Library | Building America Solution Center

Showing 1 - 50 of 195 results:

2009 International Plumbing Code - IPC

2018

International Code Council

ICC

2009 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2010 Wind Retrofit Guide for Residential Buildings, FEMA P-804

2019

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA

Fact sheet providing an overview of the FEMA document Wind Retrofit Guide for Residential Buildings.

2012 International Plumbing Code - IPC

2018

International Code Council

ICC

2012 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2015 International Plumbing Code - IPC

2021

International Code Council

ICC

2015 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2015 Uniform Plumbing Code - UPC

2015

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials

IAPMO

Code set from IAPMO explaining plumbing standards. 2015 publication.

2018 International Plumbing Code - IPC

2021

International Code Council

ICC

2018 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2018 Uniform Plumbing Code - UPC

2018

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials

IAPMO

Code set from IAPMO explaining plumbing standards. 2018 publication.

A Citizen’s Guide to Radon - The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon

2016

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

Report telling consumers the risks of radon, how radon gets into a home, and steps consumers can take to reduce radon exposure in their homes.

Acceptance Criteria for Waterproof Membranes for Flooring and Shower Lining, AC115

2016

International Code Council

ICC

Acceptance criteria providing guidelines for demonstrating compliance with codes referenced in the criteria related to barriers to water migration in thin-set installations of ceramic tile and stone flooring and shower sub-pan linings.

AHAM - Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

2020

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

AHAM

Website providing research, efficiency and safety standards development, and advocacy to the home appliance industry to bring efficient, high-performing home appliances to consumers.

Air Infiltration in Coastal Regions - The Paston Effect

2014

Bailey Ronald B,

Swanson Hollace J

BEC

Case study about high humidity, mold and condensation on surfaces in S. Florida, and how building characteristics cause and amplify these problems.

Air Quality Sensor Performance Evaluation Center

2025

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. EPA

Website describing indoor air quality, and common indoor pollutants and how to reduce exposure to them.

Air Sensor Technology and Indoor Air Quality

2025

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. EPA

Article describing technologies available for monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ).

Air Sensors International Conference

2025

University of California

University of California Davis

Website describing archived program inforamtion for the Air Sensors International Conference, hosted by the University of California, Davis.

Alaska Residential Building Manual, 7th Edition

2008

Deer Charlie,

et al.

University of Alaska,

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation

Manual describing best practices or home construction in Alaska and northern climates.

Alliance for Water Efficiency

2020

Alliance for Water Efficiency

AWE

Alliance for Water Efficiency website homepage.

ASHRAE Position Document on Indoor Carbon Dioxide

2025

American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers

ASHRAE

Document describing recent discussions on indoor carbon dioxide (CO 2) levels.

ASTM D8405-21 Standard Test Method for Evaluating PM2.5 Sensors or Sensor Systems Used in Indoor Air Applications

2021

ASTM International

Backerboards - Winners against Water

2010

Yost Peter

Green Building Advisor,

GBA

Article describing different kinds of water-resistant backer boards.

Basement Insulation Technology Fact Sheet

2002

Southface Energy Institute

SEI,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Fact sheet describing basement insulation considerations.

Basement Insulation, Info 511

2009

Building Science Corporation

BSC

Information sheet describing techniques for insulating basements.

Boiler Inspections for Safety, Life and Efficiency

2008

Kleva Stephen

Contractor Magazine

Article explaining the importance of regular inspections of boiler systems in maintaining their safety, lifespan, and efficiency.

Build A Better Home: Moisture-Resistant Roof Construction

2017

APA - The Engineered Wood Association

American Plywood Association,

APA

Report providing water management details for roof assemblies.

Builder's Guide to Hot-Humid Climates

2005

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

The Builder's Guide provides the building industry with the latest and best practical information on how to apply building science principles to structures as systems in hot-humid climate regions.

Building Science Introduction

2011

ENERGY STAR

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

EPA,

ENERGY STAR

Document outlining building science principles about air flow, heat flow and moisture flow in homes.

Bulk Water Control Methods for Foundations, BA-1015

2011

Lstiburek Joseph W,

Ueno Kohta

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Report about the fundamental concepts that must be understood at the planning or initial nspection of existing homes regarding surface and ground water management.

Capillarity - Small Sacrifices, BSI-011

2014

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

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

Capillarity Sucks, BSI-123

2021

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Article describing the principle of capillarity in construction materials.

Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus

2020

Carpet and Rug Institute

CRI

Website describing the CRI Green Label Plus low-VOC carpet labeling program.

