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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 - 20 of 20

Advanced Framing Construction Guide

Author(s)
APA - The Engineered Wood Association
Organization(s)
APA
Publication Date
Detailed guide to advanced framing, a system of construction framing techniques designed to optimize material usage and increase energy efficiency.

Aerosol Envelope Sealing of New Residences

Author(s)
Bohac Dave,
Harrington Curtis
Organization(s)
EERE,
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
Center for Energy and Environment
Publication Date
Technical report describing the research behind a new aerosol-based sealing method, utilizing pressurization and a dispersed sealant fog, facilitated by a standard blower door, to automatically measure, locate, and seal air leaks in new homes in the United States, providing an efficient solution to...

Aerosol-Based Method Seals the Deal for Tighter New Homes

Author(s)
NREL
Organization(s)
NREL,
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Publication Date
Fact sheet outlining an innovative aerosol-based sealing technique for tightening building envelopes in new homes, involving pressurizing the structure and dispersing an aerosol sealant "fog" to autonomously identify and seal leaks, with real-time feedback through a standard blower door and laptop...

Building Plans for Advanced Framing

Author(s)
Green Building Advisor
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Website providing CAD files and drawings of advanced framing details.

Construction Guide: Next Generation High Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 - Part I: 2x6 Walls

Author(s)
Kochkin,
Wiehagen
Organization(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs
Publication Date
Part I of the Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as exterior sheathing, gypsum board as interior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories in height. Walls with...

Controlling Cold-Weather Condensation Using Insulation, BSD-163

Author(s)
Straube
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Article describing research encouraging use of exterior insulation to warm interior sheathing surfaces in walls and roof assemblies to reduce the likelihood of condensation during cold weather

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.

Extended Plate and Beam Wall System

Author(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs
Organization(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs,
DOE
Publication Date
Report that demonstrates the durability, constructability, and cost-effectiveness of the extended plate and beam (EP&B) wall system for new construction housing projects in compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code, addressing moisture risk management and high-performance envelope...

Extended Plate Wall System Expands Adoption of High-R Envelope Solutions

Author(s)
Burkett,
Lena; Gunderson,
Patti
Organization(s)
NREL,
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing the Extended Plate Wall (EPW) a system that incorporates a 2-inch layer of foam plastic insulative sheathing within the framing for top and bottom plates, streamlining air sealing, window and door installation, weather resistive barrier application, and cladding attachment for...

Moisture Performance of High-R Wall Systems

Author(s)
Shah,
Kochkin
Organization(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs
Publication Date
The next generation of building enclosures is a key step toward achieving high-performance goals through decreasing energy load demand and enabling advanced space-conditioning systems. Yet the adoption of high-R enclosures and particularly high-R walls has been a slow-growing trend because...

READ THIS: Before You Design, Build or Renovate, GM-0602

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph,
Brennan Terry
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Document with important building science considerations, designed for members of the residential construction and remodeling industries, as well as owners and managers who work in affordable housing.

Stucco that Works

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

Thermal Bypass Checklist Guide

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Document providing an overview of the Thermal Bypass Checklist for the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes program.

Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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.