Library

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...

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

Report covering insulating crawlspaces.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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...

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.

SPFA website homepage.

Publication with installation guidance for vinyl siding.

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