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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 301 - 350 of 1503

Characterization of Framing Factors for Low-Rise Residential Building Envelopes in California

Author(s)
California Energy Commission,
Enermodal Engineering Limited
Organization(s)
CEC,
EEL
Publication Date
Document with information from a workshop addressing framing materials for residential buildings in California. A copy of the document can be requested at the resource link, and an online copy of the document can be found by searching for it on the California Energy Commission's Library Online...

Characterization of Framing Factors for Wood-Framed Low-Rise Residential Buildings

Author(s)
Carpenter Stephen C,
Schumacher Christopher
Organization(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Case study characterizing the framing factors for the exterior walls, ceilings, and floors of 180 wood-framed low-rise residential buildings across the United States.

Chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA evaluates potential risks from new and existing chemicals and acts to address any unreasonable risks chemicals may have on human health and the environment. This website explains the implications of such chemicals.

Chimney failure most common damage in an earthquake

Author(s)
Tucker,
Jill
Organization(s)
SFGate
Publication Date
News article from SFGate explaining and giving figures on how chimney failure is the most common type of damage to homes during an earthquake.

Choose A Light Guide

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
A simple three-step guide for homeowners who are looking to replace existing light bulbs with more energy-efficient, higher-performing bulbs.

Choosing Between Oriented Strandboard and Plywood

Author(s)
Fisette
Organization(s)
University of Massachusetts
Publication Date
Information sheet discussing how OSB will define the future of the structural sheathing market. OSB will define the future of the structural sheathing market. - See more at: http://bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/by-title/choosing-between-oriented-strandboard-and-plywood/#sthash.RilEtDpl.dpuf

Choosing Thermostatic Radiator Valves

Author(s)
Gifford
Organization(s)
American Boiler Manufacturers Association
Publication Date
Part 2 of an article discussing how to maximize two-pipe steam systems for resident space heating.

Choosing Wood-Burning Appliances

Author(s)
EPA
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
A list of EPA-certified wood-burning appliances for home heating for a range of budgets.

Classic Rib® Install Guide

Author(s)
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation
Organization(s)
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation
Publication Date
Installation manual for installing metal panel siding.

Cleaning Fibrous Glass Insulated Duct (Ductboard / Duct Board) Systems - Recommended Practices

Author(s)
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
Organization(s)
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
Publication Date
Manual showing duct cleaning contractors how to identify the different types of insulated air ducts, how to open each type for access by cleaning equipment and personnel, how to close and seal openings after cleaning.

Cleaning Up a Broken CFL

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
A website explaining how to quickly clean up a broken compact fluorescent lightbulb.

Climate Change and Extreme Heat Events

Author(s)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Organization(s)
CDC
Publication Date
Report describing extreme heat events, how an extreme heat event threatens public health, and how to prepare for and respond to such an event.

Climate Change Indicators in the United States

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
Website providing data indicating climate change.

Climate Consultant 6.0

Author(s)
UCLA Energy Design Tools Group
Organization(s)
Regents of the University of California,
Society of Building Science Educators
Publication Date
Climate Consultant is a software tool for helping architects, builders, contractor, homeowners, and students to understand their local climate.

Closed Crawlspaces Do Double Duty

Author(s)
Dastur,
Davis
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Article describing how closed crawlspaces can do "double duty" by controlling moisture and providing energy savings.

Coastal Climate Resiliency: Retrofitting Buildings for Flood Risk

Author(s)
Frost-Tift,
Mahadevia,
Mills Reeder,
Sheldon,
Squerciati
Organization(s)
Department of City Planning,
New York City
Publication Date
Report describing retrofitting options and methodology for architects, developers, and property owners to use when making decisions about retrofits for common building types in NY.

Code Notes: Residential Fan Efficiency

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
IECC code note explaining new fan efficacy requirements, along with how to determine which fans are affected by the new fan requirements.

Collapsible Soils

Author(s)
Colorado Geological Survey
Organization(s)
Colorado Geological Survey
Publication Date
Website discussing building foundation problems caused by settling soil in Colorado.

Color and Mood

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
A website explaining the various shades of light, from warm to cool colors, with a visual diagram illustrating the various shades of light.

Combustion Appliance Safety & Efficiency Testing

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Information sheet summarizing inspection and testing of combustion appliances taught during the 2006 Florida whole-house weatherization training as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hot Climate Initiative.

Combustion Appliance Safety Inspection for Vented Appliances

Author(s)
Building Performance Institute
Organization(s)
BPI
Publication Date
Fact sheet that details the steps needed to perform a combustion appliance safety inspection to determine if fossil fuel-fired appliances are operating safely under a depressurized condition.

Common Siding Failures

Author(s)
Mark Parlee
Organization(s)
The Building Consultant
Publication Date
An article illustrating common errors found in fiber cement siding installations. Many of these errors and poor flashing examples apply to siding materials beyond fiber cement siding.

Comparison of Select NFIP & Building Code Requirements for Special Flood Hazard Areas

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Documents describing the similarities and differences between the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) minimum requirements and the requirements of the International Codes® (I-Codes®) and ASCE 24, Flood Resistant Design and Construction, a standard referenced by the I-Codes., and illustrating...

Conceptual 3D Advanced Framing Drawing

Author(s)
Green Building Advisor
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Document containing a 3D drawing (CAD) of advanced framing details.

Concrete and Clay Tile Installation Manual

Author(s)
Tile Roofing Institute,
Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA)
Organization(s)
Tile Roofing Institute,
Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA)
Publication Date
Installation manual outlining proper installation practices, industry standards and the code requirements of roofing tiles.

Concrete Floor Problems, BSI-003

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Information guide describing issues with concrete floors, in multiple climate zones.

Concrete Floors and Moisture

Author(s)
Portland Cement Association
Organization(s)
Portland Cement Association
Publication Date
Document discussing moisture considerations and testing techniques for concrete floors.

Concrete Homes

Author(s)
Portland Cement Association
Organization(s)
Portland Cement Association
Publication Date
Information sheet discussing the properties and benefits of insulating concrete forms.

Concrete Solutions, BSI-118

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

Condensation Between Panes of Double Windows

Author(s)
Wilson
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada
Publication Date
Document about condensation between the panes, on the inside surface of the outer glass of double pane windows.

Construction & Design Considerations in Warmer Climates

Author(s)
Zero Energy Project
Organization(s)
Zero Energy Project
Publication Date
Guidance from Zero Energy Project on construction techniques for warmer climates, such as home orientation, and insulation requirements.

Construction Defects – Mortar Bridging and Mortar Droppings

Author(s)
Stephan Bill
Organization(s)
Metropolitan Engineering Consulting & Forensics,
MECF
Publication Date
An article about how mortar droppings during the installation of a brick veneer can clog the weep holes in the wall assembly causing moisture damage. The article also illustrates products that can be installed in the ventilated cavity to mitigate this problem.

Construction of Low-Rise Buildings in Cyclone Prone Areas and Modification of Cyclone

Author(s)
Keote Shreyas Ashok,
Kumar Dhanendra,
Singh Rishabh
Organization(s)
Journal of Energy and Power Sources,
Indian Institute of Technology BHU Varanasi,
IIT BHU
Publication Date
Article describing construction best practices to help reduce the wind-induced pressure loads on a low-rise building during a hurricane.

Consumer Tips for a Post-Disaster Home Restoration

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Organization(s)
HUD
Publication Date
Brochure helping homeowners identify hazards, work with contractors to remove the hazards, help ensure the work is done properly, and educate when they can return safely to the home.

Continuous Load Path

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Short article from FEMA explaining what a continuous load path is and the key connection points that make it up.