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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 51 - 100 of 253

2021 IECC - International Energy Conservation Code

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2021 edition of code establishing a baseline for energy efficiency by setting performance standards for the building envelope (defined as the boundary that separates heated/cooled air from unconditioned, outside air), mechanical systems, lighting systems and service water heating systems in homes...

2021 IFC - International Fire Code

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2021 edition of code establishing regulations involving life and property safety from fires and explosion hazards, including emergency planning, fire department access and water supply, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and hazardous materials planning and storage.

2021 IFGC - International Fuel Gas Code

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2021 edition of code establishing a baseline for the design and installation of fuel gas systems and gas fired appliances through performance requirements.

2021 IMC - International Mechanical Code

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2021 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, fireplaces, combustion and hydronic systems, using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.

2021 IPC - International Plumbing Code

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2021 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2021 IRC - International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2021 edition of code for residential buildings that creates minimum regulations for one- and two-family dwellings of three stories or less, bringing together all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy and electrical provisions for one- and two-family residences.

2021 IWUIC - International Wildland-Urban Interface Code

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2021 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...

AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, NAFS — North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights

Author(s)
American Architectural Manufacturers Association,
Canadian Standards Association,
CSA Group,
Window & Door Manufacturers Association
Organization(s)
AAMA,
CSA,
CSA Group,
WDMA,
Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance,
FGIA
Publication Date
2017 version of a standard covering requirements for single- and dual-pane windows, glazed side-hinged door systems, sliding doors, tubular daylighting devices, and unit skylights developed jointly by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Canadian Standards Association...

ACCA Manual J - Residential Load Calculation

Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Standard covering equipment sizing loads for single-family-detached homes, small multi-unit structures, condo­miniums, town houses and manufactured homes.

ACCA Manual S - Residential Equipment Selection

Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Standard covering sizing strategies for all types of cooling and heating equipment, as well as how to use comprehensive manufacturer’s performance data on sensible, latent, or heating capacity for various operating conditions.

ACCA Standard 12: Home Evaluation and Performance Improvement

Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
This Standard establishes the minimum requirements to evaluate a residence with regards to energy efficiency, water conservation, occupant comfort, and indoor air quality.

ACCA Standard 5: HVAC Quality Installation Specification

Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Standard providing a universally accepted definition for quality installation for residential and commercial heating, ventilating, and air conditioning applications.

ACCA Standard 9: HVAC Quality Installation Verification Protocols

Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Document detailing the requirements, roles, and obligations for participants in an organized effort, ensuring that HVAC installations comply with the ANSI/ACCA 5 QI – 2010 (HVAC Quality Installation Specification) QI Standard.

ACR: The NADCA Standard for Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems

Author(s)
National Air Duct Cleaners Association
Organization(s)
National Air Duct Cleaners Association
Publication Date
Standard providing industry-backed information for assessing new and existing HVAC systems, evaluating and verifying the cleanliness of HVAC system components, preventing job related hazards and guiding the cleaning and restoration of HVAC systems to a specific level of cleanliness.

ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards

Author(s)
Air Duct Council
Organization(s)
ADC
Publication Date
Standard for use and reference by designers, architects, engineers, contractors, installers and users for evaluating, selecting, specifying and properly installing flexible duct in heating and air conditioning systems.

ADC Flexible Duct Test Code - FD 72-R1

Author(s)
Air Duct Council
Organization(s)
ADC
Publication Date
Standard that sets forth the specific methods of testing flexible air ducts used for indoor comfort heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications.

An Update on Formaldehyde

Author(s)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Organization(s)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Publication Date
Updated detailed information about Formaldehyde.

ANSI/AHRI Standard 680, 2017 Standard for Performance Rating of Residential Air Filter Equipment

Author(s)
American National Standards Institute,
Air-Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute
Organization(s)
ANSI,
AHRI
Publication Date
Standard 680 establishes definitions, classifications, test requirements, data requirements, ratings, operating requirements, marking and nameplate data and conformance conditions for residential air filter equipment.

ANSI/ASCE/SEI 25-16: Earthquake-Actuated Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI,
American National Standards Institute,
ANSI
Publication Date
Standard providing minimum functionality requirements for earthquake-actuated automatic gas shutoff devices. Applicable to systems carrying natural gas and propane, the devices are used in piping, equipment, and appliances typically found in structures of three stories or less. The current version...

ANSI/ASHRAE 160-2021, Criteria for Moisture-Control Design Analysis in Buildings

Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
American National Standards Institute,
ANSI
Publication Date
Standard providing guidance on predicting, mitigating, or reducing moisture damage to the building envelope, materials, components, systems, and furnishings, depending on climate, construction type, and HVAC system operation. This is the current version of the standard, which was published in the...

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2020, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy

Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
American National Standards Institute,
ANSI
Publication Date
Standard 55 specifies conditions for acceptable thermal environments and is intended for use in design, operation, and commissioning of buildings and other occupied spaces. This is the current version of the standard, which was published in the year 2021, and is available for preview and purchase at...

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 –Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
American National Standards Institute,
ANSI
Publication Date
Standard that provides procedures and methods for meeting minimum ventilation and indoor air quality requirements to engineers, design professionals, owners, and jurisdictional authorities where model codes have been adopted. This is the current version of the standard, which was published in the...

