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.

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

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

Report on the stability of furring strips as a means for cladding attachment over walls with thick exterior rigid insulation.

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.

Research report anayzing the results of a large retrofit project, turining an old school into near zero energy consumption apartments in Greenfield MA.

Report covering exterior energy retrofits of masonry buildings.

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.

Report analyzing results in crawlspace retrofits in multifamily buildings.

Case study describing novel technique for installing exterior spray foam on foundation walls that uses high-pressure water sprayer and a “hydro vac” to remove dirt along the foundation wall.

Article discussing flow-through assemblies of walls.

Article describing frost-protected shallow foundations with construction drawing details.

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 describing methods for insulating and air sealing vented and unvented roofs in various climates zones.

Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Article outlining moisture accumulation in open cell spray polyurethane foam.

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

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...

Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.