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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 - 40 of 40

2012 IMC - International Mechanical Code

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2012 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, fireplaces, combustion and hydronic systems, using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.

2015 IMC - International Mechanical Code

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2015 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, fireplaces, combustion and hydronic systems, using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.

2017 Vinyl Siding Installation Manual

Author(s)
Vinyl Siding Institute
Organization(s)
Vinyl Siding Institute
Publication Date
Publication with installation guidance for vinyl siding.

Air Leakage in Recessed Lighting

Author(s)
Van der Meer
Organization(s)
Pennsylvania Housing Research/Resource Center
Publication Date
Recessed lighting is here to stay. If installed incorrectly they may contribute to air leakage and compromise building integrity.

An Integrated Control Method for Supplemental Minisplit Heat Pumps in Existing Homes

Author(s)
Fenaughty Karen,
Martin Eric,
Parker Danny,
Nigusse Bereket
Organization(s)
University of Central Florida,
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Publication Date
Technical report describing how the FSEC Energy Research Center explores low-cost space-conditioning upgrades for existing homes by integrating centrally located, high-efficiency ductless mini split heat pumps with older but functional central space conditioning systems, aiming to achieve energy...

Basement Insulation Systems, BA-0202

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Report describing approaches to insulating basements in homes built to meet Energy Star levels of performance of heat loss reduction.

Best Practices Manual

Author(s)
Hammer & Hand
Organization(s)
Hammer & Hand
Publication Date
This Best Practices Manual is the product of Hammer & Hand’s ongoing work to document and internally codify our standard operating procedures for construction practice.

Builder's Guide to Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
The Builder's Guide provides the building industry with the latest and best practical information on how to apply building science principles to structures as systems in hot-humid climate regions.

Buried and Encapsulated Ducts

Author(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings
Organization(s)
CARB,
BASF
Publication Date
Reference investigating the strategy of using buried and/or encapsulated ducts to reduce duct thermal losses in residential buildings.

Classic Rib® Install Guide

Author(s)
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation
Organization(s)
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation
Publication Date
Installation manual for installing metal panel siding.

Common Siding Failures

Author(s)
Mark Parlee
Organization(s)
The Building Consultant
Publication Date
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.

Construction Defects – Mortar Bridging and Mortar Droppings

Author(s)
Stephan Bill
Organization(s)
Metropolitan Engineering Consulting & Forensics,
MECF
Publication Date
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.

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

Dam Ice Dam, BSI-046

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing strategies for reducing the risk of ice dam formation on roofs in winter.

HardiPlank Lap Siding Butt Joint Flashing

Author(s)
Todd Fratzel
Organization(s)
Home Construction and Improvement
Publication Date
A article about the best practice method of installing fiber cement siding, to install flashing at the butt joints of the siding boards, rather than face caulking the butt joints afterwards.

How to Install Cellulose Insulation

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

JM Spider® Drill & Fill Installation Guide

Author(s)
Johns Manville
Organization(s)
Johns Manville
Publication Date
The purpose for this document is to provide basic guidance on the use of proven installation techniques that can be used by installers to help ensure correct “dense pack” application of JM Spider® in drill & fill applications.

Key Installation Checkpoints for Manufactured Stone Veneer

Author(s)
National Concrete Masonry Association
Organization(s)
National Concrete Masonry Association
Publication Date
Article providing guidance for installing manufactured stone veneer, including information on rainscreens.

NFPA 70: National Electric Code

Author(s)
National Fire Protection Association
Organization(s)
NFPA
Publication Date
This standard provides a benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards and has been adopted in all 50 states.

Pump Day Procedures

Author(s)
ICF Systems
Organization(s)
Massachusetts Building Products
Publication Date
Information sheet including a checklist of steps to follow for pouring concrete.

RESNET Insulation Grading Criteria

Author(s)
Cottrell Charles
Organization(s)
Residential Energy Services Network,
RESNET,
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association,
NAIMA
Publication Date
Presentation describing RESNET grading criteria for insulation installation.

Rigid Insulating Sheathing Assumed Order of Work

Author(s)
NAHB Research Center
Organization(s)
NAHB Research Center
Publication Date
Document presenting step-by-step process for installing rigid insulating sheathing over wood studs or house wrap.

Rooftop Solar Panel Attachment: Design, Installation, and Maintenance

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Recovery advisory guide providing guidance on existing code requirements as well as recommend best practices for attachment design, installation, and maintenance of rooftop solar panels to increase panel wind resistance in the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricane Maria.

Sidewall Blowing Tips and Tricks

Author(s)
Wisconsin Focus on Energy
Organization(s)
Wisconsin Focus on Energy
Publication Date
High-density sidewall cavity insulation can be a major comfort and savings boost. It saves energy by slowing both conductive and convective losses, but only if the right things are done and done right. This always requires site-specific thinking.

Solar Photovoltaic Specification, Checklist and Guide

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Guidelines to assist builders in designing and constructing homes equipped with a set of features that make the installation of solar energy systems after the completion of the home’s construction easier and less expensive.

Technology Fact Sheet: Weather-Resistive Barriers

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Brochure with information about how to select and install house wrap and other weather-resistive barriers.

Types of Insulation

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Information sheet about types and installation of insulation.

Understanding Drainage Planes, BSD-105

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Guide providing information about controlling rainwater through use of drainage planes.