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Retrofit Improvements: Garage Door Reinforcement

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During a hurricane or other high-wind event, a garage door can be damaged by wind or windborne debris. High winds can cause a garage door to fail by pushing it inward or pulling it outward until the door buckles or the door hardware fails. If a garage door fails during a storm, the entire house may be susceptible to wind and water intrusion that could cause extensive damage and even building failure.

Retrofit Improvements: Gable End Bracing

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Gable end walls are the triangle-shaped wall sections found at the ends of a pitched (gable) roof and generally run parallel to the roof rafters or trusses forming the gable. During a hurricane or other high-wind event, inadequately braced or improperly anchored gable end walls are vulnerable to failure and can become detached from the rest of the structure. A gable end wall failure can make the house susceptible to wind and water intrusion into the attic that can cause extensive damage and even building failure.

Retrofit Improvements: Fire Retardant Wood Shingles or Shakes

File Under: Resilience

During a wildfire, or an adjacent building fire, roof coverings are exposed to ignition due to their large area and orientation. Leaves or dead vegetation collected in gutters can be easily ignited by embers, spreading flames to roof coverings and other roof components. The flames can subsequently propagate into the interior of the building, resulting in substantial damage or even total loss of the building.

Retrofit Improvements: Wind Resistant Exterior Cladding

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During a hurricane or other severe windstorm, exterior wall siding can be damaged or blown off the house, leaving the water-resistive barrier (WRB) as the only protection against rainwater. If the exposed WRB is then damaged or compromised, severe water damage to wall sheathing, wall cavity insulation, and interior wall finishes can result.

Retrofit Improvements: Roof to Wall Connection

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During a hurricane or other high-wind event, the connection between the roof framing and walls can fail, making the house susceptible to wind and water intrusion into the attic that can cause extensive damage and even building failure.

Assistive Multifunctional Cabinetry

File Under: Universal Design & Accessibility

The Assistive Multifunctional Cabinet Unit is an assistive technology developed by Home Innovation Research Labs for the VA, allowing minimally impaired Veterans or Servicemembers to extend their independence and remain in their residence longer.

2021 IECC Residential Cost Effectiveness Analysis

File Under: Building Codes & Standards

The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) includes several changes which impact both energy savings and construction costs for residential construction. The objective of this analysis is to quantify the incremental construction cost and energy use cost savings associated with constructing a house compliant with the 2021 IECC relative to a 2018 IECC baseline and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the code changes.

Cost Implications of Solar Photovoltaic Systems on Single Family Homes

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The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) asked Home Innovation Research Labs (HI) to conduct an analysis to determine the typical construction cost, solar energy production, and a range of potential return on investment (ROI) scenarios for a sample of residential photovoltaic solar systems in five different locations. The results are intended to provide region-specific information to assist with examining the implications of code-mandated roof-top solar energy generation for new residential construction.

Retrofit Improvements: Flash & Seal Roof Penetrations

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Deteriorated or incorrectly installed flashing at roof penetrations such as plumbing vents, chimneys, and skylights can allow rainwater to enter through the roofing that can damage the roof structure and interior finishes. Visible water stains are usually the first indication water has leaked through the roof. Water will travel through the path of least resistance and may leave a stain far from where it first penetrated. Homeowners can inspect for water intrusion at roof penetrations by carefully looking for signs of leakage in the attic, water stains on the roof sheathing or even walls below, wet insulation, and deterioration of roof coverings and roof deck. The flow of water on the roof should be observed from inside if possible and outside while it’s raining and afterwards.

Retrofit Improvements: Attachment of Shingles

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During a hurricane or other extreme storm, roof shingles can be damaged or blown off the roof, exposing the underlayment as the only protection against rainwater. A damaged roof can allow rainwater to enter the building that could saturate insulation and damage roof sheathing, ceilings, interior finishes, and household contents. Severe water damage can occur if the exposed underlayment is compromised.