Library

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.

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

Report covering insulating crawlspaces.

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 discussing whether or not to seal and insulate crawlspaces.

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

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.

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 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.

Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

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

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

Article discussing the downside to recessed can lights.

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

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.

SPFA website homepage.

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

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