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Library

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 - 27 of 27

2009 International Existing Building Code - IEBC

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2009 edition of code establishing a baseline for existing building retrofits to reach appropriate safety levels under new construction requirements covered in other ICC codes.

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Guide providing information for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth.

Assessment of Literature Related to Combustion Appliance Venting Systems

Author(s)
Less Brennan,
Wray Craig P,
Stratton Chris J,
Singer Brett C,
Rapp Vi H
Organization(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL
Publication Date
The exhaust from residential combustion appliances contains air pollutants and high levels of moisture that must be conveyed to the outdoors to maintain acceptable indoor quality.

Concrete Homes

Author(s)
Portland Cement Association
Organization(s)
PCA
Publication Date
Information sheet discussing the properties and benefits of insulating concrete forms.

Directory of Certified Product Performance

Author(s)
Air-Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute
Organization(s)
AHRI
Publication Date
Online database with efficiency information about residential HVAC systems and commercial refrigeration equipment.

Energy Savers: Geothermal Heat Pumps

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Online reference containing general information about geothermal heat pumps.

Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures, Third Edition, FEMA P-259

Author(s)
Conrad David,
Kapur Omar,
Mahadevia Amit,
Maldonado Desi,
Moline Julia,
Overcash Glenn,
Passman Samantha,
Perotin Manuel,
Reeder Adam,
Seitz Laura,
Sheldon Adrienne,
Squerciati John
Organization(s)
FEMA,
Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Atkins Global,
URS Group,
Dewberry
Publication Date
Comprehensive design guide describing the benefits and details of retrofit methods for buildings and equipment in flood-prone areas. Estimated costs are outdated due to publication date.

Field Energy Performance of an Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) Wall

Author(s)
Maref Wahid,
Armstrong Marianne Margaret,
Saber Hamed,
Ganapathy G,
Nicholis M,
Swinton Michael C,
Rousseau M
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada,
NRC,
ResearchGate
Publication Date
Research study evaluating the dynamic heat transmission characteristics through two identical Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) wall assemblies in Ottawa, Canada.

Foam Shrinks, and Other Lessons, PA-1201

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Journal article describing lessons learned from updating a 16-year-old deep-energy retrofit.

Geothermal Heat Pumps Key Product Criteria

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Website with information about ENERGY STAR criteria for geothermal heat pumps.

Home Power

Author(s)
Sanchez
Organization(s)
Home Power
Publication Date
Web article about solar site assessment.

How to Insulate a Basement Wall

Author(s)
Holladay Martin
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor,
GBA
Publication Date
Blog entry describing methods for insulating basement walls on the interior or exterior.

Insulate Steam Distribution and Condensate Return Lines

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing principles of insulating steam distribution and condensate return lines as an effective way to prevent energy loss.

Mold

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Online course describing mold and mold remediation for environmental and public health professionals.

NABCEP Photovoltaic (PV) Installer Resource Guide

Author(s)
Brooks William,
Dunlop James P
Organization(s)
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners,
NABCEP
Publication Date
This Photovoltaic (PV) Installer Resource Guide is an informational resource covering basic requirements for PV installations intended for individuals pursuing the Photovoltaic Installer Certification credential offered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

Pest Prevention by Design: Authoritative Guidelines for Designing Pests out of Structures

Author(s)
Geiger Chris A,
Cox Caroline
Organization(s)
San Francisco Department of the Environment,
SF Environment,
Center for Environmental Health,
CEH,
International Code Council,
ICC
Publication Date
Report providing detailed steps for builders, architects, and property managers to take for integrated pest management for control of a variety of pests including insects, rodents, and birds.

Residential Fan Efficiency - Code Notes

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
IECC code note explaining new fan efficacy requirements, along with how to determine which fans are affected by the new fan requirements.

Retrofit Improvements - Fuel Tank Anchoring

Author(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs
Organization(s)
HIRL
Publication Date
A guide on how to anchor fuel tanks to avoid damage from flooding and seismic events to the home by using straps and solid concrete slabs.

Tankless Water Heating Gas Piping Facts

Author(s)
Rheem
Organization(s)
Rheem
Publication Date
Information for properly sizing gas lines for use with tankless water heaters and other gas appliances.

Technical Standards for the Building Analyst Professional

Author(s)
Building Performance Institute,
U.S. Green Building Council
Organization(s)
BPI,
USGBC
Publication Date
Standard covering minimum required health and safety diagnostics and specifications for BPI's Building Analyst Professional certification.