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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 - 50 of 193

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
Description
2009 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.
Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
Description
2012 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.
Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
Description
2015 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.
Author(s)
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
Organization(s)
IAPMO
Publication Date
Description
Code set from IAPMO explaining plumbing standards. 2015 publication.
Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
Description
2018 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.
Author(s)
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
Organization(s)
IAPMO
Publication Date
Description
Code set from IAPMO explaining plumbing standards. 2018 publication.
Author(s)
ICC Evaluation Service
Organization(s)
International Code Council
Publication Date
Description
Acceptance criteria providing guidelines for demonstrating compliance with codes referenced in the criteria related to barriers to water migration in thin-set installations of ceramic tile and stone flooring and shower sub-pan linings.
Author(s)
Bailey Ronald B,
Swanson Hollace J
Organization(s)
Bailey Engineering Corporation,
BEC
Publication Date
Description
Case study about high humidity, mold and condensation on surfaces in S. Florida, and how building characteristics cause and amplify these problems.
Author(s)
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Organization(s)
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Publication Date
Description
Alliance for Water Efficiency website homepage.
Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
American National Standards Institute,
ANSI
Publication Date
Description
Standard providing guidance on predicting, mitigating, or reducing moisture damage to the building envelope, materials, components, systems, and furnishings, depending on climate, construction type, and HVAC system operation. This is the current version of the standard, which was published in the...
Author(s)
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Description
Specification describing criteria for manufactured polymeric materials used to provide a rainscreen function, a means for the drainage of liquid moisture and the ventilation of vapor moisture that enters an above-grade exterior wall assembly. The current version of the standard was published in the...
Author(s)
Yost
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Description
Article describing different kinds of water-resistant backer boards.
Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute
Organization(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Publication Date
Description
Publication dates are shown for formal documents. Dates are not shown for non-dated media. Access dates for referenced, non-dated media, such as web sites, are shown in the measure guide text.
Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet describing techniques for insulating basements.
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)
Kleva Stephen
Organization(s)
Contractor Magazine
Publication Date
Description
Article explaining the importance of regular inspections of boiler systems in maintaining their safety, lifespan, and efficiency.
Author(s)
Zuluaga
Organization(s)
Home Energy
Publication Date
Description
Document explaining why a vapor retarder that changes permeability with changing relative humidity provides added protection against moisture problems in exterior walls.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Research study discussing how housewraps restrict or permit the passage of water molecules based on size, but cannot control the direction in which the water vapor molecules move.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Description
The Builder's Guide provides the building industry with the latest and best practical information on how to apply building science principles to structures as systems in hot-humid climate regions.
Author(s)
Ueno,
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report about the fundamental concepts that must be understood at the planning or initial nspection of existing homes regarding surface and ground water management.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.
Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Brochure providing information about flashing.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information guide describing issues with concrete floors, in multiple climate zones.
Author(s)
Portland Cement Association
Organization(s)
Portland Cement Association
Publication Date
Description
Document discussing moisture considerations and testing techniques for concrete floors.
Author(s)
Wilson
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada
Publication Date
Description
Document about condensation between the panes, on the inside surface of the outer glass of double pane windows.
Author(s)
Aldrich Robb,
Williamson Jim
Organization(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Research report anayzing the results of a large retrofit project, turining an old school into near zero energy consumption apartments in Greenfield MA.
Author(s)
Baker M C
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada,
NRC
Publication Date
Description
Article discussing the causes of wood decay and moisture issues.
Author(s)
Mid-America Regional Council
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
A guide on the use of rain barrels for greater water efficiency and use in gardens and lawns.
Author(s)
Jack Spirko
Organization(s)
Permaculture Research Institute
Publication Date
Description
Article describing the difference between swales and hugels (berms used to create soil from woody debris).
Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Website from the U.S. Department of Energy providing consumers with information on saving energy and using renewable energy technologies.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
Calculator to help homeowner's calculate the size of pool pump they need.
Author(s)
EPA
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
A map describing the average temperature of shallow groundwater in Fahrenheit across the continental United States.
Author(s)
Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Indoor airPLUS is a voluntary partnership and labeling program that helps new home builders improve the quality of indoor air by requiring construction practices and product specifications that minimize exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants.
Author(s)
Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Broschure detailing water control strategies for building openings (e.g., vents and drainpipes).
Author(s)
Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
EPA WaterSense guidance on urinals.