Library

Research study describing a number of promising foundation and basement insulation strategies that can meet the requirement for better thermal control in colder climates while enhancing moisture control, health, and comfort.

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

Guide informing builders and developers about efficient building practice for constructing homes with structural insulated panels.

Report covering insulating crawlspaces.

Article discussing whether or not to seal and insulate crawlspaces.

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.

Report presenting the process of a residential retrofit project for houses in the states of Florida and Alabama, including findings at the time of reporting and highlights of the first home to meet the target HERS Index of 70.

Fact sheet describing the Extended Plate Wall (EPW) a system that incorporates a 2-inch layer of foam plastic insulative sheathing within the framing for top and bottom plates, streamlining air sealing, window and door installation, weather resistive barrier application, and cladding attachment for...

Article from Building Science Corporation on construction techniques for extreme heat conditions in Dubai and Las Vegas.

Guides describing frost-protected shallow foundations as an alternative method for building an energy-efficient foundation for a house in a cold climate that uses less concrete and saves on labor.

Brochure describing advanced framing techniques.

Document providing a roadmap to aid Habitat for Humanity affiliates in building high performing houses by using materials and techniques that are affordable, do not add any maintenance burden, and are volunteer friendly.

Article summarizing for potential homeowners items to check or demand from the builder in designing a home for a cold climate.

Website that explains and provides diagrams for covering up above-grade rigid foam insulation.

Article outlining the use of spray polyurethane foam in residential buildings.

The purpose for this document is to provide basic guidance on the use of proven installation techniques that can be used by installers to help ensure correct “dense pack” application of JM Spider® in drill & fill applications.

Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.

Report detailing a three-winter study on unvented roof assemblies in a cold climate, assessing insulation material, ridge diffusion vent presence, vapor control membranes, relative humidity, and interstitial airflow. Results indicate that utilizing air-permeable fibrous fill insulations in unvented...

Report detailing a three-winter study on unvented roof assemblies in a cold climate, assessing insulation material, ridge diffusion vent presence, vapor control membranes, relative humidity, and interstitial airflow; results indicate that utilizing air-permeable fibrous fill insulations in unvented...

Report highlighting the evaluation methods used and extent of wind washing found in a study analyzing wind washing in thirty-two two-story homes.

Report presenting the results of a study evaluating retrofit solutions for addressing the effects of wind washing on homes.

Information sheet about insulation retrofits for the hot-dry climate zones.

Information sheet about exterior insulation in the hot-dry climate zones.

Article describing how insulating and air sealing unfinished attic spaces can lead to reduced energy bills in some homes.

SPFA website homepage.

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