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.

Report describing the results of a field study of five different ventilation system types in 29 homes in the Pacific Northwest.

Energy Star web page providing guidance on attic ventilation.

Technical report describing the SPS (Structural Panel System), an innovative implementation of the "perfect wall" concept, situating environmental control layers on the exterior side of structural components for improved constructability, cost-effectiveness, and performance, validated through the...

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

Standard covering updates to the expected leakage rates for ductwork constructed to the SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards—Metal & Flexible, duct leakage test procedures; includes recommendations on use of leakage testing, types of test apparatus, and test setup and sample leakage analysis.

Standard establishing test methods for determining air leakage in duct systems using fan pressurization in low-rise residential and commercial 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.

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.

California Office of the State Fire Marshal's homepage for the Building Materials Listing Program, providing builders, contractors, architects, and others with access to a database of fire alarm systems and fire-resistant construction materials including roof coverings, wall, ceiling, and floor...

California Office of the State Fire Marshal's compiled and searchable list of different building materials and their test results for fire resistance.

Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.

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 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.

The objective of this research was to quantify the field performance of wood-frame walls clad with a variety of common claddings in a mixed-humid climate.

Presentation about results from an insulating concrete form energy efficiency study in Knoxville, TN.

Research study simulation adapting and applies the general framework described in Building Energy Simulation Test for Existing Homes for self-testing residential building energy model calibration methods.

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.

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

Website with prepopulated information about the United States renewable resources.

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

Report describing a laboratory assessment that provides insights into space requirements and venting strategies for heat pump water heaters (HPWH) to enhance retrofit installations and provide actionable guidance for manufacturers, designers, engineers, installers, and owners.

Report discussing the potential energy savings of new high-efficiency downlights, and the results of product testing to date.

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.

Report sumarizing results of an ICF investigation of side-by-side houses in Knoxville, Tennessee.

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

Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

Website blog with guidance about calculating heat-loss.

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

Correcting pressure imbalances in your HVAC system can result in a healthier, more efficient home.

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.

Report describing the results of a 21-home field study investigating the effectiveness and failure rates of whole-house mechanical ventilation systems installed in Florida homes over the last 15 years.

Article discussing the downside to recessed can lights.

Report describing research conducted to support California’s Title 24, Part 6 Building Energy Efficiency Standards by analyzing the impact of installation location and ventilation on heat pump water heater (HPWH) performance, emphasizing the need for proper installation to maximize efficiency...