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010 - Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings

Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
American National Standards Institute,
ANSI
Publication Date
Standard that defines the roles of and minimum requirements for mechanical and natural ventilation systems and the building envelope intended to provide acceptable indoor air quality in low-rise residential buildings. This version of the standard was published in the year 2010, and is available for...

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2016 - Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings

Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Organization(s)
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Standard that defines the roles of and minimum requirements for mechanical and natural ventilation systems and the building envelope intended to provide acceptable indoor air quality in low-rise residential buildings. This version of the standard was published in the year 2016, and is available for...

ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020: American National Standard for Hardwood and Decorative Plywood

Author(s)
American National Standards Institute,
Decorative Hardwoods Association
Organization(s)
ANSI,
DHA
Publication Date
Standard detailing the specific requirements for all face, back, and inner ply grades as well as formaldehyde emissions, moisture content, tolerances, sanding, and grade marking. The current version of the standard, published in 2020, can be acquired through a subscription with the ANSI webstore...

ASCE 7 Hazard Tool

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE
Publication Date
Web-based mapping tool offering a fast, reliable way to look up key design parameters specified in Standard ASCE 7-10, 7-16, or 7-22 for a specific address or location. The tool is free to use and can look up data for eight different environmental hazard types: wind, tornado, seismic, ice, rain...

ASCE/SEI 24-14 - Flood Resistant Design and Construction

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
Standard describing the minimum requirements and expected performance for the siting and design and construction of buildings and structures in flood hazard areas that are subject to building code requirements. The current version of this standard was published in the year 2014, and is available in...

ASCE/SEI 41-13 - Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
Standard using deficiency-based and systematic procedures that use performance-based principles to evaluate and retrofit existing buildings to withstand the effects of earthquakes. This version of the standard was published in the year 2013, and is available in both digital and print versions. The...

ASCE/SEI 41-17 - Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
Standard using deficiency-based and systematic procedures that use performance-based principles to evaluate and retrofit existing buildings to withstand the effects of earthquakes. The current version of this standard was published in the year 2017, and is available in both digital and print...

ASCE/SEI 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
Standard using performance-based principles to determine dead, live, soil, flood, snow, rain, atmospheric ice, earthquake, and wind loads, and their combinations for general structural design. This version of the standard was published in the year 2010 and is available in both digital and print...

ASCE/SEI 7-16 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
Standard using performance-based principles to determine dead, live, soil, flood, tsunami, snow, rain, atmospheric ice, earthquake, wind, and fire loads, and their combinations for general structural design. This version of the standard was published in the year 2016 and is available in both digital...

ASCE/SEI 7-22 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
Standard using performance-based principles to determine dead, live, soil, flood, tsunami, snow, rain, atmospheric ice, seismic, and wind loads, and their combinations for general structural design. The current version of this standard was published in the year 2022 and is available in both digital...

ASTM C 926-22c - Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Specification covering the standard requirements for application of full thickness Portland cement-based plaster for exterior (stucco) and interior work. This standard was produced in the year 2022, and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. There are also other versions of...

ASTM C 926-23 - Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Specification covering the standard requirements for application of full thickness Portland cement-based plaster for exterior (stucco) and interior work. This standard was produced in the year 2023, and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. There are also other versions of...

ASTM C509 - 06 (2011): Standard Specification for Elastomeric Cellular Preformed Gasket and Sealing Material

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard specification covering elastomeric cellular preformed gasket and sealing materials. This version of the standard was published in the year 2011 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions of the standard were published in the years 2021, 2015, 2006, and...

ASTM C509 - 06 (2021): Standard Specification for Elastomeric Cellular Preformed Gasket and Sealing Material

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard specification covering elastomeric cellular preformed gasket and sealing materials. This version of the standard was published in the year 2021 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions of the standard were published in the years 2015, 2011, 2006, and...

ASTM C518 - 21: Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Test method providing a rapid means of determining the steady-state thermal transmission properties of thermal insulations and other materials with a high level of accuracy when the apparatus has been calibrated appropriately. This version of the standard was published in the year 2021 and is...

ASTM C920-18 Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard specification covering the properties of a cured single- or multicomponent cold-applied elastomeric joint sealant for sealing, caulking, or glazing operations on buildings, plazas, and decks for vehicular or pedestrian use, and types of construction other than highway and airfield pavements...

ASTM D7032 - 21 Standard Specification for Establishing Performance Ratings for Wood-Plastic Composite and Plastic Lumber Deck Boards, Stair Treads, Guards, and Handrails

Author(s)
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
ASTM standard for wood-composite decking and guardrail materials under a variety of tests, including fire performance and UV resistance. This standard was produced in the year 2021, and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. There are also other versions of this standard...

ASTM E1827 - 22: Standard Test Methods for Determining Airtightness of Buildings Using an Orifice Blower Door

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
These test methods describe two techniques for measuring air leakage rates through a building envelope in buildings that may be configured to a single zone. This standard was published in the year 2022 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions of the standard...

ASTM E2112 - 19c: Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights

Author(s)
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard covering the installation of fenestration products in new and existing construction. The current version of the standard was published in the year 2019, and is available for preview and purchase at the referenced link. Previous versions of this standard that are available for preview and...