Organization(s)
This Old House
Publication Date
Description
An article and video of a breakdown on the preparation and installation of basement insulation.
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 51 - 100 of 100
Organization(s)
Montana State University Extension,
MSU Extension
Publication Date
Description
Article from Montana State University Extension explaining how proper insulation techniques can greatly reduce the risks of ice dams on roofs in cold climate zones.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article describing issues with condensation in unvented attics insulated with open-cell spray foam.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article outlining the casuses and solutions for ice dam problems.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet summarizing ICF wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.
Organization(s)
Green Home Institute
Description
Video describing how a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) is constructed and including use of a stay-in-place EPS (expanded polystyrene) footing form that provides insulation and simplifies the installation of frost-protected monolithic concrete slab foundations.
Organization(s)
Green Home Institute
Description
Video describing how a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) is constructed and including use of a stay-in-place EPS (expanded polystyrene) footing form that provides insulation and simplifies the installation of frost-protected monolithic concrete slab foundations.
Organization(s)
Vinyl Siding Institute
Description
A guide for users and energy raters of insulated siding as home insulation.
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Description
Article describing how insulated siding can save homeowners energy by providing continuous exterior insulation.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article outlining the use of spray polyurethane foam in residential buildings.
Introduction and Overview: Proper Installation of Fiber Glass and Rock and Slag Wool Batt Insulation
Organization(s)
North America Insulation Manufacturers Association
Publication Date
Description
Website providing builders with information about meeting RESNET Grade 1 criteria when installing insulation.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
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.
Organization(s)
Johns Manville
Publication Date
Description
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.
Organization(s)
University of Arizona
Publication Date
Description
Article from University of Arizona on keeping homes cool during extreme heat, both personal and system changes.
Organization(s)
Natural Resources Canada
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet providing links and resources for insulating basements in cold climates.
Organization(s)
Energy Vanguard
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet discussing the downside to recessed can lights.
Organization(s)
Knauf
Description
Website providing information about Knauf Insulation.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Guidebook providing useful examples of high performance retrofit techniques for the building enclosure of wood frame residential construction in a cold and somewhat wet climate.
Organization(s)
Ply Gem Siding Group
Publication Date
Description
Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.
Organization(s)
NMIC
Publication Date
Description
Web resource that lays out the pre-work considerations, methods and finishes for installing mechanical insulation.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Building science insight into crawlspaces.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.
Organization(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs,
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Publication Date
Description
Technical report describing research aimed to provide window manufacturers with foundational guidance for installing windows in walls with continuous insulation (CI), addressing critical aspects such as evaluating common installation methods, establishing acceptance criteria for window performance...
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article outlining moisture accumulation in open cell spray polyurethane foam.
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
This page provides important information on how to protect yourself and your family if you suspect that you might have vermiculite insulation from Libby, Montana.
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet with the definition and uses for a raised truss.
Organization(s)
New Jersey Institute of Technology,
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Publication Date
Description
Technical report describing the Re-Side Right initiative by the New Jersey Institute of Technology's Building America research team that proposes enhancing home efficiency during the re-siding process by incorporating an insulating layer that acts as both an air barrier and water resistive barrier...
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Website describing the U.S. Department of Energy's residential buildings program.
Organization(s)
LBNL
Publication Date
Description
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...
Organization(s)
Residential Energy Services Network,
RESNET,
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association,
NAIMA
Publication Date
Description
Presentation describing RESNET grading criteria for insulation installation.
Retrofitting Knob and Tube Wiring An Investigation into Codes, Assessment, Wiring Practices and Cost
Organization(s)
Building Research Council
Publication Date
Description
Guide on retrofitting insulation in cavities.
Organization(s)
NAHB Research Center
Publication Date
Description
Document presenting step-by-step process for installing rigid insulating sheathing over wood studs or house wrap.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report covering non-combustible continuous exterior insulation and non-combustible roof venting.
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Description
Article describing how insulating and air sealing unfinished attic spaces can lead to reduced energy bills in some homes.
Organization(s)
Wisconsin Focus on Energy
Publication Date
Description
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.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
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.
Organization(s)
Smarter Homes NZ
Publication Date
Description
Article from Smarter Homes NZ on home building techniques that incorporate passive cooling.
Organization(s)
Walls & Ceilings
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet describing the use of rigid foam insulation to meet energy efficiency requirements and minimize fire risks.
Organization(s)
Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance
Publication Date
Description
SPFA website homepage.
Organization(s)
Fire Protection Research Foundation,
FPRF,
National Fire Protection Association,
NFPA
Publication Date
Description
Literature review from NFPA on the use of insulation to protect the piping in home fire sprinkler systems from freezing conditions.
Organization(s)
FMA,
AAMA,
WDMA
Publication Date
Description
Guide describing the installation of windows in walls that have foam plastic insulating; guide provides several methods for attaching, supporting, and flashing windows in walls with rigid foam sheathing. (Note: The link only goes to the table of contents for the guide, the full guide can be...
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Brochure describing insulation approaches for homes with slab-on-grade floors.
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Brochure with information about how to select and install house wrap and other weather-resistive barriers.
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Description
Article describing how an affordable multifamily building achieved energy savings for the same cost as code-minimum construction.
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet about types and installation of insulation.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.
Organization(s)
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
Publication Date
Description
Report covering the migration of wind-blown embers in roof vents.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report describing sloped roof assemblies with high levels of thermal performance.
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
Introductory guide to air sealing the envelope of a home to reduce wasted energy and save on energy costs.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.