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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 - 30 of 30

2003 IWUIC - International Wildland Urban Interface Code

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2003 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...

Affordable Passive Solar Planbook for North Carolina

Author(s)
Appalachian State University
Organization(s)
AEC,
App State
Publication Date
Study from Appalachian State University on passive solar design to take advantage of local climate zones for energy conservation.

Builder's Guide to Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
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.

Choosing Between Oriented Strandboard and Plywood

Author(s)
Fisette Paul
Organization(s)
University of Massachusetts,
UMASS
Publication Date
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

Decks - Fire Safe or Not?

Author(s)
Stephen L. Quarles
Organization(s)
University of California
Publication Date
Article from Stephen L. Quarles on fire resistant decking design and materials recommendations.

DOE Steep Slope Calculator

Author(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
ORNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Simple web-based tool allowing homeowners to calculate the potential savings from installing a cool roof.

Effect of Residential Ventilation Techniques for Hot and Humid Climates on Indoor Concentrations and Emission Rates of Volatile Organic Compounds

Author(s)
Hodgson Alfred T,
Moyer Neil,
Beal David
Organization(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
A report describing six mechanical ventilation strategies that were evaluated for their ability to control indoor humidity levels over 14-day periods with simulated occupancy.

Hot Water Runs Cold

Author(s)
Hoeschele Marc
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Article describing the factors that can lead to inefficient hot water distribution systems in homes.

Impact Resistance of Brick Veneer Structures to Hurricane Debris

Author(s)
Bennett Richard M,
Borchelt Gregg J,
Bryja Jim,
Kjorlien Bill
Organization(s)
Canada Masonry Design Centre,
CMDC
Publication Date
An impact test report from projectile missile tests against brick veneer, verifying that brick veneers perform well to resisting hurricane force wind driven debris.

Improving Recessed Lighting

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Report providing information about techniques and approaches to improve the efficiency of recessed lighting.

OSHA Fact Sheet: Using Portable Generators Safely

Author(s)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Organization(s)
OSHA
Publication Date
A fact sheet educating the public on the potential hazards and safe use of portable generators.

Radiant Barriers: A Question and Answer Primer

Author(s)
Melody Ingrid,
Fairey Philip W,
Beal David
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Website with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about attic radiant barriers.

READ THIS: Before You Design, Build or Renovate, GM-0602

Author(s)
Brennan Terry,
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Document with important building science considerations, designed for members of the residential construction and remodeling industries, as well as owners and managers who work in affordable housing.

Residential Dehumidification Systems Research for Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W,
Rudd Armin,
Eng P,
Ueno Kohta
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Research study identifying the best performing, most energy-efficient and cost- effective techniques to provide controlled mechanical ventilation and humidity control in hot- humid climates with thermally efficient building envelopes.

Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing

Author(s)
National Environmental Balancing Bureau
Organization(s)
NEBB
Publication Date
Webpage describing the standards, seminars, exams, etc regarding testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB).

The Facts about Clothes Dryer Exhaust Systems

Author(s)
Cranor John
Organization(s)
American Society of Home Inspectors,
ASHI
Publication Date
Article outlining the importance of keeping dryer exhaust ducts clean.

Ultra-Low Energy Residences

Author(s)
Christian Jeffrey E
Organization(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Case study about affordable housing in a mixed, humid climate.

Ventilation System Effectiveness and Tested Indoor Air Quality Impacts

Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Bergey Daniel
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
This report describes how twenty homes were tested and monitored in the Zone 2 climate of Houston, Texas, U.S.A., to evaluate the humidity control performance and operating cost of six different integrated dehumidification and ventilation systems that could be applied by production homebuilders.