Library

Fact sheet providing an overview of the FEMA document Wind Retrofit Guide for Residential Buildings.

Article describing methods for venting a vented attic and a roof assembly over an unvented attic.

Energy Star web page providing guidance on attic ventilation.

Manual describing best practices or home construction in Alaska and northern climates.

A publication highlighting recommendations that contribute to improved overall performance in the structural shell and focus on good connection details to tie together exterior walls, roofs and floors.

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.

Technical article describing issues and moisture concerns related to weatherization efforts.

Article describing the building science implications of insulating vented or unvented attics.

Article describing the research into insulating vented versus unvented attics.

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.

Article describing the control layers (air, thermal, and vapor barriers) needed to build homes successfully in very cold locations.

Information sheet containing images and descriptions of cantilevers.

Carpet and Rug Institute website homepage.

Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.

Website discussing building foundation problems caused by settling soil in Colorado.

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

Document discussing moisture considerations and testing techniques for concrete floors.

Article describing the difference between conditioned or unvented attics and unconditioned or vented attics.

Article describing the use of whole-house fans to provide cooling in the region surrounding Sacramento, CA.

Website providing information about the Cool Roof Rating Council including programs, membership, and resources for the construction industry.

Article describing strategies for reducing the risk of ice dam formation on roofs in winter.

Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.

Report describing research testing results on roof truss to wall connections in light frame wood systems.

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

Journal article reporting on field experience of unvented cathedralized (UC) attics in several environments in the United States.

Link to all versions of ASCE/SEI 24, a standard describing the minimum requirements and expected performance for the siting and design and construction of buildings and structures in flood hazard areas that are subject to building code requirements.

The FPC Monitoring project has evaluated radiant barrier systems (RBS) as a new potential DSM program.

Document describing the emissions criteria for carpets, cushions, and adhesives to qualify as those with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions under the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Plus Indoor Air Quality Testing Program.

Report describing the use of fresh air ventilation systems to eliminate the formation of icicles and ice dams along the eaves of roofs.

Article describing the causes that form ice dams, as well as solutions for preventing future ice dams on roofs, focusing on air sealing to prevent hot air leakage.

Information sheet presenting the correct methods for building an insulated cathedral ceiling.

Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

Article from Montana State University Extension explaining how proper insulation techniques can greatly reduce the risks of ice dams on roofs in cold climate zones.

Guide discussing observations, recommendations, and technical guidance as a result of Hurricane Katrina

Article describing issues with condensation in unvented attics insulated with open-cell spray foam.

Article outlining the casuses and solutions for ice dam problems.

Article describing the effect metal roofs have on thermal performance in hot-humid climates.

Article discussing the downside to recessed can lights.

PDF literature review of the impact and need for attic ventilation in Florida homes.

Fact sheet defining “lowest floor,” identifying common construction practices that are violations of NFIP regulations, and discussing benefits of exceeding the NFIP minimum building elevation requirements; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact...

Project discussing buried or encapsulated ducts and their pros and cons.

Report covering the selection of roof vents for rainwater resistance.

FEMA report describing findings from an investigation of Hurricane Ike in Texas and Louisiana and residential construction recommendations based on those findings.

FEMA Mitigation Assessment Team Report describing damages from Hurricane Michael in Florida in Oct. 2018 and recommendations for future hurricane preparedness.

Conference paper making the case that moving ducts to conditioned space saves energy, is practical for production builders (when accompanied by careful pre-planning), and creates significant andmarketable energy savings for homebuyers.

Glossary of terms used by the National Flood Insurance Program

Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Article outlining moisture accumulation in open cell spray polyurethane foam.

Article describing how ice dams form on residential roofs, how they damage homes, and solutions to prevent future dams.