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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 - 22 of 22

Brick, Stucco, Housewrap and Building Paper, RR-0105

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Research study discussing how housewraps restrict or permit the passage of water molecules based on size, but cannot control the direction in which the water vapor molecules move.

Bulk Water Control Methods for Foundations, BA-1015

Author(s)
Ueno,
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report about the fundamental concepts that must be understood at the planning or initial nspection of existing homes regarding surface and ground water management.

Capillarity - Small Sacrifices, BSI-011

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.

Measure Guideline: Guidance on Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Author(s)
Grin,
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Measure Guideline research report providing simple, long term, and durable solutions when using tapes and flashing membranes in conjunction with the exterior face of rigid polymeric foam sheathing to create the drainage plane of a wall system.

Measure Guideline: Internal Insulation of Masonry Walls

Author(s)
Straube,
Ueno,
Schumacher
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Publication Date
Report summarizing the importance of properly insulating and air sealing masonry walls, providing step by step instructions and approaches.

Moisture Management for High R-Value Walls

Author(s)
Lepage,
Schumacher,
Lukachko
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Report explaining moisture-related concerns for high R-value wall assemblies and discusses past Building America research work that informs this study.

Moisture-Safe Unvented Wood Roof Systems, RR-1001

Author(s)
Straube,
Smegal,
Smith
Organization(s)
University of Waterloo,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
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.

Rain Control in Buildings, BSD-013

Author(s)
Straube
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Document covering basic moisture control principles in the design of above-grade building enclosures; driving rain as a moisture load on walls; a classification system of the various rain control strategies available for walls; and good design practises for walls.

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

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph,
Brennan Terry
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.

READ THIS: Before You Move In, GM-0606

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph,
Brennan Terry
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report describing steps homeowners can take to improve the indoor air quality in their home, including ventilating, preventing pests, and reducing pollutants in the home.

READ THIS: Before You Turn Over a Unit, GM-0603

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet designed for the residential construction and remodeling industries, as well as owners and managers working in affordable housing. This sheet presents building guidance for both new construction and rehabilitation, as well as practices that can be used by property maintenance...

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.

Understanding Drainage Planes, BSD-105

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Guide providing information about controlling rainwater through use of drainage planes.

Understanding Vapor Barriers, BSD-106

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet describing the function of a vapor barrier, and methods to retard the migration of water vapor.

Water Managed Wall Systems, PA-0301

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Document outlining a well-detailed drainage plane and flashings.

Water Management of Noninsulating and Insulating Sheathings

Author(s)
Smegal,
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Report summarizing current research, summarizes issues that have been experienced with current best practices, and recommends ways in which the best practices can be improved for water managing sheathings.