Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report describing approaches to insulating basements in homes built to meet Energy Star levels of performance of heat loss reduction.
This library contains research reports produced by the Building America program and other building science resources used to support this Solution Center. The materials cover both new construction and existing homes. Use the search box and/or the filters to explore hundreds of residential building resources. Access to some references not produced by Building America may require purchase from the publisher. Documents are listed alphabetically. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.
Showing results 101 - 150 of 529
Organization(s)
Town of Los Gatos California
Publication Date
Description
A webpage outlining recommendations for creating defensible space.
Organization(s)
Oklahoma State University
Publication Date
Description
Article describing how to choose the right portable electric generator for a home and how to safely operate when power outages happen.
Organization(s)
CEA
Publication Date
Description
Article from California Earthquake Authority on the benefits of retrofitting homes to withstand earthquake forces, with a focus on foundations, walls, and chimneys.
Organization(s)
BIA
Publication Date
Description
Document focusing on the design and wall components that contribute to a pressure equalized rain screen wall, including the frequency of the weep holes and other brick masonry rain screen wall requirements.
Organization(s)
ORNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Web based tool providing decision-making guidance for selecting wall assembly components.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report investigating implementation of advanced framing in both production and prototype built homes built in a variety of climate regions across the USA.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report comparing a variety of roof insulating strategies to present their advantages and disadvantages according to several comparison criteria.
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Factsheet describing research sponsored by DOE's Building America program to research the importance of attic air sealing and best practice attic air sealing techniques for new and existing homes.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Description
Presentation about advanced framing techniques.
Organization(s)
Cal Fire,
CAL FIRE - OSFM
Publication Date
Description
California Office of the State Fire Marshal's homepage for the Building Materials Listing Program, providing builders, contractors, architects, and others with access to a database of fire alarm systems and fire-resistant construction materials including roof coverings, wall, ceiling, and floor...
Organization(s)
Cal Fire,
CAL FIRE - OSFM
Publication Date
Description
California Office of the State Fire Marshal's compiled and searchable list of different building materials and their test results for fire resistance.
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Description
Website providing CAD files and drawings of advanced framing details.
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Document detailing how to build radon-resistant homes.
Organization(s)
National Roofing Contractors Association
Publication Date
Description
An article discussing how different metal roof materials and attachment methods affect the ability of the roof to thermally expand and contract and the durability of different solutions.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report about the fundamental concepts that must be understood at the planning or initial nspection of existing homes regarding surface and ground water management.
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
The EPA Burn Wise program promotes the importance of burning the right wood, the right way, in the right appliance.
Organization(s)
California Legislative Information
Publication Date
Description
Description of California Senate Bill SB 1898, which requires the sale of new seismic gas shutoff devices sold in California to be certified by the State Architect.
Organization(s)
CSLB
Publication Date
Description
California State Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 8, Article 3, listing requirements for plumbing contractors.
Organization(s)
CEC
Publication Date
Description
Webpage containing California Energy Commission's HVAC design information, including mandatory and prescriptive HVAC requirements for residential and nonresidential buildings following the California Energy Commission's Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Web report explaining how correct filter sizing is an issue that applies to all new and existing homes that use ducted HVAC systems.
Organization(s)
State of California
Publication Date
Description
2019 version of California's plumbing code.
Organization(s)
Advanced Energy
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet containing images and descriptions of cantilevers.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
BSC definition of a capillary break.
Organization(s)
CARB
Publication Date
Description
Web article describing utility customer’s right to use back-up generators during emergency events, including Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
Organization(s)
CRI
Publication Date
Description
Carpet and Rug Institute website homepage.
Organization(s)
CRI
Publication Date
Description
Website describing the CRI Green Label Plus low-VOC carpet labeling program.
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
ENRGY STAR webpage discussing the basics of certified ceiling fans.
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
Website that describes two ceiling fan types and their respective ENERGY STAR eligible product types.
Organization(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
ORNL
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA evaluates potential risks from new and existing chemicals and acts to address any unreasonable risks chemicals may have on human health and the environment. This website explains the implications of such chemicals.
Organization(s)
SFGate
Publication Date
Description
News article from SFGate explaining and giving figures on how chimney failure is the most common type of damage to homes during an earthquake.
Organization(s)
University of Massachusetts
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet discussing how OSB will define the future of the structural sheathing market. OSB will define the future of the structural sheathing market. - See more at: http://bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/by-title/choosing-between-oriented-strandboard-and-plywood/#sthash.RilEtDpl.dpuf
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Description
Document providing guidance about choosing the correct caulk for a project.
Organization(s)
American Boiler Manufacturers Association
Publication Date
Description
Part 2 of an article discussing how to maximize two-pipe steam systems for resident space heating.
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
A list of EPA-certified wood-burning appliances for home heating for a range of budgets.
Organization(s)
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation
Publication Date
Description
Installation manual for installing metal panel siding.
Organization(s)
CDC
Publication Date
Description
Report describing extreme heat events, how an extreme heat event threatens public health, and how to prepare for and respond to such an event.
Organization(s)
Advanced Energy
Publication Date
Description
Guide about designing and installing closed crawlspaces in the Southeast.
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Description
Article describing how closed crawlspaces can do "double duty" by controlling moisture and providing energy savings.
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
IECC code note explaining new fan efficacy requirements, along with how to determine which fans are affected by the new fan requirements.
Organization(s)
The Building Consultant
Publication Date
Description
An article illustrating common errors found in fiber cement siding installations. Many of these errors and poor flashing examples apply to siding materials beyond fiber cement siding.
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Description
Document containing a 3D drawing (CAD) of advanced framing details.
Organization(s)
Portland Cement Association
Publication Date
Description
Document discussing moisture considerations and testing techniques for concrete floors.
Organization(s)
Portland Cement Association
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet discussing the properties and benefits of insulating concrete forms.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report covering insulating crawlspaces.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report outlining how conditioned crawlspaces perform better than vented crawlspaces in terms of safety, health, comfort, durability and energy consumption.
Organization(s)
Metropolitan Engineering Consulting & Forensics,
MECF
Publication Date
Description
An article about how mortar droppings during the installation of a brick veneer can clog the weep holes in the wall assembly causing moisture damage. The article also illustrates products that can be installed in the ventilated cavity to mitigate this problem.
Organization(s)
HUD
Publication Date
Description
Brochure helping homeowners identify hazards, work with contractors to remove the hazards, help ensure the work is done properly, and educate when they can return safely to the home.