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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 - 32 of 32

Author(s)
Hammer & Hand
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.
Author(s)
Dastur,
Davis
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Description
Article describing how closed crawlspaces can do "double duty" by controlling moisture and providing energy savings.
Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Description
Short article from FEMA explaining what a continuous load path is and the key connection points that make it up.
Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Organization(s)
Southface,
ORNL
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet about crawlspace insulation, including installation details.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article discussing whether or not to seal and insulate crawlspaces.
Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Guide provides homeowners ways to prepare for an earthquake and protect a home against earthquake damage.
Author(s)
Todd
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Description
Article describing methods to manage moisture, rainwater, and vapor in basements and crawlspaces.
Author(s)
Carmody John,
Mosiman Garrett,
Handeen Daniel,
Huelman Patrick H,
Christian Jeffrey E
Organization(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
University of Minnesota
Publication Date
Description
Handbook providing guidance on the design and construction of foundations for homes, including insulation, air sealing, and water management details for basements, crawlspaces, and slabs.
Author(s)
Holladay Martin
Organization(s)
Fine Homebuilding
Publication Date
Description
Article describing frost-protected shallow foundations as an alternative method for building an energy-efficient foundation for a house in a cold climate that uses less concrete and saves on labor.
Author(s)
Williams Randy
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Description
Article describing what the building codes say about frost-protected shallow foundations as a cost-saving alternative to conventional concrete foundations.
Author(s)
Green Home Institute
Organization(s)
Green Home Institute
Description
Video describing how a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) is constructed and including use of a stay-in-place EPS (expanded polystyrene) footing form that provides insulation and simplifies the installation of frost-protected monolithic concrete slab foundations.
Author(s)
Green Home Institute
Organization(s)
Green Home Institute
Description
Video describing how a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) is constructed and including use of a stay-in-place EPS (expanded polystyrene) footing form that provides insulation and simplifies the installation of frost-protected monolithic concrete slab foundations.
Author(s)
Natural Resources Canada
Organization(s)
Natural Resources Canada
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet providing links and resources for insulating basements in cold climates.
Author(s)
Joseph Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Building science insight into crawlspaces.
Author(s)
ICF Systems
Organization(s)
Massachusetts Building Products
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet including a checklist of steps to follow for pouring concrete.
Author(s)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
Home Innovations Research Center
Organization(s)
HUD
Publication Date
Description
Report describing how to construct a frost protected shallow foundation (FPSF) as a practical alternative to a deeper, more-costly foundation in cold regions with seasonal ground freezing and the potential for frost heave.
Author(s)
Hales
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Description
Article describing the risks associated with vented and unvented crawlspaces in different climate zones.
Author(s)
Joseph Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet with methods for constructing or retrofitting basements to reduce moisture issues.
Author(s)
Marilou Cheple,
Patrick H. Huelman
Organization(s)
University of Minnesota,
ASHRAE,
ORNL,
NorthernSTAR,
NSTAR,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Publication Date
Description
Conference paper presented at the 8th International Conference on Thermal Performance of Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings describing moisture from basements and crawlspaces as a source of indoor humidity and providing recommendations for finishing below-grade spaces to limit potential indoor...