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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 101 - 135 of 135

READ THIS: Before You Ventilate, GM-0604

Author(s)
Rudd Armin
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Document reviewing ventilation strategies for different climate zones that also includes schematic drawings and photographs of various ventilation installations.

Reexamining Roof Ventilation

Author(s)
Tony Woods
Organization(s)
Home Energy
Publication Date
Article describing moisture and ice dam issues in attics and how to air seal the attic floor.

Residential Heating and Cooling Loads Component Analysis

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Organization(s)
LBNL
Publication Date
Report describing a study using parametric computer simulations of 112 single-family and 63 multi-family residential building prototypes to quantify the contributions of building components such as roofs, walls, windows, infiltration, outside air, lighting, equipment, and people to the aggregate...

Sealed Attics?

Author(s)
Coble Brian
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Article describing how insulating and air sealing unfinished attic spaces can lead to reduced energy bills in some homes.

Selecting Caulk

Author(s)
Robinson Bill
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Article describing various types of caulks and sealants, their formulas and best uses.

Serenbe Nest Cottages

Author(s)
Butler T,
Curtis O,
Kim E,
Roberts S,
Stephenson R
Organization(s)
NAHB Research Center,
Home Innovation Research Labs,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Southface
Publication Date
Report describing construction of test homes in Atlanta, GA meeting Building America savings targets and serving as a basis of design for other homes Martin Dodson plans to build within the Serenbe community.

Slab Happy, BSI-059

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
How hard can it be to insulate a flat sheet of concrete? I mean you only have three choices – on the top, on the bottom, or on the edge. OK, you might have some combination of the three as well.

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.

Stop Pests in Housing

Author(s)
Northeastern IPM Center
Organization(s)
Northeastern IPM Center
Publication Date
Website providing information on all types of pest management for multi-family housing.

Strategy Guideline: Partnering for High Performance Homes

Author(s)
Prahl
Organization(s)
IBACOS,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Publication Date
Document serving as a starting point that features initial tools and resources for teams to start collaborating to continually improve the energy efficiency and durability of new houses.

Super Energy Efficient Design (S.E.E.D.) Home Evaluation

Author(s)
German Alea,
Dakin Bill,
Backman Christine,
Weitzel Elizabeth,
Springer David
Organization(s)
Alliance for Residential Building Innovation,
ARBI,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Davis Energy Group
Publication Date
Research study determining how well high performance envelope and innovative cooling system interact to cost effectively reduce cooling energy use in this hot-dry climate.

Technology Fact Sheet - Air Sealing

Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
ORNL
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Brochure with information for homeowners about the benefits of air sealing.

The NRCA Roofing Manual - 2020 Set

Author(s)
National Roofing Contractors Association
Organization(s)
National Roofing Contractors Association
Publication Date
Manuals describing design, materials, and installation techniques applicable to almost all types of roof systems; four-volume set includes Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems, Membrane Roof Systems, Architectural Metal Flashing and Condensation and Air Leakage Control, and Steep-Slope Roof Systems.

The Performance House - A Cold Climate Challenge Home

Author(s)
Puttagunta,
Grab,
Williamson
Organization(s)
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Report about seeking a 30% source energy savings targets over a comparable 2009 International Energy Conservation Code-built home in the cold climate zone, using simple measures.

Types of Insulation

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

Understanding Air Barriers, BSD-104

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Information sheet providing definitions, applications, and techniques for applying air barriers.

Understanding Basements, BSD-103

Author(s)
Joseph Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet with methods for constructing or retrofitting basements to reduce moisture issues.

Van Geet Off-Grid Home: An Integrated Approach to Energy Savings

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Organization(s)
NREL
Publication Date
Report about a project with successful integration of numerous energy-conservation and renewable-energy features into a beautiful, comfortable, and very energy-efficient off-grid home.

Vented and Sealed Attics in Hot Climates

Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Lstiburek Joseph
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Building science report describing issues with vented attics in hot-humid climates and how sealed attic construction may be a solution.

Ventilating Your Home

Author(s)
Puttagunta
Organization(s)
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Information sheet about proper ventilation and air sealing.

Venting Vapor, BSI-088

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Weatherstripping

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Information sheet explaining how weatherstripping can be an easy and cost-effective way to save money on energy costs and improve comfort by reducing drafts.

Which Spray Foam is Right For You?

Author(s)
Zoeller
Organization(s)
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Information sheet about insulation materials.

Why Seal and Insulate?

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Introductory guide to air sealing the envelope of a home to reduce wasted energy and save on energy costs.