Library

A book describing seismic retrofits to help contractors and engineers understand how to properly retrofit a home in a cost-effective manner.

Report developed for Habitat for Humanity about lessons learned from demonstration retrofit projects undertaken by Habitat for Humanity affiliates in New York, Maryland, and Pennsylvania; with building systems consulting and technical assistance provided by Steven Winter Associates.

Article describing thermal bridging, construction practices that encourage thermal bridging, and solving thermal bridging through continuous exterior insulation.

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

Article describing the evolution of the IRC to permit class 3 vapor retarders (latex paint) in walls coupled with exterior continuous insulation to allow drying and reduce condensation risk.

Article describing how an affordable multifamily building achieved energy savings for the same cost as code-minimum construction.

Report about partnership to build three communities of net zero houses.

Information sheet about types and installation of insulation.

Website providing guidance for people to find and use tools, information, and subject matter expertise to build climate resilience.

Information sheet providing definitions, applications, and techniques for applying air barriers.

Presentation describing the challenges of insulating an existing basement, presented to the Building America residential energy-efficiency stakeholder meeting.

Article describing how adhesives can be used to make homes in high-wind locations stronger and how adhesives could be too effective resulting in overloading foundation anchors under earthquake loads.

Research study comparing TRNSYS Type 604 pipe model against laboratory pipe heat loss test data and detailed field monitoring data.

A review on the knowledge about ventilated wall claddings from field performance and hydrothermal modeling.

Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Website describing proper methods for installing vinyl siding on homes.

Publication with installation guidance for vinyl siding.

Report covering the migration of wind-blown embers in roof vents.

Document describing wall bracing techniques and suggestions for the city of Verona, WI building department.

A guide describing how to do wall bracing calculations and evaluations.

Web page providing statistics on weather related fatalities and injuries.

Manual showing how to properly use grass swales to manage excess water runoff.

Report describing sloped roof assemblies with high levels of thermal performance.

Report providing design guidance for wood-framed residential construction in high wind areas where design wind velocity requirements do not exceed 140 miles per hour.

Document describing different spray foam materials including some pros and cons and technical specifications.

Report describing work conducted by the Building Science Corporation (BSC) Building America Research Teams Energy Efficient Housing Research Partnerships project.

Introductory guide to air sealing the envelope of a home to reduce wasted energy and save on energy costs.

Study showcasing the location of the highest uplift force on the hip, ridge, and perimeter regions of roofs, and thus roofing material needs for the most fasteners and adhesive at these locations.

Study analyzing wind pressures on hip roofs where two hip roofs come together forming an L or T shaped roof or building.

Guide presents mitigation measures in a Mitigation Package which combined set of retrofit measures that must be implemented for a house to provide a defined level of protection; identifies three successive Mitigation Packages: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Implementing the Mitigation Packages...

Article discussing structural and nonstructural building components and illustrates a variety of wind-induced damages, including wind-driven rain infiltration.

Fact sheet describing impact-resistant window systems with specifics on Florida’s building codes.

Website providing consumers with general guidance on preparing for and surviving a winter storm.

Website providing information to prepare for winter storms, prevent cold temperature-related health problems, and protect yourself during all stages of a winter storm.

Catalog detailing the metal connector products manufactured by Simpson Strong-Tie and their applications and strengths.

Manual providing engineered and prescriptive design requirements for wood frame construction used in one and two-family dwellings.

A hurricane retrofit guide describing techniques for strengthening roof-to-wall connections for family homes.

Report detailing retrofit of two existing houses in the Wyandotte Neighborhood program.

Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.