Building Science Resource Library

The Building Science Resource Library contains all of FEMA’s hazard-specific guidance that focuses on creating hazard-resistant communities.

You can search for a document by its title, or filter the collection to browse by:

  • Topic: High winds, flood, earthquake, etc.
  • Document Type: Brochure, report, fact sheet, infographic, etc.
  • Audience: Building professionals & engineers, individuals & homeowners, teachers & kids, etc.
file icon
Decreasing Risk of Structure-to-Structure Fire Spread in a Wildfire

The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations to contractors and designers on new building construction that may prevent or slow the spread of a fire from structure-to-structure in densely-spaced neighborhoods.

file icon
Homeowner’s Guide to Reducing Risk of Structure Ignition from Wildfire

This document provides homeowners with steps they can take now to decrease the likelihood their homes will ignite due to direct flame contact, ember intrusion, or hot gases from wildfires at various physical vulnerabilities throughout the exterior envelope of the house. Specifically, it provides information about some measures that homeowners can take to address vulnerabilities at joints, gaps, vents, and attachments such as decks and fences.

file icon
Wildfire-Resilient Detailing, Joint Systems and Interfaces of Building Components

This document provides information on ways to reduce the vulnerability of residential structures to wildfire ignition due to windborne embers, hot gases, and flames penetrating common detailing joints and building component interfaces that exist throughout the exterior envelope of a building. This document provides information on measures that builders, contractors, and other design professionals can take to “seal” gaps at joints and retrofit building components and interfaces on the exterior surfaces. While the primary focus of this document is to provide guidance on retrofitting existing residential homes, many of the recommendations for increasing wildfire resiliency of common details, joint systems, and building component interfaces would also be applicable to new construction and commercial buildings.

file icon
Homeowner’s Guide to Reducing Wildfire Risk Through Defensible Space

This document provides homeowners with steps they can take now to protect their homes from loss or damage from wildfires due to vulnerabilities introduced by surrounding landscaping and other exterior features (e.g., outbuildings, sheds, furniture, and trash bins) within the homeowner’s property. The goal is to increase homeowner awareness of the key mechanisms and characteristics of Wildfire and the Wildland Urban Interface fires that can result in home ignition.

file icon
Homeowner's Guide to Risk Reduction and Remediation of Residential Smoke Damage

The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations to homeowners for pre-wildfire measures to help reduce the risk of smoke damage and do-it-yourself (DIY) steps that homeowners can take to remediate light to moderate smoke damage. This document also includes recommendations for selecting and monitoring a professional cleaning services contractor for heavy smoke damage.

file icon
Checklist to Ask Your General Contractor

This document helps homeowners with hiring credible contractors who will construct using the codes and standards enforced in the home’s area.

file icon
Building Codes Basics

Building codes and standards are crucial to protecting homes in the event of a natural hazard. There have been numerous examples of homes or communities that were designed and built to the latest building codes that have not only survived a significant natural disaster but were able to continue their intended function, helping their community quickly recover and remain resilient. Some of these examples are detailed here.

file icon
Federal Role in State and Local Building Codes and Standards

FEMA aims to reduce the risk from natural hazards, and natural hazard-resistant building codes and standards are crucial to meeting this goal.

file icon
Frequently Asked Questions for Homeowners

These frequently asked questions address common concerns of homeowners and occupants related to building codes and available tools.

file icon
Checklist to Acquire a Building Permit

This document equips and helps homeowners understand the general process for acquiring a building permit before starting any new construction, addition, repair, renovation, rebuilding, or mitigation work. It should not be used as a substitute for checking with your local building department or for understanding the building codes and regulations in your community.

Displaying 1 - 10 of 30
alert - info

Subscribe to our emails for building science updates and notifications of new building code documents.

Download CSV
Return to top