Library

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.

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.

SPFA website signup page to access SPFA documents.

Article describing selecting insulation for minimizing condensation risks.

This report will review, and summarize the current state of understanding and research into enclosures with higher thermal resistance, so-called “High-R Enclosures.” Recommendations are provided for further research.

Report on heating and cooling air-distribution ducts that are insulated, installed close to the ceiling in a vented attic and covered with attic insulation to minimize energy loss.

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

Document presenting a simple starting point to determine the most cost-effective Energy Savings Measure Packages (ESMP) for existing homes to achieve 15% and 30% savings in 37 locations across the United States.

Article discussing flow-through assemblies of walls.

Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

Article describing how insulated siding can save homeowners energy by providing continuous exterior insulation.

Website providing builders with information about meeting RESNET Grade 1 criteria when installing insulation.

Information sheet providing links and resources for insulating basements in cold climates.

Article discussing the downside to recessed can lights.

Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Report providing information about improving the energy efficiency and long-term durability of the buildings that are being reconstructed post Katrina in New Orleans.

Article outlining moisture accumulation in open cell spray polyurethane foam.

Information sheet with the definition and uses for a raised truss.

Research study about two test homes that are examined with the goal of providing case studies that could be applied to other similar New England homes.

Fact sheet describing building envelope performance measures applicable to residential and small commercial construction.

Literature review from NFPA on the use of insulation to protect the piping in home fire sprinkler systems from freezing conditions.

Guide describing the installation of windows in walls that have foam plastic insulating; guide provides several methods for attaching, supporting, and flashing windows in walls with rigid foam sheathing. (Note: The link only goes to the table of contents for the guide, the full guide can be...