Library

Article describing vapor retarder requirements in the International Residential Code and International Building Code 2021.

Vinyl siding estimating and installation guide for vinyl siding products.

Research study discussing how housewraps restrict or permit the passage of water molecules based on size, but cannot control the direction in which the water vapor molecules move.

Presentation describing details for installing structural insulated panels (SIPs).

A book about structurally insulated panels.

Report considers a number of promising wall systems that can meet the requirement for better thermal control.

Guide informing builders and developers about efficient building practice for constructing homes with structural insulated panels.

Part I of the Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as exterior sheathing, gypsum board as interior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories in height.

Guide informing architects and engineers about designing buildings to be constructed with structural insulated panels.

Article describing quality of life and economic benefit from trees.

Article in the SIPA Technical Bulletin (No. 11) comparing the earthquake resistance of light-frame wood shear wall construction to residential construction with structural insulated panels (SIPS).

Report about the Advanced Envelope Research effort will provide factory homebuilders with urgently-needed, cost effective methods for meeting emerging energy code requirements.

Article discussing flow-through assemblies of walls.

Report assessing slab-on-grade foundation insulation energy savings.

Report covering reservoir claddings, back ventilation and vapor throttles.

Test results used by multiple structural insulated panel manufacturers confirming a one-hour fire rating for specific SIP assemblies.

FEMA report describing findings from an investigation of Hurricane Ike in Texas and Louisiana and residential construction recommendations based on those findings.

Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.

Document with information about the most practical methods to achieve whole-wall performance of R-30 or above.

Document covering basic moisture control principles in the design of above-grade building enclosures; driving rain as a moisture load on walls; a classification system of the various rain control strategies available for walls; and good design practises for walls.

A field guide with residential construction best practices.

Information sheet describing the function of a vapor barrier, and methods to retard the migration of water vapor.

Document outlining a well-detailed drainage plane and flashings.