Library

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

Article describing thermal bridging, construction practices that encourage thermal bridging, and solutions.

Report telling consumers the risks of radon, how radon gets into a home, and steps consumers can take to reduce radon exposure in their homes.

Guide for homeowners describing how to find and seal basement and attic air leaks, determine if attic insulation is adequate, make improvements safely, and reduce energy bills.

Report describing testing and analysis on deep energy retrofits of existing single-family homes in the U.S.

Article describing methods for thermally isolating a garage in a Passive House-certified multifamily building.

Technical report describing the SPS (Structural Panel System), an innovative implementation of the "perfect wall" concept, situating environmental control layers on the exterior side of structural components for improved constructability, cost-effectiveness, and performance, validated through the...

Website providing research, efficiency and safety standards development, and advocacy to the home appliance industry to bring efficient, high-performing home appliances to consumers.

Website describing indoor air quality, and common indoor pollutants and how to reduce exposure to them.

Article describing technologies available for monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ).

Website describing archived program inforamtion for the Air Sensors International Conference, hosted by the University of California, Davis.

Website article interviewing the inventor of the Larsen truss, a history of its use, and a discussion of its advantages and disadvantages.

Article about different types of weather resistant barrier.

Technical report describing the thermal performance of 40 common building envelope details for mid- and high-rise buildings, including analyses to optimize energy efficiency and reduce thermal bridging.

Document describing recent discussions on indoor carbon dioxide (CO 2) levels.

Article describing the building science implications of insulating vented or unvented attics.

Article describing the research into insulating vented versus unvented attics.

SPFA website signup page to access SPFA documents.

Report describing approaches to insulating basements in homes built to meet Energy Star levels of performance of heat loss reduction.

Information sheet describing techniques for insulating basements.

A book about structurally insulated panels.

Web based tool providing decision-making guidance for selecting wall assembly components.

Article describing the control layers (air, thermal, and vapor barriers) needed to build homes successfully in very cold locations.

Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.

Website describing the CRI Green Label Plus low-VOC carpet labeling program.

Website of the Cold Climate Housing Research Center.

Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.

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.

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA evaluates potential risks from new and existing chemicals and acts to address any unreasonable risks chemicals may have on human health and the environment. This website explains the implications of such chemicals.

Information guide describing issues with concrete floors, in multiple climate zones.

Report covering insulating crawlspaces.

A website explaining how to properly dispose of old refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

Brochure helping homeowners identify hazards, work with contractors to remove the hazards, help ensure the work is done properly, and educate when they can return safely to the home.

Report telling consumers how radon gets into a home and how to reduce radon entry into a home.

Article describing research encouraging use of exterior insulation to warm interior sheathing surfaces in walls and roof assemblies to reduce the likelihood of condensation during cold weather

Article describing the difference between conditioned or unvented attics and unconditioned or vented attics.

Article discussing whether or not to seal and insulate crawlspaces.

Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.

Report covering exterior energy retrofits of masonry buildings.

Guide informing architects and engineers about designing buildings to be constructed with structural insulated panels.

Information about dense pack, cellulose insulation.

Information sheet with HVAC duct insulation, testing, maintenance and performance information.

Webpage from U.S. Department of Energy describing using Earth-Sheltered home building techniques in hot climate zones.

Report on problems and solutions with EIFS stucco wall cladding systems.

Website describing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR New Homes and Apartments program with links to builder and homeowner resources.

This publication provides a set of best practices for improving indoor air quality in conjunction with energy upgrade work in homes.

Homebuilding’s simple payback estimator for an insulation upgrade – the type and amount of insulation, square footage of the area, recent utility bill, and a quote from insulation contractor.

Information sheet briefly summarizing double stud with spray foam wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

Information sheet that summarizes Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction including advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.