Library

Guidance documents describing Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs) use as a construction material that provides temporary cover and support for establishing vegetation on bare soil. ECB holds topsoil and seed (typically grass) in place to minimize erosion during germination of seed.

Factsheet describing steps builders should take to reduce erosion and control sediment on construction sites during home construction.

Research study that utilizes EnergyPlus equipped with the moisture capacitance model to analyze the indoor relative humidity in three home types.

Technical report presenting the results of an evaluation of homes using high-efficiency mini-split heat pumps to supplement the primary heating and cooling systems.

Research study examining the effective moisture penetration depth (EMPD) model and its suitability for building simulations.

Webpage providing tips for installing and maintaining an evaporative cooler.

A webpage by the DOE on tips for saving energy with an evaporative cooler.

Image of design wet bulb temperatures in the U.S. and where evaporative cooling is most appropriate.

Research study searching for combinations of existing technologies that could enable a minimally invasive, cost-competitive, easily deployable method of upgrading soil-side foundation insulation in existing buildings.

Case study describing novel technique for installing exterior spray foam on foundation walls that uses high-pressure water sprayer and a “hydro vac” to remove dirt along the foundation wall.

Guidebook meant to provide public officials with information on excessive heat event.

Expert Meeting about interior insulation retrofit of mass masonry wall assemblies held on July 30, 2011.

Webpage from Ready.gov explaining what qualifies as 'extreme heat', how to be safe during an extreme heat event, and how to prepare for extreme heat in homes

Article from Building Science Corporation on construction techniques for extreme heat conditions in Dubai and Las Vegas.

Technical report describing the impact of orientation on thermal comfort.

Webpage from LSU AgCenter answering frequently asked questions after gutting a flooded home, including mitigation strategies for future floods.

Handbook describing the permitting process regulating the transfer of stormwater from private property owners to the State of Florida Department of Transportation stormwater drainage systems.

An engineering design guide for hydronic heat loops, discussing the features and advantages of condensing boilers.

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

Document explores alternatives to riprap on banks and waterways to mitigate bankside erosion in the Pacific Northwest.

Factsheet describing backflow valve benefits and tips.

Articles, research, case studies, and more outlining considerations for planning and installation of a fire-protection system.

A webpage discussing how water heater expansion tanks operate and how to repair them.

Article describing methods to manage moisture, rainwater, and vapor in basements and crawlspaces.

Research report assessing the moisture and cooling load impacts of airtightness and mechanical ventilation in homes in hot-humid climates.

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

Brochure-guide describing swales and their qualities, including objective, maintenance, and design considerations.

Journal article describing energy impacts from shade trees and forests and solar heating and air infiltration.

Website offering an online training that teaches disaster-resistant best practices for roofers.

Handbook providing guidance on the design and construction of foundations for homes, including insulation, air sealing, and water management details for basements, crawlspaces, and slabs.

Web article discussing the primary approaches to waterproofing concrete foundations.

Report analyzing the effect of global climate change on national interests, and providing climate predictions.

Website describing wet floodproofing measures to prevent against structural damage, internal damage and damage to electrical components.

Document describing amendments to IECC 2015 to create the Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code.

Information sheet about groundwater control.

Article describing tree preservation during the construction process.

Report about indoor air quality related to indoor mold growth.

EPA webpage explaining the heat island effect and providing links to related content.

LBNL webpage introducing heat island effect and cool materials concepts, and providing links to LBNL pages explaining cool pavements, cool roofs, and cool walls.

LBNL webpage providing resources and tools related to cool technologies, including the SRI calculator and the DOE Cool Roof Calculator.

Federal webpage providing information regarding extreme heat and health for the United States.

Article from NREL on wall construction guidelines for homes in hot climate zones.

Factsheet profiling a simple modification that can be made to window air-conditioners to improve their energy efficiency.

Research study presenting results of an existing home monitoring project designed to measure wall cavity moisture characteristics.

Report covering control of hydrostatic pressure in wall assemblies.

Website providing information on low-energy and standard cooling systems, with a focus on saving energy.

Article from RMI on how climate change is leading to an increase in critical extreme heat hours and what smart building strategies can be taken to mitigate some of these effects including paint color and insulation.

Article from Washington Post on passive cooling measures for homes during extreme heat.

Article from The Earthbound Report on passive cooling design strategies for homes located in hot climates.