Library

Homepage for ENERGY STAR’s windows, skylights, and doors program providing information for consumers and links to product directories.

Resource to help builders better understand the WaterSense requirements for labeled homes and assist them in meeting the criteria so they can receive the label for their new construction.

Factsheet providing homeowners with an overview of approaches for flashing and sealing roof penetrations to help discussion with a roofing contractor.

Fact sheet describing flashing of roof penetrations to make a home more resistant to high winds, hurricanes, and rainwater intrusion.

Research study about a high performance retrofit of an existing brick building (a former convent) into condominiums, all affordable housing.

Article from the Institute of Biological Engineering describing reverse osmosis water softeners.

Report describing how to construct a frost protected shallow foundation (FPSF) as a practical alternative to a deeper, more-costly foundation in cold regions with seasonal ground freezing and the potential for frost heave.

Information sheet about window retrofit strategies for hot-dry climates.

Article outlining the key issues related to the protection of the building envelope against seismic forces.

Report from FEMA describing techniques for floodproofing structures.

Step-by-step guide demonstrating replacement window selection process.

A website providing information on how to properly size a water heater based on tank size, volume, peak hour demand and other factors.

How hard can it be to insulate a flat sheet of concrete? I mean you only have three choices – on the top, on the bottom, or on the edge. OK, you might have some combination of the three as well.

Fact sheet describing building envelope performance measures applicable to residential and small commercial construction.

Report describing a comparison of hydrothermal performances of DryRightTM fiberglass batts and kraft-faced fiberglass batts in a south facing wall assembly with a moisture storage cladding material.

Standard covering the installation of fenestration products in new and existing construction, which was published in the year 2019, and is available for preview and purchase at the referenced link.

Standard covering the installation of fenestration products in new and existing construction which was published in the year 2007, and is available for preview and purchase at the referenced link.

Guide describing the installation of windows in walls that have foam plastic insulating; guide provides several methods for attaching, supporting, and flashing windows in walls with rigid foam sheathing. (Note: The link only goes to the table of contents for the guide, the full guide can be...

Specification describing criteria for manufactured polymeric materials used to provide a rainscreen function, a means for the drainage of liquid moisture and the ventilation of vapor moisture that enters an above-grade exterior wall assembly which was published in the year 2019, and is available for...

Document providing information on correct storage techniques for lumber to manage moisture.

Document describing correct construction of swales, designed to trap particulate pollutants (suspended solids and trace metals), promote infiltration, and reduce the flow velocity of storm water runoff.

ENERGY STAR webpage describing the benefits of storm windows and a link to a product list.

Webpage providing an ENERGY STAR climate zone map and criteria for ENERGY STAR storm windows per climate zone.

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...

Document describing issues of wind pressure resistance in walls with exterior rigid foam sheathing installed directly over framing members.

Article providing fundamental information and recommendations for shading windows for energy savings.

Presentation by the Washington University in St. Louis Office of Sustainability on saving energy.

Fact sheet describing best practices for flashing doors and windows to minimize air and water intrusion.

Resource manual for builders, designers, architects, plumbers, and others interested in the WaterSense Labeled Homes Program providing an overview of the program, explains how to meet the program requirements, gives descriptions of water-saving technologies, and provides links to further resources.

Brochure with information about how to select and install house wrap and other weather-resistive barriers.

Fact sheet describing water management in a residential building.

This TechNote provides an overview of building code requirements and best practices for flashing at window and door frames.

DOE-sponsored report describing the experimental design and results of testing the energy performance of Hunter Douglas double-cell cellular shades under various control schemes in the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Lab Homes.

Article describing a research study exploring how effective interior insulation systems are at keeping basements dry and warm.

Article from Green Building Advisor on the importance of window selection in hot climates, with an emphasis on window glazing.

A field guide with residential construction best practices.

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.

Conference paper describing a proof of concept trial that demonstrated that external roller blinds can reduce heating loads in a room by 20%.

Article describing the evolution of the IRC to permit class 3 vapor retarders (latex paint) in walls coupled with exterior continuous insulation to allow drying and reduce condensation risk.

Fact sheet poster describing the energy efficiency and comfort benefits of thin triple-pane windows as compared to standard triple-pane and double-pane windows.

Article describing tips for effectively installing weatherstripping on windows and doors.

Case study about a structural sheathing product composed of enhanced EPS rigid foam with OSB adhered on one side.

Guide addressing troubleshooting and frequently asked questions about water pressure.

Guide providing information about controlling rainwater through use of drainage planes.

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

Presentation describing the challenges of insulating an existing basement, presented to the Building America residential energy-efficiency stakeholder meeting.

EPA WaterSense guidance on urinals.

Report about a project with successful integration of numerous energy-conservation and renewable-energy features into a beautiful, comfortable, and very energy-efficient off-grid home.

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...

Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.