Library

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

Article describing thermal bridging, construction practices that encourage thermal bridging, and solutions.

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.

Information sheet about insulating slabs.

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.

Article discussing flow-through assemblies of walls.

Article describing the effective R-values of various subslab insulation products, including foil bubble pack.

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

Report covering reservoir claddings, back ventilation and vapor throttles.

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 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.

Website describing the U.S. Department of Energy's residential buildings program.

Brochure describing insulation approaches for homes with slab-on-grade floors.

A field guide with residential construction best practices.

Article describing thermal bridging, construction practices that encourage thermal bridging, and solving thermal bridging through continuous exterior insulation.

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.