Library

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

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

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 covering insulating crawlspaces.

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

Article discussing whether or not to seal and insulate crawlspaces.

Report covering exterior energy retrofits of masonry buildings.

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

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.

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 describing frost-protected shallow foundations with construction drawing details.

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.

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

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...

SPFA website homepage.

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

Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.