Skip to main content

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 - 26 of 26

Author(s)
Hammer & Hand
Organization(s)
Hammer & Hand
Publication Date
Description
This Best Practices Manual is the product of Hammer & Hand’s ongoing work to document and internally codify our standard operating procedures for construction practice.
Author(s)
Aldrich Robb,
Williamson Jim
Organization(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Research report anayzing the results of a large retrofit project, turining an old school into near zero energy consumption apartments in Greenfield MA.
Author(s)
Mid-America Regional Council
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
A guide on the use of rain barrels for greater water efficiency and use in gardens and lawns.
Author(s)
IBHS Fortified Home
Organization(s)
IBHS Fortified Home
Publication Date
Description
Website offering an online training that teaches disaster-resistant best practices for roofers.
Author(s)
Metal Construction Association
Organization(s)
MCA
Publication Date
Description
An installation training manual discussing the installation of metal roofing materials and related accessories, for both new construction and retrofit projects.
Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
A Recovery Advisory guide reccomending practices for designing and installing metal roof systems that will enhance wind resistance in high-wind regions (i.e., greater than 90-miles per hour [mph] gust design wind speed).
Author(s)
Joseph Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.
Author(s)
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
Website providing guidance on how to reduce the risk of damage to a home from hail.
Author(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs
Organization(s)
HIRL
Publication Date
Description
Factsheet providing homeowners with an overview of approaches for flashing and sealing roof penetrations to help discussion with a roofing contractor.
Author(s)
Guertin Mike
Organization(s)
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Publication Date
Description
Article describing ways to protect roofs from water infiltration by using self-adhering underlayment in vulnerable locations such as roof valleys, eave edges (to help deal with ice dams), rake edges, roofs to vertical walls (such as dormers), sidewall protection, the bottom of dormer valleys, and...
Author(s)
University of Minnesota
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR,
NSTAR
Publication Date
Description
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.
Author(s)
National Roofing Contractors Association
Organization(s)
National Roofing Contractors Association
Publication Date
Description
Manuals describing design, materials, and installation techniques applicable to almost all types of roof systems; four-volume set includes Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems, Membrane Roof Systems, Architectural Metal Flashing and Condensation and Air Leakage Control, and Steep-Slope Roof Systems.
Author(s)
Guertin Mike
Organization(s)
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Publication Date
Description
Article describing a method for flashing roof vent boots, describing how to flash the pipe, how to flash over and under the pan, and finish by shaping the shingles, as well as addressing potential water leakage by adding an additional seal with EPDM flashing tape with a butyl adhesive backing to the...
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.