BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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

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

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

Reference

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

Erosion and Sediment Control On Your Construction Site

Reference

Report describing construction site erosion and sediment control practices recommended and required by a county planning department.

Wrong – These four ties were never embedded into the mortar joint, allowing the brick wall to be pulled away from the sheathing.

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Wrong - The window lying on the ground was protected by a shutter but the shutter was attached to the window frame, rather than directly to the wall framing.

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With fiber cement siding, face nail rather than blind nail where the design wind speed is ≥100 mph.

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Wrong – Known as a Hugel Swale, organic matter like sticks and leaves break down into compost and fill the swale full. This limits the swale’s ability to filter rainwater.

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With fiber cement siding, place blind nails 3/4 to 1 inch from top edge and > 3/8 inch in from butt ends.

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Roof Valleys and Penetrations Sealed

Guide

Guide describing how to seal roof valleys and how to seal around pipes, chimneys, and other roof deck penetrations.

Right – The rigid insulation covers all exterior walls and all seams are taped to provide a complete drainage system

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Right – The water-resistant barrier covers the entire house and the seams are taped to provide a complete drainage system

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

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Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies, Cool Roofs

Reference

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

Right – This metal panel window shutter is installed in a track permanently mounted above and below the window frame and is secured with wing nuts to studs mounted on the track.

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Wrong - Utility trim was substituted for the starter strip and the bottom lock was cut off this vinyl siding so the siding pulled loose under wind pressure.

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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.

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Wrong – The underside of the first course of siding extends beyond the underlying sheathing leaving it vulnerable being pulled off by pressure from high winds.

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Protect Your Home from Flood Damage

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Video showing steps to protect homes from flood damage using both dry flood-proofing and wet flood-proofing methods per FLASH Strong Homes guidelines.

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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Environmental Resource Permit Applicant’s Handbook Volume I (General and Environmental)

Reference

Handbook to help property owners understand the rules, procedures, standards, and criteria that apply to the environmental resource permit (ERP) program under Part IV of Chapter 373 of the Florida Statutes.

Implementing Green Infrastructure at Multiple Scales to Enhance Resilience

Reference

Case study describing Alachua County, Florida’s, green infrastructure strategy for land use development that incorporates rain gardens, ponds, swales, and native vegetation to manage stormwater.

What Strategy Lets Water In as a Form of Flood Prevention?

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Video describing how wet floodproofing helps prevent flood damage by using four different design strategies; elevate, float, wet floodproof, and dry floodproof. Recommendations from the National Building Museum.

Living on the Coast: Protecting Investments in Shore Property on the Great Lakes

Reference

A publication describing how to protect coastal investments by adapting to natural processes and protecting coastal environments and shorelines.

West Virginia Stormwater Management and Design Guidance Manual

Reference

Manual showing how to properly use grass swales to manage excess water runoff.

Clay or Concrete Tile Roofs

Guide

Guide discussing disaster resistance related to clay or concrete tile roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.

Rigid foam insulation can serve as the drainage plane when all seams are taped. Furring strips provide an air gap behind the cladding.

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Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Guide

Guide discussing disaster resistance related to asphalt shingle roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.

Inside FORTIFIED: Sealing Roof Seams with Tape

Video

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

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Roofing Manual - 2020 Set

Reference

Manuals describing design, materials, and installation techniques applicable to almost all types of roof systems; four-volume set includes Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems, Membrane Roof Systems, Architectural Metal Flashing and Condensation and Air Leakage Control, and Steep-Slope Roof Systems.