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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 - 24 of 24

Tips for Weatherstripping Windows and Doors

Author(s)
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
Organization(s)
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
Publication Date
Article describing tips for effectively installing weatherstripping on windows and doors.

Weatherstripping

Author(s)
South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff
Organization(s)
South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff
Publication Date
Article describing an overview of weatherstripping requirements.

FEMA Safe Room Publications and Resources

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
A website containing FEMA publications on safe rooms for both residential and community use.

What Makes it Energy Star? Performance Criteria

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Information sheet outlining the criteria for ENERGY STAR qualified, windows, doors, and skylights.

Residential Tornado Safe Room Doors

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing residential tornado safe room doors.

Standard for Gasketing, A156.22-2021, ANSI/BHMA

Author(s)
American National Standards Institute,
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
Organization(s)
ANSI,
BHMA
Publication Date
Standard establishing requirements for the performance and installation of gasketing systems including mortised to doors, frames or both which was published in the year 2021 and a can be purchased to be viewed in full from the ANSI webstore in the link.

Air Sealing Colorado Homes – 10.634

Author(s)
Weiner C.
Organization(s)
Colorado State University,
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
USDA
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing air-sealing concerns and remedies, including HRV/ERV installation, caulking, spray foam, and weatherstrip installation.

Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization, ASTM E779-19

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard describing a test method measuring air-leakage rates through a building envelope under controlled pressurization and de-pressurization which was published in the year 2019 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link.

Be Prepared For Extreme Heat, FEMA V-1004

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Information sheet from FEMA on preparation for extreme heat, including measures for keeping homes cool.

Floodproofing Non-Residential Buildings, FEMA P-936

Author(s)
Low David K,
Squerciati John,
Sparenberg Jennifer,
Reeder Adam,
Perotin Manuel,
Mahadevia Amit,
Seelbach Lauren,
Sheldon Adrianne
Organization(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency,
FEMA
Publication Date
Report describing dry floodproofing technologies for non-residential buildings, including information about regulatory requirements, design considerations, and descriptions of floodproofing methods and equipment.

Air-Seal Windows and Doors

Author(s)
Sloggatt Mike
Organization(s)
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Publication Date
Article describing how to stop air leaks around the windows and doors of a home.

Indoor Airflow – Perfect Balance vs. Door Undercut

Author(s)
Guertin Mike
Organization(s)
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Publication Date
Central return designs require an open pathway between the room and the heart of the house where the return grill is located.

What’s Wrong With This Practice? Undercutting Doors, Info-804

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Article discussing the risks that can occur from undercutting bedroom doors to provide return airflow from bedrooms, as well as corrective measures that can be taken to address these risks.