Data sources

Every quantitative input has a named scope, unit, source, and review date. Product data is never presented as a universal standard.

Reviewed July 16, 2026

Current register: 28 primary sources, all reviewed on July 16, 2026.

How to read the register

A source review date records when the linked document was checked for this build; it is not a claim that the document was published that day. Manufacturer yields and coverage values apply only to the named product or label. Government climate and safety guidance applies only within its stated jurisdiction and scope.

Sherwin-Williams

  • Paint Calculator

    North America · manufacturer calculator · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Actual coverage varies with surface condition, color change, application, and product label.

    Used for
    • Interior paint planning
    • Typical 350–400 square feet per U.S. gallon coverage range
  • Exterior Painting How-Tos

    North America · manufacturer guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Use the selected coating label when it provides a more specific spread rate.

    Used for
    • Exterior coating preparation
    • General 250–400 square feet per gallon planning range

QUIKRETE

  • Concrete Mix No. 1101 Technical Data Sheet

    North America · manufacturer data sheet · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Bag counts are based on stated approximate yield and must be rounded up to whole bags.

    Used for
    • Bag yields for current 40, 60, and 80 pound bags
    • Minimum 2 inch (50 mm) placement thickness

ENERGY STAR

  • Recommended Home Insulation R-Values

    United States · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Recommendations are presented by ENERGY STAR using 2021 IECC climate zones.

    Used for
    • U.S. attic insulation recommendations by climate zone and existing insulation condition
  • DIY Checks and Inspections

    United States · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Do not disturb suspected vermiculite insulation; obtain qualified guidance before work.

    Used for
    • Attic inspection sequence
    • Estimated R-value per inch by insulation type
    • Vermiculite safety warning
  • Attic Insulation

    United States · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Air leaks and moisture conditions should be addressed before insulation is added.

    Used for
    • Attic air sealing and insulation project order
    • Professional assessment triggers

Natural Resources Canada

  • Keeping the Heat In — How your house works

    Canada · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Canadian guidance uses effective thermal resistance and climate-zone classifications.

    Used for
    • Canadian climate zones
    • Recommended roof and ceiling RSI/R values
    • R-to-RSI conversion
  • Keeping the Heat In — Roofs and attics

    Canada · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Follow product labels for bag count and settled depth; do not disturb suspected vermiculite.

    Used for
    • Canadian attic inspection
    • Air and moisture control
    • Insulation top-up planning

Owens Corning

  • AttiCat Expanding Blown-In Insulation System

    United States · manufacturer data sheet · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Calculator accepts only labeled table R-values and rounds the label bag requirement up.

    Used for
    • AttiCat bags per 1,000 square feet
    • Maximum coverage per bag
    • Minimum installed thickness by labeled R-value

Owens Corning Canada

  • AttiCat Expanding Blown-In Insulation System and coverage chart

    Canada · manufacturer data sheet · reviewed 2026-07-16

    The official product page publishes the coverage chart and links the identified Coverage Card; use the Canadian label, never the U.S. table, and verify the current bag at purchase.

    Used for
    • Canadian AttiCat product identification
    • Canadian 30 pound bag maximum coverage and minimum installed thickness for labeled R12–R80
    • Canadian product-label planning

National Institute of Standards and Technology

USG

  • Joint compound coverage FAQ

    North America · manufacturer guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    The FAQ estimate is product-specific and should not be generalized to every compound.

    Used for
    • Approximate joint compound quantity per 1,000 square feet of gypsum panels
  • Sheetrock Brand Gypsum Panels

    North America · manufacturer data sheet · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Panel availability and code-required type vary; verify the chosen panel before purchasing.

    Used for
    • Panel product dimensions and selection

USDA Forest Products Laboratory

  • Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material

    United States · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Structural deck design remains subject to local code and site-specific engineering requirements.

    Used for
    • Wood moisture, durability, fasteners, and construction fundamentals
  • Finishes for Exterior Wood

    United States · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Finish life depends on exposure, wood condition, preparation, and product system; no universal interval is assumed.

    Used for
    • Exterior wood finish selection and surface preparation

U.S. Department of Energy

  • Prototype Building Models — Climate Zone Representatives

    United States · government standard · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Representative locations classify a zone; they are not a substitute for local weather or code data.

    Used for
    • Representative U.S. locations and climate-zone moisture/design labels

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

  • Guide to Determining Climate Zones by County

    United States · government standard · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Use the county files for a project address; representative cities are examples rather than boundaries.

    Used for
    • 2021 IECC and Building America county climate-zone lookup

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  • Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting

    United States · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Lead rules and certified-contractor requirements may apply; this site does not replace regulatory guidance.

    Used for
    • Lead-safe renovation planning and containment
  • Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions

    United States · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    A material cannot be identified as asbestos-containing by appearance alone.

    Used for
    • Asbestos identification limits and testing before disturbance
  • Mold Cleanup in Your Home

    United States · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    EPA uses an area of about 10 square feet as a decision point while also identifying other reasons to seek professional help.

    Used for
    • Mold cleanup scope and professional-help threshold
  • Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air and Your Health

    United States · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Electrical, structural, sewage, chemical, and extensive mold hazards require qualified help.

    Used for
    • Floodwater safety, drying, and indoor-air cleanup sequence
  • Radon

    United States · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Test results and mitigation decisions should follow current EPA instructions and device directions.

    Used for
    • U.S. radon action level and mitigation planning

Health Canada

  • Lead-based paint

    Canada · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Paint history is a screening clue, not a laboratory identification.

    Used for
    • Canadian lead-paint age guidance and renovation precautions
  • Health risks of asbestos

    Canada · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Avoid disturbing suspect material and use qualified testing before renovation.

    Used for
    • Canadian asbestos renovation precautions and professional testing
  • Addressing moisture and mould in your home

    Canada · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    The moisture source must be corrected; large or recurring growth calls for professional assessment.

    Used for
    • Canadian mould area categories and cleanup planning
  • Flood cleanup — Keep in mind indoor air quality

    Canada · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    The guide says bleach is not necessary for mould cleanup and combustion equipment must remain outdoors.

    Used for
    • Post-flood electrical and combustion safety
    • Drying within 48 hours
  • Government of Canada Radon Guideline

    Canada · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    Mitigation urgency depends on the long-term result; follow current Health Canada guidance.

    Used for
    • Canadian annual-average radon guideline
  • Guide for Radon Measurements in Residential Dwellings

    Canada · government guide · reviewed 2026-07-16

    The guide calls for a minimum 91-day long-term measurement for a valid annual estimate.

    Used for
    • Canadian long-term radon test duration and placement

What is intentionally excluded

The initial release does not publish unsourced regional prices, generic return-on-investment claims, universal material life spans, or a city value copied to an entire climate zone. Weather normals, forecasts, tax data, and permit rules are not inferred when a stable source is not part of the page.