Library | Building America Solution Center

Showing 51 - 100 of 147 results:

FEMA Continuous Load Path

2023

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA

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

Field Assessment of Energy Audit Tools for Retrofit Programs

2013

Bohac Dave,

et al.

NorthernSTAR,

University of Minnesota,

UMN

Report describing a project focused on the use of home energy ratings as a tool to promote energy retrofits in existing homes.

Field Evaluation of Four Novel Roof Designs for Energy-Efficient Manufactured Homes

2015

Dentz Jordan,

et al.

Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions,

ARIES

Report of a field evaluation of four novel roof designs to see how each design would reduce space-conditioned energy use so that the knowledge gained could be applied to the design of new manufactured homes.

Field Performance of Unvented Cathedralized (UC) Attics in the USA, PA-0502

2005

Rudd Armin

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

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

Field Testing Unvented Roofs with Asphalt Shingles in Cold and Hot-Humid Climates

2015

Ueno Kohta,

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report to understand the long-term moisture performance of unvented roof assemblies with fibrous insulation.

Fort Benning Indianhead Townhome Renovations

2012

Stephenson R,

et al.

NAHB Research Center,

Home Innovation Research Labs,

HIRL,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

Southface Energy Institute,

SEI

Report outlining the energy upgrade package implemented in Ft. Benning, GA, Indianhead Townhomes project and the findings of the Southface Energy Institute's post-renovation analysis.

FPC Residential Monitoring Project: New Technology Development - Radiant Barrier Pilot Project

2015

Parker Danny S

Florida Solar Energy Center,

FSEC

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

Greenbelt Homes Pilot Energy Efficiency Programs Phase 1 Summary: Existing Conditions and Baseline Energy Use

2013

Wiehagen Joseph,

Del Bianco Marie,

Wood Amber

NAHB Research Center,

Home Innovation Research Labs,

HIRL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report detailing field walk-through evaluations, energy simulations for projected savings with exterior insulation upgrades, building envelope energy improvement cost estimates, and installation and maintenance of monitoring equipment and data.

Guidelines for Ventilating Attics and Cathedral Ceilings to Avoid Icings at Their Eaves

2001

Tobiasson Wayne N,

Buska James S,

Greatorex Alan R

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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

Healthy and Affordable Housing: Practical Recommendations for Building, Renovating and Maintaining Housing

2001

Brennan Terry,

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Document providing guidance about building healthy homes using building science principles.

Home Energy Displays: Consumer Adoption and Response

2012

LaMarche Janelle,

et al.

Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems,

Fraunhofer CSE,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Research study investigating the factors influencing consumer adoption of HEDs and evaluating the resulting electricity consumption.

Home Energy Guide - Techniques, Tactics, and Tips: Ice Dams

2003

Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information Center

Minnesota Department of Commerce

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.

How to Build an Insulated Cathedral Ceiling

2011

Holladay Martin

Green Building Advisor

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

How to Install Cellulose Insulation

2011

Holladay Martin

Green Building Advisor,

GBA

Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

How to Prevent Roof Damage from Winter Ice Buildup

2019

Dorsi Chris

Montana State University Extension,

MSU Extension

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.

Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast: Mitigation Assessment Team Report, Building Performance Observations Recommendations and Technical Guidance, FEMA 549

2006

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA

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

Hybrid Assemblies, BSI-100

2017

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

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

IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings under Construction

2008

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association

SMACNA

Book providing project management guidance in maintaining satisfactory indoor air quality (IAQ) of occupied buildings undergoing renovation or construction.

Ice Dams, BSD-135

2006

Straube John

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Article outlining the casuses and solutions for ice dam problems.

Impact of installation faults in air conditioners and heat pumps in single-family homes on U.S. energy usage

2020

Jon Winkler,

et al.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Journal article detailing laboratory and simulation studies quantifying the impact that heat pump and air conditioner installation faults have on system capacity and efficiency.

Improving Attic Thermal Performance

2004

Parker Danny S

Home Energy Magazine

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

Increasing the Durability of Building Constructions, BSD-144

2006

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSD

Report discussing the importance of durability and energy efficiency in building construction.

Installation of Cavity Insulation, Info-501

2009

Building Science Corporation

BSC

Article explaining installing cavity insulation.

Investigating Solutions to Wind Washing Issues in 2-Story Florida Homes; Phase 1

2009

Cummings James B,

Withers Charles R,

LaHiff Ian L

Florida Solar Energy Center,

FSEC

Research study describing field testing performed in 32 two-story Florida homes to characterize wind washing failures of the house air and thermal boundary.

Kick the Can! No Recessed Lights in the Building Envelope

2011

Bailes Allison

Energy Vanguard

Article discussing the downside to recessed can lights.

Literature Review of the Impact and Need for Attic Ventilation in Florida Homes

2005

Parker Danny S

Florida Solar Energy Center,

FSEC

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

Low-Cost Evaluation of Energy Savings at the Community Scale, Fresno California

2012

Burdick Arlan,

Rapport Ari,

Poerschke Andrew

Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,

IBACOS,

Wathen Castanos Hybrid Homes,

WCHH,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report using a field test plan to evaluate the success of implementing energy efficiency upgrades at the community scale incorporating whole-house systems integrated measures package (SIMP).

