Skip to main content

Library

Explore this extensive library of building science guidance including research reports from DOE’s Building America program as well as hundreds of other articles, fact sheets, webpages, and reference documents related to constructing and renovating homes.

Showing 1 - 50 of 215 results:

2009 International Plumbing Code - IPC

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
International Code Council
·
Organization(s)
ICC
Description
2009 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2012 International Plumbing Code - IPC

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
International Code Council
·
Organization(s)
ICC
Description
2012 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2015 International Plumbing Code - IPC

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
International Code Council
·
Organization(s)
ICC
Description
2015 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2015 Uniform Plumbing Code - UPC

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
·
Organization(s)
IAPMO
Description
Code set from IAPMO explaining plumbing standards. 2015 publication.

2018 International Plumbing Code - IPC

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
International Code Council
·
Organization(s)
ICC
Description
2018 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2018 Uniform Plumbing Code - UPC

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
·
Organization(s)
IAPMO
Description
Code set from IAPMO explaining plumbing standards. 2018 publication.

AC Coupled for Blackout Protection? No Thanks

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Soltaro
·
Organization(s)
Soltaro
Description
Website article comparing DC and AC batteries and explaining that DC batteries have black start ability to restart from solar power while providing AC batteries need grid power to restart if fully discharged.

AC vs. DC Coupling Energy Storage Systems

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Miller Lucas
·
Organization(s)
Mayfield Renewables
Description
Website article describing the advantages and disadvantages of AC and DC battery energy storage systems and inverters for solar power systems.

Advanced Power Strip Research Report

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Koser Kelly,
Uthe Carl
·
Organization(s)
NYSERDA
Description
Report investigating implemention of advanced power strips for entertainment and home office electronics would reduce energy consumption across the residential market.

Air Infiltration in Coastal Regions - The Paston Effect

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Bailey Ronald B,
Swanson Hollace J
·
Organization(s)
BEC
Description
Case study about high humidity, mold and condensation on surfaces in S. Florida, and how building characteristics cause and amplify these problems.

Alaska Residential Building Manual, 7th Edition

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Deer Charlie,
et al.
·
Organization(s)
University of Alaska,
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Description
Manual describing best practices or home construction in Alaska and northern climates.

Alliance for Water Efficiency

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Alliance for Water Efficiency
·
Organization(s)
AWE
Description
Alliance for Water Efficiency website homepage.

Assessing the Business Case for Hosting Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in New York State

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Nigro Nick,
et al.
·
Organization(s)
Atlas Public Policy,
NYSERDA,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Description
Report describing the business case of hosting a Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging station in New York, including analysis of real-world data on equipment use, costs, revenue, and assumptions derived from industry reports and original research.

Backerboards - Winners against Water

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Yost Peter
·
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor,
GBA
Description
Article describing different kinds of water-resistant backer boards.

Basement Insulation Technology Fact Sheet

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute
·
Organization(s)
SEI,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Description
Fact sheet describing basement insulation considerations.

Basement Insulation, Info 511

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
·
Organization(s)
BSC
Description
Information sheet describing techniques for insulating basements.

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Comparison

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Clean Energy Reviews
·
Organization(s)
CER
Description
Website providing comparison charts and reviews of battery energy storage systems for solar power systems.

Bay Area Seismic Retrofit

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Bay Area Retrofit
Description
YouTube channel featuring 90+ videos to educate Bay Area homeowners and contractors about seismic retrofitting, including information for various home and construction types.

Boiler Inspections for Safety, Life and Efficiency

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Kleva Stephen
·
Organization(s)
Contractor Magazine
Description
Article explaining the importance of regular inspections of boiler systems in maintaining their safety, lifespan, and efficiency.

Builder's Guide to Hot-Humid Climates

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
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.

Building Science Introduction

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
·
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Description
Document outlining building science principles about air flow, heat flow and moisture flow in homes.

Bulk Water Control Methods for Foundations, BA-1015

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W,
Ueno Kohta
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
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.

Capillarity - Small Sacrifices, BSI-011

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Description
Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.

Capillarity Sucks, BSI-123

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Description
Article describing the principle of capillarity in construction materials.

CFL Glossary

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
·
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Description
A website describing a list of common vocabulary used when describing light bulbs.

Choose A Light Guide

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
·
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Description
A simple three-step guide for homeowners who are looking to replace existing light bulbs with more energy-efficient, higher-performing bulbs.

Coastal Construction Manual - Principles and Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, Fourth edition, Volume I, FEMA P-55

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Coulbourne William,
et al.
·
Organization(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency,
FEMA,
Applied Technology Council,
ATC,
URS Group,
DK Low and Associates,
Atkins,
TLSmith Consulting
Description
Volume 1 of a two-volume report providing a comprehensive approach to planning, siting, and risk management for homes constructed in coastal environments.

Coastal Construction Manual - Principles and Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, Fourth Edition, Volume II, FEMA P-55

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Coulbourne William,
et al.
·
Organization(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency,
FEMA,
Applied Technology Council,
ATC,
URS Group,
DK Low and Associates,
Atkins,
TLSmith Consulting
Description
Volume II of a two-volume report providing a comprehensive approach to design, construction, and renovation of homes located in coastal environments.

Color and Mood

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
·
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Description
A website explaining the various shades of light, from warm to cool colors, with a visual diagram illustrating the various shades of light.

Concrete Floor Problems, BSI-003

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Description
Information guide describing issues with concrete floors, in multiple climate zones.

Concrete Floors and Moisture, 2nd Edition

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Kanare Howard M
·
Organization(s)
Portland Cement Association
Description
Document discussing moisture considerations and testing techniques for concrete floors.

Condensation Between Panes of Double Windows

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Wilson Alex
·
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada,
NRCC
Description
Document about condensation between the panes, on the inside surface of the outer glass of double pane windows.

Criteria for Moisture-Control Design Analysis in Buildings, ANSI/ASHRAE 160-2021

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
American National Standards Institute
·
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
ANSI
Description
Standard describing prediction, mitigation, and reduction of moisture damage to the building envelope, materials, components, systems, and furnishings, depending on climate, construction type, and HVAC system operation; the webstore allows preview or full purchase.

Decay of Wood

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Baker Maurice C
·
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada,
NRC
Description
Article describing the causes of wood decay and moisture issues.

Dimming CFLs and LEDs

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Lutron
·
Organization(s)
Lutron
Description
Website discusses differences between CFL and LED bulbs.

Disconnect or Redirect Your Downspout Brochure

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Mid-America Regional Council
·
Organization(s)
MARC
Description
A guide on the use of rain barrels for greater water efficiency and use in gardens and lawns.

Discussion of Strategies for Mounting Photovoltaic Arrays on Rooftops

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Barkaszi Stephen F,
Dunlop James P
·
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Description
A research paper exploring the installation and mounting of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops and the challenges faced by system designers and installers.