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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 - 78 of 78

Author(s)
Paul Fisette
Organization(s)
UMass Amherst Department of Environmental Conservation
Publication Date
Description
Article describing how ice dams form on residential roofs, how they damage homes, and solutions to prevent future dams.
Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Website from the EPA containing information for homeowners and renters about how to identify asbestos in the home and how to deal with it to reduce exposure to it.
Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
U.S. Department of Energy's website describing radiant barriers in homes.
Author(s)
Melody Ingrid,
Fairey Philip W,
Beal David
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Description
Website with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about attic radiant barriers.
Author(s)
Tony Woods
Organization(s)
Home Energy
Publication Date
Description
Article describing moisture and ice dam issues in attics and how to air seal the attic floor.
Author(s)
Paul Fissette
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Description
Q&A article discussing how to address moisture issues in an attic in a wet and humid coastal climate.
Author(s)
Coble Brian
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.
Author(s)
German Alea,
Siddiqi Aqdus,
Dakin Bill
Organization(s)
Alliance for Residential Building Innovation,
ARBI,
Davis Energy Group
Publication Date
Description
Research project evaluating the pre-and post-retrofit energy consumption of a marine climate retrofit, compare actual energy use to original predictions, and identify opportunities for cost savings in other similar retrofits in this climate.
Author(s)
National Roofing Contractors Association
Organization(s)
National Roofing Contractors Association
Publication Date
Description
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.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
BSD-102 report providing guidance about whether to construct a vented or unvented attic based on hygro-thermal zone.
Author(s)
Schumacher
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report reviewing unvented roof assemblies, such as conditioned attics and unvented cathedral ceilings that are becoming common in North American construction.
Author(s)
Kohta
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Description
Document summarizing the various papers on unvented conditioned cathedralized attics found on BSC's website.
Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Lstiburek Joseph
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Building science report describing issues with vented attics in hot-humid climates and how sealed attic construction may be a solution.
Author(s)
Rose,
TenWolde
Organization(s)
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Description
Report describing the use of attic ventilation to control moisture in cathedral roofs and avoid the formation of ice dams.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.
Author(s)
Quarles
Organization(s)
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
Publication Date
Description
Report covering the migration of wind-blown embers in roof vents.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report describing sloped roof assemblies with high levels of thermal performance.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.