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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 - 16 of 16

Disconnect or Redirect Your Downspout Brochure

Author(s)
Mid-America Regional Council
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
A guide on the use of rain barrels for greater water efficiency and use in gardens and lawns.

Don’t Try Building Hugel Swales

Author(s)
Jack Spirko
Organization(s)
Permaculture Research Institute
Publication Date
Article describing the difference between swales and hugels (berms used to create soil from woody debris).

EPA Indoor airPLUS

Author(s)
Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Indoor airPLUS is a voluntary partnership and labeling program that helps new home builders improve the quality of indoor air by requiring construction practices and product specifications that minimize exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants.

Erosion and Sediment Control On Your Construction Site

Author(s)
County of Santa Cruz Planning Department
Organization(s)
County of Santa Cruz Planning Department
Publication Date
Report describing construction site erosion and sediment control practices recommended and required by a county planning department.

Erosion Control for the Home Builder

Author(s)
Jackson Township,
Ohio
Organization(s)
Jackson Township,
Ohio
Publication Date
Factsheet describing steps builders should take to reduce erosion and control sediment on construction sites during home construction.

FDOT Drainage Handbook: Drainage Connection Permits

Author(s)
Florida Department of Transportation
Organization(s)
FDOT
Publication Date
Handbook describing the permitting process regulating the transfer of stormwater from private property owners to the State of Florida Department of Transportation stormwater drainage systems.

FEMA P-55, Coastal Construction Manual Volume II

Author(s)
Coulbourne William,
Jones Christopher P,
Kapur Omar,
Koumoudis Vasso,
Line Philip,
Low David K,
Overcash Glenn,
Passman Samantha,
Reeder Adam,
Seitz Laura,
Smith Thomas,
Tezak Scott
Organization(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency,
FEMA,
Applied Technology Council,
ATC,
URS Group,
DK Low and Associates,
Atkins,
TLSmith Consulting
Publication Date
Volume II of a two-volume report providing a comprehensive approach to design, construction, and renovation of homes located in coastal environments.

Implementing Green Infrastructure at Multiple Scales to Enhance Resilience

Author(s)
NOAA Office for Coastal Management
Organization(s)
NOAA
Publication Date
Case study describing Alachua County, Florida’s, green infrastructure strategy for land use development that incorporates rain gardens, ponds, swales, and native vegetation to manage stormwater.

Living on the Coast: Protecting Investments in Shore Property on the Great Lakes

Author(s)
University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Organization(s)
University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Publication Date
A publication describing how to protect coastal investments by adapting to natural processes and protecting coastal environments and shorelines.

Metal Roof Systems in High-Wind Regions

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
A Recovery Advisory guide reccomending practices for designing and installing metal roof systems that will enhance wind resistance in high-wind regions (i.e., greater than 90-miles per hour [mph] gust design wind speed).

Protect your Home from Hail

Author(s)
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Website providing guidance on how to reduce the risk of damage to a home from hail.

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.