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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 - 35 of 35

Attic or Roof? An Evaluation of Two Advanced Weatherization Packages, BA-1205

Author(s)
Neuhauser
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
BSC
Publication Date
Report about a project that examines implementation of advanced retrofit measures in the context of a large-scale weatherization program and the archetypal Chicago, Illinois, brick bungalow.

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part I

Author(s)
Yost
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Article describing the building science implications of insulating vented or unvented attics.

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part II

Author(s)
Yost
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Article describing the research into insulating vented versus unvented attics.

Best Practices Manual

Author(s)
Hammer & Hand
Organization(s)
Hammer & Hand
Publication Date
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.

Building in Extreme Cold, BSI-031

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing the control layers (air, thermal, and vapor barriers) needed to build homes successfully in very cold locations.

Ceilings and Attics

Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Organization(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
ORNL
Publication Date
Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.

Compact Buried Ducts in a Hot-Humid Climate House

Author(s)
Mallay
Organization(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs
Report on heating and cooling air-distribution ducts that are insulated, installed close to the ceiling in a vented attic and covered with attic insulation to minimize energy loss.

Cool Hand Luke Meets Attics, BSI-077

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing the difference between conditioned or unvented attics and unconditioned or vented attics.

Dam Ice Dam, BSI-046

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing strategies for reducing the risk of ice dam formation on roofs in winter.

De-Icing Ice Dams, BSI-097

Author(s)
Joseph Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.

Field Evaluation of Four Novel Roof Designs for Energy-Efficient Manufactured Homes

Author(s)
Levy E,
Dentz Jordan,
Ansanelli Eric,
Barker G,
Rath P,
Dadia D
Organization(s)
Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions Collaborative,
ARIES
Publication Date
Report of a field evaluation of four novel roof designs to see how each design would reduce space-conditioned energy use so that the knowledge gained could be applied to the design of new manufactured homes.

How to Install Cellulose Insulation

Author(s)
Holladay
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

How to Prevent Roof Damage from Winter Ice Buildup

Author(s)
Dorsi Chris
Organization(s)
Montana State University Extension,
MSU Extension
Publication Date
Article from Montana State University Extension explaining how proper insulation techniques can greatly reduce the risks of ice dams on roofs in cold climate zones.

Hybrid Assemblies, BSI-100

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing issues with condensation in unvented attics insulated with open-cell spray foam.

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.

IRC FAQ: Conditioned Attics, GM-0905

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Report discussing how to create livable space in the attic that meets IRC code requirements by either creating a ventilated roof assembly, or and unvented attic assembly.

No Sweat, BSI-094

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Sealed Attics?

Author(s)
Coble Brian
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Article describing how insulating and air sealing unfinished attic spaces can lead to reduced energy bills in some homes.

Sunnyvale Marine Climate Deep Retrofit

Author(s)
German Alea,
Siddiqi Aqdus,
Dakin Bill
Organization(s)
Alliance for Residential Building Innovation,
ARBI,
Davis Energy Group
Publication Date
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.

Venting Vapor, BSI-088

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Vulnerability of Vents to Wind-Blown Embers

Author(s)
Quarles
Organization(s)
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
Publication Date
Report covering the migration of wind-blown embers in roof vents.

Westford House, BSI-018

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report describing sloped roof assemblies with high levels of thermal performance.

Zeroing In, BSI-081

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.