Library

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.

Website providing information about the Cool Roof Rating Council including programs, membership, and resources for the construction industry.

Article describing strategies for reducing the risk of ice dam formation on roofs in winter.

Research study evaluating energy savings and cost effectiveness of installing low-emissivity (low-e) storm windows over existing windows in residential homes in all climate zones.

Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.

Webpage explaining what causes the formation of ice dams on roofs and steps to take to prevent them.

Article from Green Building Advisor on strategies to take when building homes to reduce the need for air conditioning, including insulation, windows, site selection, and roofing.

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

A research paper exploring the installation and mounting of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops and the challenges faced by system designers and installers.

A website by the U.S. DOE highlighting the potential energy savings from upgrading energy inefficient windows with low-emissivity.

Simple web-based tool allowing homeowners to calculate the potential savings from installing a cool roof.

A PDF containing the SERC Solar PV System Field-Inspection Checklist.

Technical report describing a market assessment conducted on new home builders' window purchasing practices revealing insights to inform the development of thin triple-pane windows, utilizing a center pane of thin glass and krypton gas fill to achieve the performance of standard triple-pane windows...

Computer simulations comparing International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering wind pressure differences between a gable-ended roof versus a hip roof versus a pyramidal-shaped roof.

Website sponsored by DOE to provide consumers with intelligent and unbiased guidance on the best window covering for your climate, your needs, and your windows.

Web page providing an overview of window coverings such as blinds, shades, shutters, films, and storm windows.

Fact sheet describing weatherstripping materials, types, expected life expectancy, installation requirements, and pros and cons.

Fact sheet poster describing the certification of window attachment products such as storm windows, roller shades, cellular shade, and solar screens by the Attachment Energy Rating Council (AERC).

Online textbook describing energy, including energy types, and energy use in homes.

Report describing a comprehensive analysis on energy savings from multiple types of shading devices in multiple climate zones.

Webpage on the ENERGY STAR website that list products that exceed the ENERGY STAR minimum criteria for their category, with links to several product categories, including windows, HVAC, home appliances, and computer monitors.

Website for finding rebates and special offers near you on ENERGY STAR certified products. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the U.S. EPA helping you save energy and money while protecting the environment.

ENERGY STAR specifications for residential window, door and skylights, Version 6, effective January 1, 2015.

Information sheet with details on a building enclosure designed for Albuquerque, NM, as an example for building enclosures built for hot-dry and mixed-dry climates.

DOE-sponsored report describing the experimental setup and results of field studies on using interior cellular shading attachments to reduce solar heat gain in summer and reduce heat loss in winter.

Report describing the methods and results of a field evaluation of the energy performance of cellular shade window coverings.

Report exploring feasibility of designing prescriptive retrofit measure packages for typical Chicago region multifamily buildings in order to achieve 25% source energy savings.

DOE-sponsored report describing the experimental setup and results of field studies on using exterior fabric shading attachments to reduce solar heat gain, reduce glare, and improve comfort.

DOE-sponsored report describing a study investigating the energy savings potential of cellular shades in homes.

Research study documenting market-ready energy solutions to improve the efficiency of new affordable housing in the marine climate of Washington State.

DOE-sponsored report describing a study investigating condensation buildup on windows when using insulating shades.

Expert meeting report aimed at a greater understanding of the windows research that Building America partners and national laboratories are engaged in to help professionals and consumers choose best practice strategies.

Fact sheet describing how to prepare for hurricane season and mitigate damage from floods and high winds.

A recovery advisory guide presenting important recommendations to reduce wind and water infiltration damage to new and existing residential buildings.

Report of a field evaluation of four novel roof designs to see how each design would reduce space-conditioned energy use so that the knowledge gained could be applied to the design of new manufactured homes.

Journal article reporting on field experience of unvented cathedralized (UC) attics in several environments in the United States.

Report describing research about a test implementation of an unvented tile roof assembly in a hot-humid climate.

Report to understand the long-term moisture performance of unvented roof assemblies with fibrous insulation.

Webpage providing assistance with finding the AERC climate zone of particular locations to aid in selecting window attachment products.

A report showing what happens when windows break as a result of temperature differences between the inside and outside of the home, as well as code standards for the State of California regarding window exposure to wildfires.

Study reporting the results of comparative testing of the effect of various roof types on cooling energy performance in a test facility.

Report describing dry floodproofing technologies for non-residential buildings, including information about regulatory requirements, design considerations, and descriptions of floodproofing methods and equipment.

Manual for proper installation practices, industry standards and the code requirements of roofing tiles for the Florida market.

Website with information for consumers about solar thermal systems for homes.

Calculator determining the appropriate design pressures for steep-slope roof coverings for roofers and evlauators.

Fact sheet describing the acceptable underlayment alternatives including ASTM D6757 Underlayment Felt Containing Inorganic Fibers for Steep-Slope Roofing for certain applications.

Checklist providing recommendations for the right tape in order to reduce the risk of leaks during storms with wind-driven rain.

Checklist highlighting the requirement for metal structural connections and materials fasteners used to retrofit or construct FORTIFIED buildings less than 3,000 ft from saltwater to be suitably protected from corrosion.

Checklist intending to clarify FORTIFIED Home™ eligibility requirements that relate to a home’s foundation.

Factsheet describing ways to install sheathing over existing 1x roof decking.