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Library

This library contains research reports produced by the Building America program and other building science resources used to support this Solution Center. The materials cover both new construction and existing homes. Use the search box and/or the filters to explore hundreds of residential building resources. Access to some references not produced by Building America may require purchase from the publisher. Documents are listed alphabetically. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

Showing results 51 - 78 of 78

Seismic Safety of the Building Envelope

Author(s)
Arnold Chris
Organization(s)
Whole Building Design Guide,
WBDG,
National Institute of Building Sciences,
NIBS
Publication Date
Article outlining the key issues related to the protection of the building envelope against seismic forces.

Selection Process for Replacement Windows

Author(s)
Efficient Windows Collaborative
Organization(s)
National Fenestration Rating Council,
NFRC
Publication Date
Step-by-step guide demonstrating replacement window selection process.

Standard Practice for the Installation of Mounting Flange Windows into Walls Utilizing Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing (FPIS) with a Separate Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB), FMA/AAMA/WDMA 500-16

Author(s)
Fenestration Manufacturers Association,
American Architectural Manufacturers Association,
Window & Door Manufacturers Association
Organization(s)
FMA,
AAMA,
WDMA
Publication Date
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...

Storm Windows

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
ENERGY STAR webpage describing the benefits of storm windows and a link to a product list.

Storm Windows Key Product Criteria

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Webpage providing an ENERGY STAR climate zone map and criteria for ENERGY STAR storm windows per climate zone.

Sun Control and Shading Devices

Author(s)
Prowler Don,
Bourg Joseph
Organization(s)
Whole Building Design Guide
Publication Date
Article providing fundamental information and recommendations for shading windows for energy savings.

Sustainable Living Series

Author(s)
Office of Sustainability
Organization(s)
Washington University St. Louis
Publication Date
Presentation by the Washington University in St. Louis Office of Sustainability on saving energy.

Testing the Performance and Dynamic Control of Energy-Efficient Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes

Author(s)
Cort Katherine A,
McIntosh Joshua A,
Sullivan Greg P,
Ashley Travis A,
Metzger Cheryn E,
Fernandez Nicholas
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Efficiency Solutions
Publication Date
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.

The Importance of Windows in Hot Climates

Author(s)
Ueno Kohta
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor,
GBA
Publication Date
Article from Green Building Advisor on the importance of window selection in hot climates, with an emphasis on window glazing.

Tips for Weatherstripping Windows and Doors

Author(s)
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
Organization(s)
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
Publication Date
Article describing tips for effectively installing weatherstripping on windows and doors.

Weatherstripping

Author(s)
South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff
Organization(s)
South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff
Publication Date
Article describing an overview of weatherstripping requirements.

What Makes it Energy Star? Performance Criteria

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Information sheet outlining the criteria for ENERGY STAR qualified, windows, doors, and skylights.

Why Seal and Insulate?

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Introductory guide to air sealing the envelope of a home to reduce wasted energy and save on energy costs.

Wind Safety of the Building Envelope

Author(s)
Smith Tom
Organization(s)
Whole Building Design Guide,
WBDG
Publication Date
Article discussing structural and nonstructural building components and illustrates a variety of wind-induced damages, including wind-driven rain infiltration.

Window and Door Installation, FEMA Technical Fact Sheet No. 6.1

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing flashing detail concepts for window and door openings that provide adequate resistance to water intrusion in coastal environments, do not depend solely on sealants, are integral with secondary weather barriers (e.g., housewrap), and are adequately attached to the wall...

Window Attachments

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
DOE presentation describing a project to study window attachments.

Window Attachments: Call to Action

Author(s)
Attachments Energy Rating Council
Organization(s)
AERC
Publication Date
Fact sheet providing information on window attachments and their potential for improving energy efficiency.

Window Condensation in Historic Buildings that Have Been Adapted for New Uses

Author(s)
Brown William C
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada,
NRC
Publication Date
Research study describing an evaluation of selected windows undertaken by IRC researchers at Ottawa’s Laurier House (now being used as a museum) to determine their effectiveness in controlling condensation.

Window Orientation and Shading

Author(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center
Organization(s)
FSEC
Publication Date
Web article providing information on how to reduce solar gains through windows.

Window Selection Tool: New Construction Windows

Author(s)
Efficient Windows Collaborative,
National Fenestration Rating Council
Organization(s)
Efficient Windows Collaborative,
NFRC
Publication Date
The Window Selection Tool will take you through a series of design conditions pertaining to your design and location.

Window Shades Recalled by Carra Imports

Author(s)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Organization(s)
CPSC
Publication Date
Webpage documenting a recall of a window shade product.

Windows & Skylights Tax Credit

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Tax credit for ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights.

Windows, Doors, and Skylights Climate Zone Finder

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
ENERGY STAR website to find the best windows by selecting your state and county (or zip code in California) to find your climate zone and learn more about picking the best product for your area.