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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 - 15 of 15

Author(s)
Crandell Jay H
Organization(s)
Structural Building Components Association,
SBCA
Publication Date
Description
Article describing vapor retarder requirements in the International Residential Code and International Building Code 2021.
Author(s)
Structural Insulated Panel Association
Organization(s)
Structural Insulated Panel Association
Publication Date
Description
Guide informing builders and developers about efficient building practice for constructing homes with structural insulated panels.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report covering insulating crawlspaces.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article discussing whether or not to seal and insulate crawlspaces.
Author(s)
Structural Insulated Panel Association
Organization(s)
Structural Insulated Panel Association
Publication Date
Description
Guide informing architects and engineers about designing buildings to be constructed with structural insulated panels.
Author(s)
Burkett,
Lena; Gunderson,
Patti
Organization(s)
NREL,
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Publication Date
Description
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...
Author(s)
Diez
Organization(s)
New Home Source
Publication Date
Description
Article summarizing for potential homeowners items to check or demand from the builder in designing a home for a cold climate.
Author(s)
Green Building Advisor
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Description
Website that explains and provides diagrams for covering up above-grade rigid foam insulation.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article outlining the use of spray polyurethane foam in residential buildings.
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)
Ueno Kohta,
Joseph W. Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Publication Date
Description
Report detailing a three-winter study on unvented roof assemblies in a cold climate, assessing insulation material, ridge diffusion vent presence, vapor control membranes, relative humidity, and interstitial airflow. Results indicate that utilizing air-permeable fibrous fill insulations in unvented...
Author(s)
Ueno Kohta,
Joseph W. Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Publication Date
Description
Report detailing a three-winter study on unvented roof assemblies in a cold climate, assessing insulation material, ridge diffusion vent presence, vapor control membranes, relative humidity, and interstitial airflow. Results indicate that utilizing air-permeable fibrous fill insulations in unvented...
Author(s)
Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance
Organization(s)
Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance
Publication Date
Description
SPFA website homepage.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
Introductory guide to air sealing the envelope of a home to reduce wasted energy and save on energy costs.