Organization(s)
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Publication Date
Description
An article about double-hung windows.
This library contains research reports produced by the Building America program and other building science resources used to support this Solution Center. The materials cover both new construction and existing homes. Use the search box and/or the filters to explore hundreds of residential building resources. Access to some references not produced by Building America may require purchase from the publisher. Documents are listed alphabetically. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.
Showing results 1 - 50 of 64
Organization(s)
PEX Universe
Publication Date
Description
A webpage discussing how water heater expansion tanks operate and how to repair them.
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
ANSI
Publication Date
Description
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.
Organization(s)
LSU AgCenter
Publication Date
Description
Webpage from LSU AgCenter answering frequently asked questions after gutting a flooded home, including mitigation strategies for future floods.
Organization(s)
Western Wood Products Association,
WWPA
Publication Date
Description
Document describing common questions about moisture, mold, and wood.
Organization(s)
Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,
BA-PIRC,
Gas Technology Institute,
GTI Energy,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Report targeting the growing number of homes utilizing deep retrofit measures and new construction practices to realize sufficiently lower infiltration levels that require mechanical ventilation as prescribed by ASHRAE Standard 62.2.
Organization(s)
HIRL,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Case study about a structural sheathing product composed of enhanced EPS rigid foam with OSB adhered on one side.
Organization(s)
HIRL
Publication Date
Description
This TechNote provides an overview of building code requirements and best practices for flashing at window and door frames.
Organization(s)
Ply Gem Siding Group
Publication Date
Description
Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR,
NSTAR
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing 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.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Case study about how to properly tape insulating sheathing drainage planes.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.
Organization(s)
BEC
Publication Date
Description
Case study about high humidity, mold and condensation on surfaces in S. Florida, and how building characteristics cause and amplify these problems.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report explaining moisture-related concerns for high R-value wall assemblies and discusses past Building America research work that informs this study.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report about exterior sheathing insulation and inward driven moisture issues.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Guidebook providing useful examples of high performance retrofit techniques for the building enclosure of wood frame residential construction in a cold and somewhat wet climate.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet providing details on the vapor permeance of different types of materials used in building assemblies.
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR,
University of Minnesota,
U.S. Department of Labor,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Research study searching for combinations of existing technologies that could enable a minimally invasive, cost-competitive, easily deployable method of upgrading soil-side foundation insulation in existing buildings.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report exploring four questions to determine the level of risk associated with adding drained exterior insulation to the exterior of an existing home during an energy retrofit.
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Research study examining the effective moisture penetration depth (EMPD) model and its suitability for building simulations.
Organization(s)
NAHB Research Center,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Research study presenting results of an existing home monitoring project designed to measure wall cavity moisture characteristics.
Organization(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Document describing good practices for insulating basements in new and existing homes.
Organization(s)
Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,
BA-PIRC,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Description
Report focusing on managing the driving forces that move air and water vapor across the building envelope.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Report summarizing the importance of properly insulating and air sealing masonry walls, providing step by step instructions and approaches.
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor,
GBA
Publication Date
Description
Blog entry describing methods for insulating basement walls on the interior or exterior.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Document providing information on basement insulation, air sealing and water management retrofits.
Organization(s)
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Publication Date
Description
Manual showing how to properly use grass swales to manage excess water runoff.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report summarizing current research, summarizes issues that have been experienced with current best practices, and recommends ways in which the best practices can be improved for water managing sheathings.
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR,
University of Minnesota,
UMN,
NSTAR,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Presentation describing the challenges of insulating an existing basement, presented to the Building America residential energy-efficiency stakeholder meeting.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Expert Meeting about interior insulation retrofit of mass masonry wall assemblies held on July 30, 2011.
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Report documenting the measured performance of six residential ENERGY STAR vapor compression dehumidifiers.
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Report covering the fundamental waterproofing strategies for tub and shower assemblies.
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Research study that utilizes EnergyPlus equipped with the moisture capacitance model to analyze the indoor relative humidity in three home types.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
This report will review, and summarize the current state of understanding and research into enclosures with higher thermal resistance, so-called “High-R Enclosures.” Recommendations are provided for further research.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report about the fundamental concepts that must be understood at the planning or initial nspection of existing homes regarding surface and ground water management.
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor,
GBA
Publication Date
Description
Article describing different kinds of water-resistant backer boards.
Organization(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet about mold mitigation.
Organization(s)
University of Waterloo,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Document describing a hygrothermal modeling study, including all of the US climate zones, a range of interior humidity levels and numerous arrangements and types of insulation.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet describing techniques for insulating basements.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article discussing indoor water management.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Brochure describing drainage planes, also referred to as water resistive barriers.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet about groundwater control.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet providing information about vapor management in building assemblies.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Brochure providing information about flashing in all cimates.
Organization(s)
ASHI
Publication Date
Description
Article describing how to properly manage condensing HVAC equipment.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information guide describing issues with concrete floors, in multiple climate zones.
Organization(s)
University of Alaska,
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Publication Date
Description
Manual describing best practices or home construction in Alaska and northern climates.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report from FEMA describing techniques for floodproofing structures.
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Description
A field guide with residential construction best practices.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Document providing guidance on water management concepts and applications for residential buildings.