Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
Description
2019 version of the California Residential Code.
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 - 50 of 114
Organization(s)
Sierra Club
Publication Date
Description
Article from the Sierra Club explaining 5 steps to take to ensure your home's resistance to wildfires, including site maintenance and roof construction guidelines.
Organization(s)
ABTCO Vinyl Siding
Publication Date
Description
Vinyl siding estimating and installation guide for vinyl siding products.
Organization(s)
APA
Publication Date
Description
Detailed guide to advanced framing, a system of construction framing techniques designed to optimize material usage and increase energy efficiency.
Organization(s)
Aeroseal
Publication Date
Description
A website explaining the process of sealing a home with Aeroseal & how the technology is used to seal holes in the air ducts and vents of the home.
Organization(s)
Bailey Engineering Corporation,
BEC
Publication Date
Description
Case study about high humidity, mold and condensation on surfaces in S. Florida, and how building characteristics cause and amplify these problems.
Organization(s)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Publication Date
Description
Updated detailed information about Formaldehyde.
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
American National Standards Institute,
ANSI
Publication Date
Description
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...
Organization(s)
ANSI,
DHA
Publication Date
Description
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...
Application of Spray Foam Insulation Under Plywood and Oriented Strand Board Roof Sheathing, BA-1312
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report covering moisture and leakage issues associated with spray foam insulation application to the underside of roof sheathing.
Organization(s)
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Description
A report that evaluates the force it takes to crack stucco of various thicknesses.
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Description
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...
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Description
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...
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Description
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...
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Description
Test method designed to calculate an assigned air permeance of flexible sheet or rigid panel-type materials at a reference air pressure differential of 75 Pa. This version of the standard was published in the year 2021 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions...
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Description
Specification describing criteria for manufactured polymeric materials used to provide a rainscreen function, a means for the drainage of liquid moisture and the ventilation of vapor moisture that enters an above-grade exterior wall assembly. The current version of the standard was published in the...
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Description
ASTM standard test method for surface burning response of different building materials. This version of the standard was published in the year 2022 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions of the standard were published in the years 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018...
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Description
ASTM standard test method for testing the surface burning response of different building materials. This version of the standard was published in the year 2023 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions of the standard were published in the years 2022, 2021, 2020...
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Description
Test method designed to obtain reliable values for the WVTR of plastic film and sheeting. This version of the standard was published in the year 2020 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions of the standard were published in the years 2013, 2011, 2006, 2001...
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Description
Webpage for searching all of ASTM's standards, books, journals, and technical articles.
Organization(s)
Hammer & Hand
Publication Date
Description
This Best Practices Manual is the product of Hammer & Hand’s ongoing work to document and internally codify our standard operating procedures for construction practice.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Description
The Builder's Guide provides the building industry with the latest and best practical information on how to apply building science principles to structures as systems in hot-humid climate regions.
Organization(s)
Cal Fire,
CAL FIRE - OSFM
Publication Date
Description
California Office of the State Fire Marshal's homepage for the Building Materials Listing Program, providing builders, contractors, architects, and others with access to a database of fire alarm systems and fire-resistant construction materials including roof coverings, wall, ceiling, and floor...
Organization(s)
Cal Fire,
CAL FIRE - OSFM
Publication Date
Description
California Office of the State Fire Marshal's compiled and searchable list of different building materials and their test results for fire resistance.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Document presenting some of the key technical properties of many of the most common building materials.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
BSC definition of a capillary break.
Organization(s)
American Technical Publishers
Description
Website with instructional material for career and technical education.
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Description
Document providing guidance about choosing the correct caulk for a project.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report on the stability of furring strips as a means for cladding attachment over walls with thick exterior rigid insulation.
Organization(s)
Portland Cement Association
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet discussing the properties and benefits of insulating concrete forms.
Organization(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs
Publication Date
Description
The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel sheathing (WSP) as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 inches thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
A factsheet that offers guidance on choosing appropriate materials and using proper construction practices when rebuilding, repairing, or renovating a home to increase its resistance to fires.
Organization(s)
CRI
Publication Date
Description
Webpage containing downloadable fact sheets covering carpet-related topics including Indoor Air Quality, Asthma and Allergy, Cleaning Products, and Environmental Sustainability.
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada,
NRC
Publication Date
Description
Article discussing the causes of wood decay and moisture issues.
Organization(s)
University of California
Publication Date
Description
Article from Stephen L. Quarles on fire resistant decking design and materials recommendations.
Organization(s)
The Home Energy Community of Practice
Publication Date
Description
Article from The Home Energy Community of Practice on designing energy efficient homes in hot climate zones, including home orientation, window location, and roof design considerations.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information about dense pack, cellulose insulation.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report covering the rainwater performance of building assemblies.
Organization(s)
MHFD
Publication Date
Description
A best-practices guide compiled to reduce the effects of erosion and enhance vegetation establishment and survivability on slopes and channels.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report on problems and solutions with EIFS stucco wall cladding systems.
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
A builder checklist guide for the water management of properties with appropriately-designed building technologies.
Organization(s)
LSU AgCenter
Publication Date
Description
Webpage from LSU AgCenter answering frequently asked questions after gutting a flooded home, including mitigation strategies for future floods.
Organization(s)
Odice
Publication Date
Description
An example of a commercially available thermally expansive fire stopping product for controlling the spread of fires in a rainscreen cavity.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
FEMA mitigation assessment team report following Hurricane Charley in Florida including observations, recommendations, and technical guidance for retrofitting hurricane-damaged homes.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
FEMA mitigation assessment team report following Hurricane Ivan in Florida and Alabama including observations, recommendations, and technical guidance.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report from FEMA on how to reduce damage from localized flooding including planning, drainage, building codes and retrofits, and regulations.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report from FEMA describing techniques for floodproofing structures.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report containing 37 fact sheets that provide technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report informing building stakeholders about the risks a snow event poses to their buildings, preventative measures to take before the snow season, and actions that should be taken before, during, and after a snow event.
Organization(s)
University of California Cooperative Extension
Publication Date
Description
Guidelines from the University of California Cooperative Extension on how fires spread, how homes typically burn, and what homeowners can do to prepare their homes for wildfire season.