Library

Article describing methods for thermally isolating a garage in a Passive House-certified multifamily building.

Technical report describing the SPS (Structural Panel System), an innovative implementation of the "perfect wall" concept, situating environmental control layers on the exterior side of structural components for improved constructability, cost-effectiveness, and performance, validated through the...

The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel sheathing (WSP) as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 inches thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...

Part I of the Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as exterior sheathing, gypsum board as interior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories in height.

The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 in. thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...

Webpage from U.S. Department of Energy describing using Earth-Sheltered home building techniques in hot climate zones.

Article describing what the building codes say about frost-protected shallow foundations as a cost-saving alternative to conventional concrete foundations.

Report covering the fire performance of combustible cladding over combustible insulation.

An article and video of a breakdown on the preparation and installation of basement insulation.

Article describing issues with condensation in unvented attics insulated with open-cell spray foam.

Web resource that lays out the pre-work considerations, methods and finishes for installing mechanical insulation.

Article from Smarter Homes NZ on home building techniques that incorporate passive cooling.

Fact sheet describing analysis of potential heating and cooling savings from radiant barriers in attics.

Website describing the U.S. Department of Energy's residential buildings program.

Factsheet describing the use of rigid foam insulation to meet energy efficiency requirements and minimize fire risks.

Conference paper describing testing of the performance of fasteners used to attach rigid foam insulation to the exterior of walls.

Article describing the evolution of the IRC to permit class 3 vapor retarders (latex paint) in walls coupled with exterior continuous insulation to allow drying and reduce condensation risk.

Publication with installation guidance for vinyl siding.

Report covering the migration of wind-blown embers in roof vents.