BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Be Hurricane Ready: Secure Soffits

Publication Date

June, 2019

Video describing an easy method of properly securing soffits on your home per IBHS FORTIFIED Home guidelines.

Metal Roof Systems in High-Wind Regions - Hurricane Ike Recovery Advisory

Author(s)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Organization(s)

FEMA

Publication Date

February, 2009

A Recovery Advisory guide reccomending practices for designing and installing metal roof systems that will enhance wind resistance in high-wind regions (i.e., greater than 90-miles per hour [mph] gust design wind speed).

Dune erosion caused by the combination of a hurricane and a nor’easter in Ocean City, New Jersey

Reference

Coastal Construction Manual - Principles and Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, Fourth edition, Volume I, FEMA P-55

Author(s)

Coulbourne William,

Jones Christopher P,

Kapur Omar,

Koumoudis Vasso,

Line Philip,

Low David K,

Overcash Glenn,

Passman Samantha,

Reeder Adam,

Seitz Laura,

Smith Thomas,

Tezak Scott

Organization(s)

Federal Emergency Management Agency,

FEMA,

Applied Technology Council,

ATC,

URS Group,

DK Low and Associates,

Atkins,

TLSmith Consulting

Volume 1 of a two-volume report providing a comprehensive approach to planning, siting, and risk management for homes constructed in coastal environments.

Publication Date

Mon, 08/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The vinyl siding at this gable was installed over rigid foam instead of wood sheathing and neither had the structural strength to resist hurricane wind pressures.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Elevated slab construction with no water sensitive materials on first level

Publication Date

Sun, 10/01/2006 - 12:00

A rooftop rainwater collection system.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

A rooftop rainwater collection system with PV power for pump.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Inside FORTIFIED: Sealing Roof Seams with Two Layers of Felt

Publication Date

May, 2018

Video showing how to install felt underlayment in hurricane areas, per IBHS Fortified requirements.

This swale and berm slow the flow of stormwater across a site to minimize erosion.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Ridges can be constructed and planted to slow the downward flow of water and stabilize slopes.

Planting vegetation, such as salt hay, can help reduce erosion of coastal dunes

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

A swale and berm can be installed together across a slope to slow the downhill flow of water.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Porous surfaces like pavers allow water to pass through and percolate slowly into the soil

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Right – This exterior door is installed to swing out and has storm protection shutters.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Berms, swales, bioswales, ridges, and vegetation all help to control rainwater runoff on residential sites.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Bioswales or rain gardens filter storm water through vegetation and rock and sand substrate layers.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Soil types include sand, silt, and clay- the more sand, the more quickly the soil drains.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Repair leaks and cracks, and cover holes in foundation floors and walls to minimize water and vapor entry.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Retention walls, permeable pavement, french drains, drywells, and ditches all help to divert, collect, and manage the flow of stormwater on a site.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Berms are compacted earth or gravel ridges that slow the flow of water from rain, riverine flooding, or storm surges in coastal areas.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Swales reduce and filter stormwater runoff.

Gutter channel

The mistake of reverse shingling

Inspection of taped joint

The mistake of overdriven fasteners

Right – Seams in the deck sheathing are sealed with tape

Determine the angle of ground slope and plant ground cover accordingly.

Cap nail securing a weather-resistant barrier

Retaining walls can prevent erosion and landslides and maintain access to critical infrastructure

This double French drain provides drainage for a significant volume of storm water.

Right – This swale has sloped sides with appropriate vegetation to filter rainwater.

The mistake of not staggering siding and foam sheathing joints

Swales are troughs that collect site stormwater and filter it with vegetation, soil, and gravel layers.

Poor drainage conditions can enable water to pool around the home.

The sheathing has rotted because there was not a sufficient drainage gap behind the stucco cladding

Right – Furring strips provide a drainage and ventilation gap between the siding and the cork insulation.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Right – Furring strips provide a drainage gap between the rigid foam and the siding.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Adding planted terraces to a sloped yard can slow down runoff and reduce erosion

Publication Date

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 12:00

Installation of an erosion control blanket to minimize soil loss on sloped ground that has no established vegetation

Right – This low-slope roof and parapet assembly has continuity of both the air and water barriers

A drywell, shown here used for downspout catchment, can also be used to receive water from a French drain.

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

Shrubs, trees, and herbs create a tight network of roots and stems that bind the soil and slow the flow of water down hillsides.

