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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 - 25 of 25

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part I

Author(s)
Yost
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Article describing the building science implications of insulating vented or unvented attics.

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part II

Author(s)
Yost
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Article describing the research into insulating vented versus unvented attics.

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.

Ceilings and Attics

Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Organization(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
ORNL
Publication Date
Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.

Cool Hand Luke Meets Attics, BSI-077

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing the difference between conditioned or unvented attics and unconditioned or vented attics.

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.

Field Evaluation of Four Novel Roof Designs for Energy-Efficient Manufactured Homes

Author(s)
Levy E,
Dentz Jordan,
Ansanelli Eric,
Barker G,
Rath P,
Dadia D
Organization(s)
Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions Collaborative,
ARIES
Publication Date
Report of a field evaluation of four novel roof designs to see how each design would reduce space-conditioned energy use so that the knowledge gained could be applied to the design of new manufactured homes.

How to Install Cellulose Insulation

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

Hybrid Assemblies, BSI-100

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing issues with condensation in unvented attics insulated with open-cell spray foam.

Ice Dams, BSD-135

Author(s)
Straube
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article outlining the casuses and solutions for ice dam problems.

IRC FAQ: Conditioned Attics, GM-0905

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Report discussing how to create livable space in the attic that meets IRC code requirements by either creating a ventilated roof assembly, or and unvented attic assembly.

No Sweat, BSI-094

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

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.

Venting Vapor, BSI-088

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

Vulnerability of Vents to Wind-Blown Embers

Author(s)
Quarles
Organization(s)
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
Publication Date
Report covering the migration of wind-blown embers in roof vents.

Westford House, BSI-018

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report describing sloped roof assemblies with high levels of thermal performance.

Zeroing In, BSI-081

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.