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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 - 44 of 44

Accelerating the Adoption of the Solid Panel Structural System

Author(s)
Huelman Patrick H,
Crandell Jay H,
Peavey John,
Hudson Ed,
Handeen Daniel
Organization(s)
University of Minnesota,
UMN,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report examining the structural properties and applications of an innovative studless building system, detailing its testing regime and providing an engineering guide for architects and engineers.

Hurricane Retrofit Guide - Gable End Overhangs

Author(s)
Florida Disaster
Organization(s)
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Publication Date
A document aimed at reducing the vulnerability of a gable end roof to wind damage in a hurricane.

A Thermally Broken Steel Connection

Author(s)
West Chris
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Article describing methods for thermally isolating a garage in a Passive House-certified multifamily building.

Advanced Extended Plate and Beam Wall System in a Cold-Climate House

Author(s)
Wiehagen Joseph,
Kochkin Vladimir,
Mallay David
Organization(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs,
HIRL,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report on the design and evaluation of extended plate and beam.

Building Materials Property Table, Info-500

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Document presenting some of the key technical properties of many of the most common building materials.

Mastic Home Exteriors Installation Guide

Author(s)
Ply Gem Siding Group
Organization(s)
Ply Gem Siding Group
Publication Date
Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.

ETW: Wall - Double Stud with Spray Foam Wall Construction

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet briefly summarizing double stud with spray foam wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

ETW: Wall - Truss Wall Construction

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet briefly summarizing truss wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

ETW: Wall - Double Stud Wall Construction

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet briefly summarizing double stud wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

Building Plans for Advanced Framing

Author(s)
Green Building Advisor
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Website providing CAD files and drawings of advanced framing details.

All About Larsen Trusses

Author(s)
Holladay Martin
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Website article interviewing the inventor of the Larsen truss, a history of its use, and a discussion of its advantages and disadvantages.

Building for Energy Efficiency - Part 2

Author(s)
Grin Aaron
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Presentation about advanced framing techniques.

Conceptual 3D Advanced Framing Drawing

Author(s)
Green Building Advisor
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Document containing a 3D drawing (CAD) of advanced framing details.

Use of Connectors and Brackets, FEMA Technical Fact Sheet 4.3

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Technical fact sheet highlighting important building connections and illustrating the proper use of various types of connection hardware; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”

Coastal Building Success and Failures, FEMA Technical Fact Sheet No. 1.1

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing the characteristics that make for a successful coastal residential building, including design and construction recommendations; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”

Advanced Framing, BSI-030

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report describing advanced framing techniques, including discussion of cost and energy savings.

Guide to Insulating Sheathing

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Guide providing information on using exterior foam insulating sheathing in building wall assemblies to enhance thermal performance.

Characterization of Framing Factors for Wood-Framed Low-Rise Residential Buildings

Author(s)
Carpenter Stephen C,
Schumacher Christopher
Organization(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Case study characterizing the framing factors for the exterior walls, ceilings, and floors of 180 wood-framed low-rise residential buildings across the United States.

Cantilevers, Technical Bulletin F2

Author(s)
Advanced Energy
Organization(s)
Advanced Energy
Publication Date
Information sheet containing images and descriptions of cantilevers.

Advanced Wall Framing

Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
National Association of Home Builders
Organization(s)
NAHB,
SEI,
ORNL,
NREL
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing advanced wall framing.

Characterization of Framing Factors for Low-Rise Residential Building Envelopes in California

Author(s)
California Energy Commission,
Enermodal Engineering Limited
Organization(s)
CEC,
EEL
Publication Date
Document with information from a workshop addressing framing materials for residential buildings in California. A copy of the document can be requested at the resource link, and an online copy of the document can be found by searching for it on the California Energy Commission's Library Online...

Advanced Wall Framing

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
Home Innovation Research Labs,
Southface Energy Institute
Organization(s)
HIRL,
SEI,
DOE
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing advanced framing techniques that reduce the amount of lumber used in constructing wood-framed houses while providing more space for wall insulation.