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Library

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 1 - 33 of 33

2009 IWUIC - International Wildland-Urban Interface Code

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2009 edition of the code establishing regulations to safeguard life and property from the intrusion of wildland fire and to prevent structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels; regulates defensible space and provides ignition-resistant construction requirements to protect against fire exposure...

2012 IWUIC - International Wildland-Urban Interface Code

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2012 edition of the code establishing regulations to safeguard life and property from the intrusion of wildland fire and to prevent structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels; regulates defensible space and provides ignition-resistant construction requirements to protect against fire exposure...

ACCA Manual J - Residential Load Calculation

Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Standard covering equipment sizing loads for single-family-detached homes, small multi-unit structures, condo­miniums, town houses and manufactured homes.

All About Larsen Trusses

Author(s)
Holladay
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Website article interviewing the inventor of the Larsen truss, a history of its use, and a discussion of its advantages and disadvantages.

American Gas Association White Paper Automatic Shut-off Valves (ASV) And Remote Control Valves (RCV) On Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines

Author(s)
American Gas Association
Organization(s)
AGA
Publication Date
Report providing information regarding the benefits and challenges associated with the installation of earthquake-actuated automatic shut-off valves (ASVs) or remote-control valves (RCVs) to stop the flow of natural gas into buildings in the event of an earthquake or rupture of the gas line.

ASTM E1677 - 11: Standard Specification for Air Barrier (AB) Material or System for Low-Rise Framed Building Walls

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard that covers the minimum performance and acceptance criteria for an air barrier (AB) material or system for framed walls of low-rise buildings with the service life of the building wall in mind. This link directs to a preview of the version of the standard that was published in the year 2011...

Bulk Water Control Methods for Foundations, BA-1015

Author(s)
Ueno,
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report about the fundamental concepts that must be understood at the planning or initial nspection of existing homes regarding surface and ground water management.

Conceptual 3D Advanced Framing Drawing

Author(s)
Green Building Advisor
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Document containing a 3D drawing (CAD) of advanced framing details.

Controlling Cold-Weather Condensation Using Insulation, BSD-163

Author(s)
Straube
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Article describing research encouraging use of exterior insulation to warm interior sheathing surfaces in walls and roof assemblies to reduce the likelihood of condensation during cold weather

Generator

Author(s)
Guthrie County REC
Organization(s)
Guthrie County REC
Publication Date
Webpage from Guthrie County REC with video and image links illustrating how to safely use backup generation during power outages.

Guidelines for Installing Flexible Duct

Author(s)
ATCO Rubber Products Inc.,
Air Duct Council
Organization(s)
ADC
Publication Date
Presentation about proper installation of flexible ducts.

How to Build an Insulated Cathedral Ceiling

Author(s)
Holladay
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Information sheet presenting the correct methods for building an insulated cathedral ceiling.

How to Install Cellulose Insulation

Author(s)
Holladay
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

Improving Recessed Lighting

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Report providing information about techniques and approaches to improve the efficiency of recessed lighting.

Insulated Siding Provides Continuous Insulation

Author(s)
Dobson
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Article describing how insulated siding can save homeowners energy by providing continuous exterior insulation.

Nail Withdrawl Capacities in OSB

Author(s)
Premier SIPS
Organization(s)
Premier SIPS
Publication Date
Information sheet with nail withdrawl capacities in OSB.

Raised Truss

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Information sheet with the definition and uses for a raised truss.

Sprinkler Insulation - A Literature Review

Author(s)
Merrifield Brian
Organization(s)
Fire Protection Research Foundation,
FPRF,
National Fire Protection Association,
NFPA
Publication Date
Literature review from NFPA on the use of insulation to protect the piping in home fire sprinkler systems from freezing conditions.

The Scary Crawlspace

Author(s)
Hales
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Article describing the risks associated with vented and unvented crawlspaces in different climate zones.

Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

Water Management System Builder Checklist Guide

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Water Management System Builder Checklist.

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Products

Author(s)
CAL FIRE Fire Engineering Division
Organization(s)
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection,
Cal Fire,
CAL FIRE - Office of the State Fire Marshal,
CAL FIRE - OSFM
Publication Date
A list of exterior building products and materials approved for use in wildland urban interface zoned homes. These products are non-combustible or ignition-resistant.

Winter power outages can lead to generator concerns

Author(s)
University of Missouri Extension
Organization(s)
University of Missouri
Publication Date
Article describing how generators being used for backup power during outages can lead to safety concerns.

Wood Combustion Basics

Author(s)
Curkeet Rick
Organization(s)
Intertek
Publication Date
Presentation about the combustion properties of wood.