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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: 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.

Retrofit Improvements: Hurricane Shutters

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During a hurricane or other extreme storm, strong winds can pick up objects, such as building materials, tree limbs, trash cans, and patio furniture. This windborne debris can easily shatter unprotected window and door glass, exposing the building interior and allowing wind and water into the building. In addition to damaging household contents, the wind pressure can break the house apart from the inside by blowing off the roof and the water can lead to significant damage to the house.

Retrofit Improvements: Ice Dams

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Ice dams form at the roof eave as a result of the heat from the house escaping into the attic and melting the bottom layer of the snow piled up on the roof. The water then runs down the roof pitch until it reaches the point where it freezes forming an ice dam. Outdoor temperature cycles contribute to repetitive melting and freezing causing the ice dam to expand over the winter months.

Retrofit Improvements: Sealed Roof Deck

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During a hurricane or other extreme storm, rainwater can be driven underneath the roof covering and cause water damage. During particularly strong wind events, shingles or other roof coverings can be blown off the roof or damaged by windborne debris, leaving the underlayment as the only protection against rainwater. A damaged roof can allow rainwater to enter the building that could saturate attic insulation and damage roof sheathing, ceilings, walls, interior finishes, and household contents. Severe water damage can occur if the exposed underlayment is compromised.

Retrofit Improvements: Impact Resistant Doors

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During a hurricane or other extreme storm, strong winds can pick up objects, such as building materials, tree limbs, trash cans, and patio furniture. This windborne debris can easily break standard doors with unprotected glass, allowing wind and water into the building. In addition to damaging household contents, the wind can break the house apart from the inside by blowing off the roof and the water can lead to significant deterioration of the structural elements of the house.

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.

Attachment of Heavy Cladding Over Foam With and Without Drainage Gaps

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The aim of this research was to identify alternate and/or expanded design and installation guidance for the application of heavyweight claddings such as stucco and adhered masonry veneers over rigid foam insulation on light-frame walls and potentially provide the basis for follow-on qualification testing to support a future code proposal.

Reproducibility and Repeatability Study – ASTM B117-18

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This paper describes the quality assurance (QA) measures that are used to commission and operate the ASTM B117 Salt Fog Chamber at Home Innovation Research Labs (HI). The QA measures are based on conformity to the Standard’s operating conditions and protocol for evaluation of corrosive conditions.