Organization(s)
Energy Vanguard
Publication Date
Description
Article describing products that can enhance the efficiency and safety of clothes dryer vents.
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 - 50 of 64
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report detaining advanced framing techniques, including discussion of cost and energy savings.
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
American National Standards Institute,
ANSI
Publication Date
Description
A standard providing minimum energy efficiency requirements for buildings that are not low-rise residential buildings.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Technical fact sheet describing ways to construct asphalt shingle roofs to be more resistant to high winds and hurricanes; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Document providing background and approach for the prep work necessary prior to adding attic insulation - focusing on combustion safety, ventilation for indoor air quality, and attic ventilation for durability.
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL
Publication Date
Description
Document providing guidance to U.S. home builders who want to accept the challenge.
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Publication Date
Description
Report summarizing the guidelines for developing and reporting analytical results in a consistent and meaningful manner for all home energy uses.
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Publication Date
Description
Document describing the Building America research benchmark for the residential building program.
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)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report about ventilation system design, including central fan integrated supply (CFIS) system, made up of a 6-inch outdoor air intake duct connected to the return side of the air handler with a fan cycling control to make sure the fan runs a programmed minimum amount of time.
Organization(s)
Tile Roofing Institute
Publication Date
Description
Installation manual describing proper installation practices, industry standards and the code requirements of roofing tiles.
Organization(s)
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Document providing design guidance and software tool information for forced-air HVAC systems.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information about dense pack, cellulose insulation.
Organization(s)
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet with HVAC duct insulation, testing, maintenance and performance information.
Organization(s)
MHFD
Publication Date
Description
A best-practices guide compiled to reduce the effects of erosion and enhance vegetation establishment and survivability on slopes and channels.
Organization(s)
University of Western Australia,
Auburn University
Publication Date
Description
Paper describing the effects of tree shade on residential electricity consumption and energy savings in summer and winter.
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet with tools for estimating payback of adding additional insulation to your house.
Organization(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL
Publication Date
Description
Report on the performance of range hood exhaust fans.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report containing 37 fact sheets that provide technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report providing an introduction to the NEHRP recommended seismic provisions for new buildings and other structures.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report describing the interactions, both positive and negative, between common green building practices and the robustness of residential buildings to withstand natural hazards.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report providing guidance on how to improve the wind resistance of existing residential buildings in Mississippi and across the Gulf Coast.
Organization(s)
Florida Building Code
Publication Date
Description
Map of the wind-borne debris region of Florida
Organization(s)
ADC
Publication Date
Description
Standard providing a comprehensive approach to evaluating, selecting, specifying and installing flexible duct in HVAC systems.
Organization(s)
Fine Homebuilding
Publication Date
Description
Article describing frost-protected shallow foundations as an alternative method for building an energy-efficient foundation for a house in a cold climate that uses less concrete and saves on labor.
Organization(s)
Washington State Department of Health
Publication Date
Description
Webpage from Washington State Department of Health describing how to use backup generators properly to not overload during a power outage.
Organization(s)
Green Seal
Publication Date
Description
Standards for paints and coatings.
Organization(s)
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Brochure with details on advanced framing techniques.
Organization(s)
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Brochure with details on advanced framing techniques.
Organization(s)
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet about air barriers.
Organization(s)
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Brochure with details on insulation and air sealing.
Organization(s)
Federation of American Scientists,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Publication Date
Description
Document providing a roadmap to aid Habitat for Humanity affiliates in building high performing houses by using materials and techniques that are affordable, do not add any maintenance burden, and are volunteer friendly.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
FEMA fact sheet detailing requirements and recommendations for coastal construction.
Organization(s)
University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Publication Date
Description
A guide that summarizes building materials and design considerations for increasing wildfire-resistivity of homes in areas that are prone to wildfires.
Organization(s)
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Publication Date
Description
Report describing the hurricane retrofit guide with focus on walls and wooded framed walls.
Organization(s)
FireSafe Montana
Publication Date
Description
Ignition resistant residential construction and landscaping guidelines from FireSafe Montana.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Factsheet describing the concept of load paths and the important connections in a wind uplift load path; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Description
If your kitchen has a powerful exhaust fan, it may be pulling air down your chimney or water-heater flue.
Organization(s)
University of Waterloo,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Document describing a hygrothermal modeling study, including all of the US climate zones, a range of interior humidity levels and numerous arrangements and types of insulation.
Organization(s)
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet about mold mitigation.
Organization(s)
National Fenestration Rating Council
Publication Date
Description
Standard providing a procedure for determining fenestration attachment product U-factors.
Organization(s)
National Fenestration Rating Council
Publication Date
Description
Standard for determining fenestration attachment product SHGC and visible transmittance.
Organization(s)
FLASH
Publication Date
Description
Report providing quick reference guide information to help a family prepare for hurricane season, including seven steps to a wind resistant home, a wind inspection checklist, and how to find a contractor.
Organization(s)
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Document with information about the most practical methods to achieve whole-wall performance of R-30 or above.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Technical fact sheet describing the selection and installation of storm shutters and impact-resistant glazing and other types of opening protection in windborne debris regions; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”
Organization(s)
City of Newberg
Publication Date
Description
An example of a form a building codes department created to ensure builders are fully aware and have taken steps to provide drainage so that water doesn’t accumulate behind siding. This example is from the city of Newberg, Oregon.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet describing refrigerant line installation and system startup procedures.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet describing NFIP requirements for repairs, remodeling, and additions, and discussing opportunities for retrofitting in coastal flood hazard areas with recommendations for exceeding the minimum NFIP requirements; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction...
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Presentation providing information about correctly installing ductwork in new and existing homes.