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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 - 31 of 31

Builder's Guide to Cold Climates

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Book presenting the best techniques for energy and resource efficient residential construction in the colder climates of North America.

Erosion Control Treatment Selection Guide

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service
Organization(s)
USDA,
USFS
Publication Date
A publication developed by the U.S. Forest Service for its employees and other federal agency staff describing erosion control methods.

Excessive Heat Events Guidebook

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
Guidebook meant to provide public officials with information on excessive heat event.

FEMA 232, Homebuilders' Guide to Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction

Author(s)
National Institute of Building Sciences Building Seismic Safety Council,
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA,
ICC
Publication Date
Report presenting seismic design and construction guidance for one- and two-family houses for homebuilders, knowledgeable homeowners, and other non-engineers.

FEMA 477: Food and Water in an Emergency

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency,
American Red Cross
Organization(s)
FEMA,
Red Cross
Publication Date
A fact sheet on how to prepare for a natural disaster by storing food and water through an emergency food supply.

FEMA 547, Techniques for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings

Author(s)
Rutherford & Chekene Consulting Engineers
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Report providing a selected compilation of seismic rehabilitation techniques and guidance on which techniques are commonly used to mitigate specific seismic deficiencies in various model building types.

Flood and Hurricane Resistant Buildings, BSD-111

Author(s)
Joseph Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Guide from Building Science Corporation on how to construct a flood and hurricane resistant home.

Fold-Form Insulated Concrete Forms

Author(s)
Owens Corning
Organization(s)
Owens Corning
Publication Date
Information sheet with manufacturer specifications about insulated concrete forms.

How to Build a Zero Electric Utility Cost House

Author(s)
Christian Jeffrey E
Organization(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL
Publication Date
Report presenting construction methods, building products, appliances and equipment of four single-family houses that achieve dramatic energy reductions and approach “net zero energy” use.

HVAC System Pressure Relief

Author(s)
Raymer,
Moyer
Organization(s)
Tamarack Technologies,
Florida Solar Energy Center
Publication Date
Correcting pressure imbalances in your HVAC system can result in a healthier, more efficient home.

Ice Dams, BSD-135

Author(s)
Straube
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article outlining the casuses and solutions for ice dam problems.

Mold, Housing & Wood

Author(s)
Robbins,
Morrell
Organization(s)
Western Wood Products Association
Publication Date
Document addressing common questions about moisture, mold and wood.

Rain Control in Buildings, BSD-013

Author(s)
Straube
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Document covering basic moisture control principles in the design of above-grade building enclosures; driving rain as a moisture load on walls; a classification system of the various rain control strategies available for walls; and good design practises for walls.

Rigid Insulating Sheathing Assumed Order of Work

Author(s)
NAHB Research Center
Organization(s)
NAHB Research Center
Publication Date
Document presenting step-by-step process for installing rigid insulating sheathing over wood studs or house wrap.

Small House with Construction Cost of $100K, Total Energy Cost of $0.88 a Day

Author(s)
Christian Jeffrey E,
Childs Phillip W,
Pate Paige,
Atchley Jerald A
Organization(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Paper describing the development and testing of an affordable net-zero energy house in Lenoir City, Tennessee.

Stucco that Works

Author(s)
DeKorne
Organization(s)
DeKorne
Publication Date
Information sheet describing correct application of stucco.

Subterranean Termites – Their Prevention and Control in Buildings

Author(s)
Peterson Chris,
Wagner Terence L,
Mulrooney Joseph E,
Shelton Thomas G
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
USDA,
USDA Forest Service
Publication Date
A report describing methods for constructing homes and treating soils to reduce the risk of termites in buildings.

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.

Understanding Basements, BSD-103

Author(s)
Joseph Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet with methods for constructing or retrofitting basements to reduce moisture issues.

Understanding Drainage Planes, BSD-105

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Guide providing information about controlling rainwater through use of drainage planes.

Understanding Vapor Barriers, BSD-106

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet describing the function of a vapor barrier, and methods to retard the migration of water vapor.

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.

Window Systems

Author(s)
University of Florida IFAS Extension
Organization(s)
University of Florida IFAS Extension
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing impact-resistant window systems with specifics on Florida’s building codes.