Swales are trapezoidal channels dug to receive storm-water overflow, with specific vegetation planted to improve aesthetics, filter stormwater runoff, and prevent erosion.

An engineered bioswale uses perforated pipe laid in rock and landscape fabric at the bottom of a vegetated trench to direct water away from a site.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/01/2010 - 12:00

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.

Annual mean precipitation across the U.S.

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2017 - 12:00

Final Grade

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to properly waterproof foundations.

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.

Fully Sealed Continuous Weather Resistance Barrier (2)

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to seal a continuous weather resistance barrier.

Material Properties of Rigid foam Insulation

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

Building Enclosure: Exterior Wall Overview

Floodwalls and Levees

Publication Date

November, 2016

Video explaining flood walls/levee construction practices and science from LSU AgCenter.

Addressing mold after a natural disaster

Publication Date

September, 2014

Author(s)

Reichel

Organization(s)

HUD

Video showing the ten steps to take to prevent mold growth after a natural disaster according to the LSU Ag Center and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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

Building Enclosure: Foundation Overview

Furred-out siding

Publication Date

Sun, 10/01/2000 - 12:00

Saturated ground water

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2001 - 12:00

Wind Zones in the U.S.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 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

Installation details for weather-resistant barriers

Publication Date

Sun, 10/01/2000 - 12:00

Sandbags and Other Inflatables

Publication Date

November, 2016

Video explaining how to construct a temporary sandbag wall to protect your home from floods. Recommendations from LSU AgCenter.

QuickFlash Wall Penetration Flashing Installation

Publication Date

August, 2017

Author(s)

Weather Proofing America

Organization(s)

Weather Proofing America

Video explaining how to install wall penetration flashing properly to keep rain water out of the wall.

A French drain contains a perforated drain pipe wrapped in rock and landscape fabric.

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Dry Floodproofing

Publication Date

November, 2016

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

Building Enclosure: Brick Installation Draining Cavity Wall

Install gutters and downspouts that divert water away from home.

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Driveway is not sloped away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

The “down” and “out” approach to flashing – metal flashing directs water down and out of building assemblies

Publication Date

Sun, 10/01/2006 - 12:00

Right – Driveway is installed to slope water away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The final grade does not slope away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right – The final grade slopes away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Comprehensive water management features include a capillary break (≥ 6-mil polyethylene sheeting) at all crawlspace floors

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2009 - 12:00

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.

Wet Floodproofing

Publication Date

November, 2016

Video explaining the practicality behind the idea of wet floodproofing and its applications per LSU AgCenter guidelines.

Options for door sweeps.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Adjustable jamb/head weatherstripping.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 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.

Building Enclosure: Stone Veneer Installation Interior Drainage Plane

Right – The drain slopes away from the foundation and terminates at the proper distance

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The rigid sheathing seams are not taped and the gaps could cause moisture problems

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – There is not a water-resistant barrier installed underneath the exterior finish of the walls

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Downspout termination

Publication Date

Thu, 02/01/2018 - 12:00

Moisture Management Fundamentals with Joe Lstiburek

Publication Date

June, 2017

Author(s)

Lstiburek

Organization(s)

Fortifiber Building Systems Group

Video presentation by Joe Lstiburek describing the four layers of moisture management found in walls and how walls should be designed and built to keep moisture out with these layers in mind.

Roof-wall flashing details.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Installation sequence for deck ledger flashing.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Deck ledger flashing and fastener details.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Features of standard and high-wind vinyl siding.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Proper fastener location for vinyl siding.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

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

Don’t Try Building Hugel Swales

Author(s)

Spirko Jack

Organization(s)

Permaculture Research Institute

Publication Date

November, 2015

Article describing the difference between swales and hugels (berms used to create soil from woody debris).

CAD image for roof pipe penetration water and air sealing details

DWG

PDF

Wrong – Drain pipe has been cut and foundation penetration has not been properly sealed

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The water-resistant barrier is not complete and the holes and gaps could cause moisture problems

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right – The building felt is installed on all exterior walls and provides a complete drainage system

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Home Flood Recovery - Do More Than Restore

Publication Date

June, 2014

Video giving guidelines on how to restore a home after a flood to prevent further issues. Recommendations from LSU AgCenter.

Organization(s)

Jackson Township,

Ohio

Publication Date

April, 2014

Factsheet describing steps builders should take to reduce erosion and control sediment on construction sites during home construction.

House wrap is sealed at all seams and overlaps flashing to serve as a continuous drainage plane over the exterior walls.

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00