PDF

Drainage Plane Behind Exterior Wall Cladding

Guide describing installation of a fully sealed continuous weather resistant barrier to provide a drainage plane to keep rainwater out of above-grade walls.

Retrofit of Existing Roofs for Hurricane, High Wind, and Seismic Resistance

Guide describing ways to retrofit an existing roof to increase its resistance to damage during hurricanes, high winds, and earthquakes.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

This measure guides describes how to install structural insulated panels to block excessive heat loss and gain though structural framing.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: New Traditions Homes, Landover Commons, Vancouver, WA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing energy efficient new home construction that also incorporated moisture management techniques for durability in the damp Northwest climate.