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TetraGRIP™ Squeak Test Report

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Historically, floor squeaks have been a significant callback problem for home builders. To provide builders a possible solution to this problem, Paslode developed the TetraGRIP™ fastening system and had Home Innovation Research Labs test its "squeak reduction/elimination" capabilities. The testing conducted was based on a test method developed by Home Innovation Labs for determining the propensity of a subfloor fastener to cause squeaks due to relative movement between the subfloor and the fastener.

Evaluation of Test Method for Assessing the Propensity for a Subfloor Fastener to Cause Floor Squeaks

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Historically, floor squeaks have been a significant “call back” problem for home builders. Homebuyers do not want to hear squeaking sounds as they walk across the floor of their newly constructed home. There are a number of causes of floor squeaks. The most prominent cause is due to relative movement between the subfloor material and the fastener, resulting in squeaks. Traditional fasteners initially hold the subfloor firmly to the supporting floor joist and relative movement is prevented. However, over time gaps are created and relative movement often occurs.

2009 IECC Cost Effectiveness Analysis

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A strong push was made by many advocacy groups, including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to increase the stringency of the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This effort resulted in a number of major changes which impact both energy savings and construction costs for residential construction. As part of the federal effort to encourage state and local adoption of the more stringent code, provisions were also included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to persuade states to adopt the 2009 IECC.

2012 IECC Cost Effectiveness Analysis

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A strong push was made by many advocacy groups, including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to increase the stringency of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to achieve a 30 percent energy savings relative to the 2006 IECC. This effort resulted in a number of major changes which impact both energy savings and construction costs for residential construction.

Methodology for Calculating Energy Use in Residential Buildings

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This white paper describes a method for determining energy usage in a representative single-family house for a specific energy code in a specific location. Energy usage is expressed in terms of electric (kWh) and natural gas (therm) usage. Beyond that, this paper also provides procedures to: 1) convert energy metric based on application (site, source, or cost); 2) calculate percent energy savings between different editions of an energy code; 3) perform a regional (e.g., state, county) or national energy analysis; and 4) analyze energy impact or neutrality of code amendments.

Retrofit Improvements: Bracing of Hillside Homes

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Forensic investigation indicates that partial or complete collapse of hillside houses is a common calamity when earthquakes hit. The most at risk houses have the entry floor located at or near street level and tall wood light-frame walls providing support at the hillside edge of the floor. These homes may have a “walk-out” basement. Referred to as down-slope houses, the largest level is supported by a discontinuous foundation that “flows” with the grade which slopes down and out. The structure between the foundation and the main level of the house, as typically constructed, provides a poor interconnection that is susceptible to shaking. Walls at the sides of down-slope houses are also irregularly shaped as they are “stepping” down the hillside. These cripple walls, and the fact that the main floor is usually pinned to an upper and lower foundation (which are disconnected), provide many pivot points from which the rigid floor system may shake out of plane and cause failures of the elements that support it. Retrofitting downslope houses is a job that requires an engineered design and specialty contractor. As a result, the cost of this retrofit will vary with the scope of the project.

Retrofit Improvements: Anchorage of Appliances

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Appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and washing machines may shift and/or tip over during an earthquake. Anchorage of appliances can greatly reduce the risk of injury, damage, and inconvenience as a result of an earthquake. Appliance hoses and/or pipes are attached to water and gas lines that may be wrenched loose by the movement of the appliance. To decrease the possibility of this dangerous situation from occurring, anchor large appliances to the wall using safety cables or straps and screw eye fasteners attached to studs or structural members. Locate the restraint in the mid-to-upper portion of the appliance to provide the greatest resistance to overturning. Replace rigid gas or water connections with flexible connectors, and install automatic shut-off valves for both the gas and water supply system. This will further reduce the possibility of a water or gas line break.

Retrofit Improvements: Elevate & Secure Water Heater

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Water heaters should be elevated to 1’ above base flood elevation (BFE) in keeping with habitable spaces of newly-constructed homes. Many raised areas like stands, cantilevered specialty platforms, and custom decks can serve this purpose.

Retrofit Improvements: Improve Exterior Siding Attachment

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Wood and fiber cement lap siding can be installed to withstand hurricane wind and rain. Siding’s hardiness is in the flashing, caulking, fastening, and painting details, so it is never too late to bring siding up to the specifications that will withstand adverse weather conditions without damage.

Retrofit Improvements: Improve Window & Door Flashing/Sealing

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Water intrusion around window and door openings can cause structural degradation and fastener corrosion that weakens the window or door frame or even the wall itself. Water intrusion can also lead to preventable building damage such as water damage to interior finished surfaces, furnishings, and mold growth.