Library

Guide for homeowners describing how to find and seal basement and attic air leaks, determine if attic insulation is adequate, make improvements safely, and reduce energy bills.

Report describing testing and analysis on deep energy retrofits of existing single-family homes in the U.S.

Report describing how changing the air exchange rate of a home (the sum of the infiltration and mechanical ventilation airflow rates) affects the annual thermal conditioning energy.

Standard providing information about self-adhered sheet air barriers located in the non-accessible part of the wall and materials to bridge and seal air leakage pathways and gaps.

Vinyl siding estimating and installation guide for vinyl siding products.

Report providing guidance on wet floodproofing crawlspaces, unfinished basements, and garages.

A website explaining the process of sealing a home with Aeroseal & how the technology is used to seal holes in the air ducts and vents of the home.

Technical report describing the research behind a new aerosol-based sealing method, utilizing pressurization and a dispersed sealant fog, facilitated by a standard blower door, to automatically measure, locate, and seal air leaks in new homes in the United States, providing an efficient solution to...

Article describing recessed lighting, which if installed incorrectly may contribute to air leakage and compromise building envelope efficiency.

Brochure describing the benefits of air-sealing for homeowners.

Fact sheet describing air-sealing concerns and remedies, including HRV/ERV installation, caulking, spray foam, and weatherstrip installation.

Article describing how an airtight home shell helps achieve a tight envelope that is energy efficient and cost effective.

Article describing how to stop air leaks around the windows and doors of a home.

Website article interviewing the inventor of the Larsen truss, a history of its use, and a discussion of its advantages and disadvantages.

Article describing air sealing and air barriers in buildings.

Document providing background and approach for the prep work necessary prior to adding attic insulation - focusing on combustion safety, ventilation for indoor air quality, and attic ventilation for durability.

NREL webpage of standard work specification of exterior and interior, attic floors, attic knee walls, and unique installations.

Report describing approaches to insulating basements in homes built to meet Energy Star levels of performance of heat loss reduction.

Fact sheet describing basement insulation considerations.

Information sheet describing techniques for insulating basements.

YouTube channel featuring 90+ videos to educate Bay Area homeowners and contractors about seismic retrofitting, including information for various home and construction types.

A book about structurally insulated panels.

Report comparing a variety of roof insulating strategies to present their advantages and disadvantages according to several comparison criteria.

Fact sheet describing research sponsored by DOE's Building America program to research the importance of attic air-sealing and best practice attic air-sealing techniques for new and existing homes.

Factsheet describing how caulking is used, how to select the appropriate caulking, and how to apply caulking.

Report recording the results of a field study conducted in a single historic home in Seattle, Washington, to document the performance of Indow Windows' interior storm window inserts.

Document providing guidance about choosing the correct caulk for a project.

Information guide describing issues with concrete floors, in multiple climate zones.

Report outlining how conditioned crawlspaces perform better than vented crawlspaces in terms of safety, health, comfort, durability and energy consumption.

This case study describes costs associated with the External Thermal and Moisture Management System developed by the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership for retrofitting roofs with rigid foam over the roof deck, especially on one and a half-story homes.

Report covering exterior energy retrofits of masonry buildings.

Webpage providing a step-by-step guide for replacing the exterior caulking on your home.

Information sheet with HVAC duct insulation, testing, maintenance and performance information.

Report on how airtighness changes as houses age.

Technical report describing design and construction methodologies for durable balconies and decks, focusing on proper sloping, flashing, drainage, and ventilation to mitigate moisture-related issues.

Website describing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR New Homes and Apartments program with links to builder and homeowner resources.

Fact sheet describing weatherstripping materials, types, expected life expectancy, installation requirements, and pros and cons.

Online textbook describing energy, including energy types, and energy use in homes.

Article explaining what a continuous load path is and the key connection points that make it up.

Report comparing a high-performance house with a code-built control home.

Report presenting the results from several demonstrations of a new method for sealing building envelop air leaks.

Article describing five fundamental changes to building construction from the last 50 years and their modern construction consequences.

Journal article describing energy and cost savings potential from air sealing multifamily town homes.

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

Journal article describing lessons learned from updating a 16-year-old deep-energy retrofit.

Website providing resources for roofers to construct high-wind, hurricane, and hail-resistant roofs from IBHS Fortified program.

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.

A guideline containing fire sprinkler insulation requirements from the Prescott, Arizona Fire Department.

Article describing what the building codes say about frost-protected shallow foundations as a cost-saving alternative to conventional concrete foundations.

Guides describing frost-protected shallow foundations as an alternative method for building an energy-efficient foundation for a house in a cold climate that uses less concrete and saves on labor.