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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 - 17 of 17

Air Sealing That Works

Author(s)
Bruton Jack,
Baczek Steven
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
An article explaining how an airtight shell for the home helps to achieve a tight envelope that is energy efficient and cost effective.

Building in Extreme Cold, BSI-031

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing the control layers (air, thermal, and vapor barriers) needed to build homes successfully in very cold locations.

Concrete Solutions, BSI-118

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report covering insulating crawlspaces.

ETW: Building Profile: New - Albuquerque New Mexico

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet with details on a building enclosure designed for Albuquerque, NM, as an example for building enclosures built for hot-dry and mixed-dry climates.

Measure Guideline: Guidance on Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Author(s)
Grin Aaron,
Lstiburek Joseph W
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.

Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.

Rain and Groundwater Management Technote

Author(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs,
National Association of Home Builders
Organization(s)
HIRL,
NAHB
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing design and construction practices to reduce the likelihood of water intrusion in walls and foundations in residential construction.

Rebuilding Houston, BSI–101

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report covering the reconstruction of flood damaged homes.

Residential Seismic Strengthening

Author(s)
City of Portland,
State of Oregon
Organization(s)
City of Portland,
State of Oregon
Publication Date
Website providing resources for seismic retrofits for builders and homeowners as well as city permit requirements from the City of Portland OR.

Use of Connectors and Brackets, FEMA 4.3

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Technical fact sheet highlighting important building connections and illustrating the proper use of various types of connection hardware; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”

What Is a Weep Hole and Its Purpose?

Author(s)
Krejci Cassie,
Muncaster John
Organization(s)
Polyguard
Publication Date
An article describing a way to protect drain and ventilation holes in brick veneer siding against pests. Selecting a fine screen mesh opening (1/55-inch or 0.5-mm) is important to guard against small insects such as subterranean termites.