Building Codes

Maps: How States Benefit from Energy Efficiency Standards

April 24, 2017

In total for products purchased through 2035, Americans will save $2.4 trillion because of energy efficiency standards set over the past three decades.

Passive House Built to Withstand Local Wildfires

April 24, 2017

The Journal of Light Construction recently published an article detailing how a house adhering to passive house performance standards was constructed in an area of California prone to wildfires. 

Deciphering Energy Efficiency Through the HERS Index

April 24, 2017

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index was developed by the Residential Energy Services Network, or RESNET, to gauge how energy-efficient a new home is.

SBCA Initiates New ANSI Consensus Standard

April 24, 2017

SBCA has initiated the process for the development of an ANSI consensus standard and announces a call to solicit new consensus body members who wish to participate in the project committee.

'Passive Systems' Key to Increasing Energy Performance

April 17, 2017

In order to make an impact on the energy consumption of buildings, we have now learned, again, that we have to stick with the fundamentals of building science and look to passive systems to meet the necessary changes.

TYPAR Highlights Advantages of Effective Air Barriers

April 17, 2017

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 40 percent of the energy used to heat and cool a building is due to uncontrolled air leakage.

Disagreements Arise Over Fire-Protection of Steel Floor Assemblies

April 17, 2017

The Engineering News-Record recently published an article exposing the ways steel groups are at odds with fire-protection-materials interests over code compliance for structural-steel floor assemblies.

Video: Correcting the Top Five Hanger Installation Errors

April 12, 2017

Steel hangers and connectors are often installed wrong, with incomplete fastener schedules, the wrong fasteners, and compromised bearing surfaces.  This illustrated article looks at the top five hanger/connector installation problems… and how to fix them.

Simpson Strong-Tie Launches Shear Wall Selector Mobile App

April 12, 2017

Simpson Strong-Tie, the industry leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, has launched a new version of the Strong-Wall® Shearwall Selector web application created to help building designers choose shearwall solutions based on up-to-date building code.

Best Practice Guide for Attachment of Exterior Wall Coverings Through FPIS

April 10, 2017

Applied Building Technology Group (ABTG) has developed a step-by-step guide for attachment of exterior wall coverings through FPIS.