Library

Article describing vapor retarder requirements in the International Residential Code and International Building Code 2021.

Vinyl siding estimating and installation guide for vinyl siding products.

Article describing recessed lighting, which if installed incorrectly may contribute to air leakage and compromise building envelope efficiency.

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.

ENRGY STAR webpage discussing the basics of certified ceiling fans.

Article describing customer tip sheet and how ceiling fans are one of the most popular and generally well regarded of all home energy efficiency features.

Website that describes two ceiling fan types and their respective ENERGY STAR eligible product types.

Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.

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.

Article describing strategies for reducing the risk of ice dam formation on roofs in winter.

Website describing analyses for products and standards affecting home heating, cooling, and appliances, in regards to technical, economical, and energy efficiency pathways.

Website providing consumer information about ceiling fans, including specifications and buying guidance.

Article discussing flow-through assemblies of walls.

The FPC Monitoring project has evaluated radiant barrier systems (RBS) as a new potential DSM program.

Guide describing retrofit procedures for gable end roofs.

Website providing information about the Gossamer Wind Series Ceiling fans, conceived by Danny Parker at the Florida Solar Energy Center as a means of realizing the energy efficiency and comfort potential of ceiling fans.

Report assessing slab-on-grade foundation insulation energy savings.

Article describing the causes that form ice dams, as well as solutions for preventing future ice dams on roofs, focusing on air sealing to prevent hot air leakage.

Information sheet presenting the correct methods for building an insulated cathedral ceiling.

Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

Article outlining the casuses and solutions for ice dam problems.

Report covering reservoir claddings, back ventilation and vapor throttles.

Article discussing the downside to recessed can lights.

FEMA report describing findings from an investigation of Hurricane Ike in Texas and Louisiana and residential construction recommendations based on those findings.

Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.

Conference paper making the case that moving ducts to conditioned space saves energy, is practical for production builders (when accompanied by careful pre-planning), and creates significant andmarketable energy savings for homebuyers.

Report presenting the results of a study evaluating retrofit solutions for addressing the effects of wind washing on homes.

Website providing an online calculator for determining energy and cost savings from installing radiant barriers in attics.

U.S. Department of Energy's website describing radiant barriers in homes.

Website with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about attic radiant barriers.

Document covering basic moisture control principles in the design of above-grade building enclosures; driving rain as a moisture load on walls; a classification system of the various rain control strategies available for walls; and good design practises for walls.

DOE case study findings on raised ceiling interior duct systems.

Information sheet with the definition and uses for a raised truss.

Fact sheet describing flashing of roof penetrations to make a home more resistant to high winds, hurricanes, and rainwater intrusion.

Fact sheet describing building envelope performance measures applicable to residential and small commercial construction.

A field guide with residential construction best practices.

Article on thermal protectors in recessed light fixtures.

Information sheet describing the function of a vapor barrier, and methods to retard the migration of water vapor.

Report reviewing unvented roof assemblies, such as conditioned attics and unvented cathedral ceilings that are becoming common in North American construction.

Document summarizing the various papers on unvented conditioned cathedralized attics found on BSC's website.

Report describing the formation of icicles and ice dams along poorly ventilated roofs and how to mitigate ventilation issues with insulation and vents.

Report describing the use of attic ventilation to control moisture in cathedral roofs and avoid the formation of ice dams.

Document outlining a well-detailed drainage plane and flashings.