Measure Guideline: Air Sealing Attics in Multifamily Buildings

2012

Maxwell Sean,

Otis Casey

Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,

CARB,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

Steven Winter Associates,

SWA

Guideline describing the importance of the different types of multifamily building attics and their unique challenges, and outlines strategies and materials used in air-sealing them.

Measure Guideline: Buried and/or Encapsulated Ducts

2013

Mantha Pallavi,

Zoeller William,

Shapiro Carl

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

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

Measure Guideline: Guide to Attic Air Sealing

2014

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation

Guideline describing information and specifications relevant to air-seal existing attics.

Method for Determining Optimal Residential Energy Efficiency Packages

2011

Polly Benjamin,

et al.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Report describing an analysis method for determining optimal residential energy efficiency retrofit packages and applies the analysis method to a 1960s-era home in eight U.S. cities.

Miami-Dade County – Checklist #0155 for the Approval of Roof Ventilators, Turbines, and Ridge Vents

2012

Miami-Dade County

Report covering the selection of roof vents for rainwater resistance.

Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Hurricane Ike in Texas and Louisiana, FEMA P-757

2009

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA

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

Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Hurricane Michael in Florida: Building Performance Observations Recommendations and Technical Guidance, FEMA P-2077

2020

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA

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

Moisture Performance of Unvented Attics with Vapor Diffusion Ports and Buried Ducts in Hot, Humid Climates

2024

Kaufman Zoe,

et al.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report on the use of vapor diffusion ports to reduce moisture issues with buried ductwork in unvented attics in hot-humid climates.

Moving Ducts Inside: Big Builders, Scientists Find Common Ground

2008

Lubliner Michael,

et al.

WSU Extension Energy Program,

Washington State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development

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.

Multi-Year Advanced Residential Building Systems Research - Revisions to Quality Management Products

2008

Home Innovation Research Labs

HIRL

Report discussing development of scopes of work and quality management for builders in mixed-humid climates.

National Residential Efficiency Measures Database Aimed at Reducing Risk for Residential Retrofit Industry

2012

Roberts David

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Information sheet about the National Residential Efficiency Measures Database, a public database that characterizes the performance and costs of common residential energy efficiency measures.

Needs of Non Energy-Focused Contractors

2012

Liaukus Christine

Building America Retrofit Alliance,

BARA,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report investigating what motivates remodelers to become energy-focused and what technical knowledge that need to be energy-focused.

No Sweat, BSI-094

2016

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Opportunities for Energy Conservation and Improved Comfort From Wind Washing Retrofits in Two-Story Homes - Part I

2010

Withers Charles R,

Cummings James B

Florida Solar Energy Center,

FSEC

Report highlighting the evaluation methods used and extent of wind washing found in a study analyzing wind washing in thirty-two two-story homes.

Pilot Evaluation of Energy Savings from Residential Energy Demand Feedback Devices

2008

Parker Danny S,

Hoak David,

Cummings Jamie E

Florida Solar Energy Center,

FSEC

Report briefly reviewing past research on the effects of occupant behavior on residential energy use and then covering a two year pilot evaluation of a low cost residential energy feedback system installed in twenty case study homes in Florida.

Ping Pong Water and The Chemical Engineer, BSI-016

2016

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Article outlining moisture accumulation in open cell spray polyurethane foam.

Practices and Processes of Leading High Performance Home Builders in the Upper Midwest

2012

VonThoma Ed,

Ojczyk Cindy

NorthernSTAR,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

University of Minnesota,

UMN

Research study identifying best practices of three successful high performance, custom home builders in the upper Midwest.

Preventing Ice Dams

2011

Fisette Paul

UMass Amherst Department of Environmental Conservation

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

Protect Your Family from Asbestos - Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation

2015

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

This page provides important information on how to protect yourself and your family if you suspect that you might have vermiculite insulation from Libby, Montana.

Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos

2024

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

Website from the EPA containing information for homeowners and renters about how to identify asbestos in the home and how to deal with it to reduce exposure to it.

Quality Assurance Roadmap for High Performance Residential Buildings, GM-0801

2008

Lstiburek Joseph W,

Pettit Betsy,

Eng P

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Document outlining the approach to quality assurance in the construction process as recommended by Building Science Corporation for new residential construction.

Quality Assurance Strategy for Existing Homes: Final Quality Management Primer for High Performing Homes

2012

Taggart Jim,

Sikora Jeannie,

Wood Amber

NAHB Research Center,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Report designed to help a builder understand quality management and its role in transitioning from conventional to HPH building and remodeling.

Quality Install Tool

2024

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

PNNL

Webpage describing the Quality Install Tool, an open-source web app designed to simplify, standardize, and expedite the creation of high-quality installation documentation for HVAC installations and efficiency upgrades.