Chemicals Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

2020

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA evaluates potential risks from new and existing chemicals and acts to address any unreasonable risks chemicals may have on human health and the environment. This website explains the implications of such chemicals.

Coastal Construction Manual - Principles and Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, Fourth edition, Volume I, FEMA P-55

2011

Coulbourne William,

et al.

Federal Emergency Management Agency,

FEMA,

Applied Technology Council,

ATC,

URS Group,

DK Low and Associates,

Atkins,

TLSmith Consulting

Volume 1 of a two-volume report providing a comprehensive approach to planning, siting, and risk management for homes constructed in coastal environments.

Coastal Construction Manual - Principles and Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, Fourth Edition, Volume II, FEMA P-55

2011

Coulbourne William,

et al.

Federal Emergency Management Agency,

FEMA,

Applied Technology Council,

ATC,

URS Group,

DK Low and Associates,

Atkins,

TLSmith Consulting

Volume II of a two-volume report providing a comprehensive approach to design, construction, and renovation of homes located in coastal environments.

Concrete Floor Problems, BSI-003

2008

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Information guide describing issues with concrete floors, in multiple climate zones.

Concrete Floors and Moisture, 2nd Edition

2008

Kanare Howard M

Portland Cement Association

Document discussing moisture considerations and testing techniques for concrete floors.

Condensation Between Panes of Double Windows

1960

Wilson Alex

National Research Council Canada,

NRCC

Document about condensation between the panes, on the inside surface of the outer glass of double pane windows.

Construction and Demolition: How to Properly Dispose of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Equipment

2011

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

A website explaining how to properly dispose of old refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

Consumer Tips for a Post-Disaster Home Restoration

2015

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HUD

Brochure helping homeowners identify hazards, work with contractors to remove the hazards, help ensure the work is done properly, and educate when they can return safely to the home.

Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction - How to Fix Your Home

2016

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

Report telling consumers how radon gets into a home and how to reduce radon entry into a home.

Cost Analysis of Roof-Only Air Sealing and Insulation Strategies on 1-1/2 Story Homes in Cold Climates, Minneapolis, MN

2014

University of Minnesota,

NorthernSTAR

NSTAR,

UMN

This case study describes costs associated with the External Thermal and Moisture Management System developed by the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership for retrofitting roofs with rigid foam over the roof deck, especially on one and a half-story homes.

Criteria for Moisture-Control Design Analysis in Buildings, ANSI/ASHRAE 160-2021

2021

American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers,

American National Standards Institute

ASHRAE,

ANSI

Standard describing prediction, mitigation, and reduction of moisture damage to the building envelope, materials, components, systems, and furnishings, depending on climate, construction type, and HVAC system operation; the webstore allows preview or full purchase.

Decay of Wood

1969

Baker Maurice C

National Research Council Canada,

NRC

Article describing the causes of wood decay and moisture issues.

Designing and Building Resilient Wall Systems with Engineered Rainscreen Products.

2016

Lolley Keith,

Dalgleish Laverne

Building Enclosure Moisture Management Institute

Conference paper describing the use of engineered rainscreen products to provide air flow and water drainage space in wall assemblies in residential and commercial buildings.

Disconnect or Redirect Your Downspout Brochure

2020

Mid-America Regional Council

MARC

A guide on the use of rain barrels for greater water efficiency and use in gardens and lawns.

Don’t Try Building Hugel Swales

2015

Spirko Jack

Permaculture Research Institute

Article describing the difference between swales and hugels (berms used to create soil from woody debris).

Drain the Rain…On the Plane…the Drainage Plane, BSI–112

2019

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Report covering the rainwater performance of building assemblies.

Drainage Plane/Water Resistive Barrier, Info-301

2009

Building Science Corporation

BSC

Brochure describing drainage planes, also referred to as water resistive barriers.

Drip Irrigation: The Basics

2016

Schuch Ursula

University of Arizona,

College of Agricultural & Life Sciences,

The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

Fact sheet describing drip irrigation for landscaping.

Durable Solutions for Balconies and Decks

2023

Home Innovation Research Labs

HIRL

Technical report describing design and construction methodologies for durable balconies and decks, focusing on proper sloping, flashing, drainage, and ventilation to mitigate moisture-related issues.

Ecosystems Research

2016

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

A map describing the average temperature of shallow groundwater in Fahrenheit across the continental United States.

Energy Savings Plus Health: Indoor Air Quality Guidelines

2014

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

This publication provides a set of best practices for improving indoor air quality in conjunction with energy upgrade work in homes.