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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 601 - 650 of 695

Termite Infestations

Author(s)
Green
Organization(s)
University of Nebraska - Lincoln,
Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County
Publication Date
Article describing identification of termite infestations in homes and treatment options.

Termites

Author(s)
U.S. Forest Service
Organization(s)
USDA
Publication Date
An introduction to the insect termites.

The Effects of Windborne Debris on Saferoom Wall Panels and Fenestration Systems

Author(s)
Stephen T. Peters,
Ian N. Robertson
Organization(s)
University of Hawaii College of Engineering
Publication Date
Projectile missile testing of various wall panel configuration to understand how the different wall constructions would perform when struck with wind driven debris from a hurricane.

The Growing Threat of Urban Flooding: A National Challenge 2018

Author(s)
Texas A&M University
Organization(s)
Texas A&M University,
University of Maryland
Publication Date
Article from Texas A&M University and the University of Maryland analyzing why and how urban flooding happens and what can be done to mitigate damage.

The Importance of Roof Truss Bracing

Author(s)
Woolf
Organization(s)
Minera Roof Trusses & Joints
Publication Date
Report illustrating CAD drawings and modeling of bracing layouts for a gable roof truss.

The Importance of Windows in Hot Climates

Author(s)
Kohta Ueno
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Article from Green Building Advisor on the importance of window selection in hot climates, with an emphasis on window glazing.

The NRCA Roofing Manual - 2020 Set

Author(s)
National Roofing Contractors Association
Organization(s)
National Roofing Contractors Association
Publication Date
Manuals describing design, materials, and installation techniques applicable to almost all types of roof systems; four-volume set includes Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems, Membrane Roof Systems, Architectural Metal Flashing and Condensation and Air Leakage Control, and Steep-Slope Roof Systems.

Thermal Mass Solutions

Author(s)
Habian Bob
Organization(s)
National Council of Structural Engineers Association NCSEA
Publication Date
Article detailing a case study in which thermal mass was used as part of an overall Net Zero solution for a university building.

Tips & Resources - Evaporative Coolers

Author(s)
City of Fresno
Organization(s)
City of Fresno
Publication Date
Webpage from the City of Fresno's Water Conservation Program describing household water conservation recommendations, including tips for maintaining evaporative coolers.

Top 20 Largest California Wildfires

Author(s)
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Organization(s)
Cal Fire
Publication Date
Webpage with data on the 20 largest wildfires in California that occurred between the year 1932 and present day.

Tornado Alley Spawns Tornado Codes

Author(s)
Thompson
Organization(s)
Code Watcher: Ahead of the Building Curve
Publication Date
Website article touring areas hit hardest by tornadoes to see how they are building differently to protect against the next big twister.

Training Course: Fire Behavior

Author(s)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Organization(s)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Publication Date
Online course describing the behavior of wildfires for firefighters.

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit Case Studies

Author(s)
U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
Organization(s)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
NOAA
Publication Date
Website providing guidance for people to find and use tools, information, and subject matter expertise to build climate resilience.

U.S. Experience with Sprinklers

Author(s)
Marty Ahrens
Organization(s)
NFPA
Publication Date
A report examining the presence, reliability, effectiveness, and impact of sprinkler systems in structure fires.

U.S. Forest Service

Author(s)
U.S. Forest Service
Organization(s)
USFS
Publication Date

Understanding Air Barriers, BSD-104

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Information sheet providing definitions, applications, and techniques for applying air barriers.

Understanding Attic Ventilation, BSD-102

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
BSD-102 report providing guidance about whether to construct a vented or unvented attic based on hygro-thermal zone.

Uniform Codes by IAPMO

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Documents describing Flood Resistant Provisions of codes published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officers (IAPMO): the Uniform Mechanical Code; Uniform Plumbing Code; Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code; and Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (Uniform...

Unreinforced Masonry Chimneys

Author(s)
Southern California Earthquake Center
Organization(s)
SCEC,
University of Southern California
Publication Date
Webpage from Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) on identifying key problem spots on unreinforced masonry chimneys and how to retrofit them to withstand seismic forces.

Urban Forestry Manual

Author(s)
U.S. Forest Service
Organization(s)
USDA Forest Service
Publication Date
Manual describing scientific, technical, and practical information needed to work with communities on urban forestry, including a section on trees and construction.

USGS

Author(s)
USGS
Organization(s)
USGS
Publication Date
Webpage for the United States Geological Survey for the Department of the Interior.

Using Adhesives to Beef Up Houses

Author(s)
Cushman Ted
Organization(s)
The Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Article describing how adhesives can be used to make homes in high-wind locations stronger and how adhesives could be too effective resulting in overloading foundation anchors under earthquake loads.

Using Cool Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Webpage describing the use of cool roofs to reduce heat islands and and benefits and costs.

Vented and Sealed Attics in Hot Climates

Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Lstiburek Joseph
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Building science report describing issues with vented attics in hot-humid climates and how sealed attic construction may be a solution.

Vinyl Siding Installation

Author(s)
Vinyl Siding Institute
Organization(s)
Vinyl Siding Institute
Publication Date
Website describing proper methods for installing vinyl siding on homes.

Vinyl Siding with Integrated Rigid Foam for Existing Walls

Author(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Article describing ways to construct or retrofit a home to increase is resistance to high winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

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.

Wall Bracing Examples

Author(s)
Verona,
WI Building Department
Organization(s)
Verona,
WI Building Department
Publication Date
Document describing wall bracing techniques and suggestions for the city of Verona, WI building department.

Wall Bracing Made Easy

Author(s)
Bajnai Charles S
Organization(s)
Chesterfield County VA Building Department
Publication Date
A guide describing how to do wall bracing calculations and evaluations.

Wall Performance by Design: Role of Rainscreens in Moisture Management

Author(s)
Building Enclosure Moisture Management Institute
Organization(s)
BEMMI
Publication Date
A presentation about the need for rainscreens including the damage water and moisture ingress into a home’s siding and framing can cause, and ways to design a resilient wall that drains and ventilates well.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

Author(s)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Organization(s)
CDC
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing how to identify heat-related illness and what actions to take.

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.

Water Tank Standards for Fire Protection

Author(s)
San Diego County Fire Authority
Organization(s)
San Diego County
Publication Date
A San Diego County standard outlining the requirements for installing fire protection water tanks.

Ways to stay safe in a natural disaster.

Author(s)
NW Natural
Organization(s)
NW Natural
Publication Date
Webpage from NW Natural on how to prepare homes with natural gas service for earthquakes and floods, what to do during an emergency, and how to respond after the emergency has passed.

Weather Related Fatality and Injury Statistics

Author(s)
National Weather Service
Organization(s)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Publication Date
Web page providing statistics on weather related fatalities and injuries.