Library | Building America Solution Center

Showing 1 - 50 of 198 results:

2009 International Plumbing Code - IPC

2018

International Code Council

ICC

2009 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2010 Wind Retrofit Guide for Residential Buildings, FEMA P-804

2019

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA

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

2012 International Plumbing Code - IPC

2018

International Code Council

ICC

2012 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2015 International Plumbing Code - IPC

2021

International Code Council

ICC

2015 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2015 Uniform Plumbing Code - UPC

2015

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials

IAPMO

Code set from IAPMO explaining plumbing standards. 2015 publication.

2018 International Plumbing Code - IPC

2021

International Code Council

ICC

2018 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for plumbing facilities, including fixtures, water heaters, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, etc.

2018 Uniform Plumbing Code - UPC

2018

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials

IAPMO

Code set from IAPMO explaining plumbing standards. 2018 publication.

A Crash Course in Roof Venting, PA-1101

2011

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

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

About Attic Ventilation

2022

ENERGY STAR

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

EPA,

ENERGY STAR

Energy Star web page providing guidance on attic ventilation.

Acceptance Criteria for Waterproof Membranes for Flooring and Shower Lining, AC115

2016

International Code Council

ICC

Acceptance criteria providing guidelines for demonstrating compliance with codes referenced in the criteria related to barriers to water migration in thin-set installations of ceramic tile and stone flooring and shower sub-pan linings.

Air Infiltration in Coastal Regions - The Paston Effect

2014

Bailey Ronald B,

Swanson Hollace J

BEC

Case study about high humidity, mold and condensation on surfaces in S. Florida, and how building characteristics cause and amplify these problems.

Alaska Residential Building Manual, 7th Edition

2008

Deer Charlie,

et al.

University of Alaska,

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation

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

Alliance for Water Efficiency

2020

Alliance for Water Efficiency

AWE

Alliance for Water Efficiency website homepage.

Attic Air Sealing Guide and Details, GM-1001

2010

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

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.

Attics, Topic 4.01

2020

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

NREL

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

Avoiding Moisture Problems

2003

Van der Meer Bill

National Association for State Community Services Programs,

NASCSP,

Weatherization Training Center at Penn College,

Pennsylvania College of Technology,

PCT

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

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part I

2018

Yost Peter

Journal of Light Construction,

JLC

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

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part II

2018

Yost Peter

Journal of Light Construction,

JLC

Article describing the research into insulating vented versus unvented attics.

Backerboards - Winners against Water

2010

Yost Peter

Green Building Advisor,

GBA

Article describing different kinds of water-resistant backer boards.

Basement Insulation Technology Fact Sheet

2002

Southface Energy Institute

SEI,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Fact sheet describing basement insulation considerations.

Basement Insulation, Info 511

2009

Building Science Corporation

BSC

Information sheet describing techniques for insulating basements.

Boiler Inspections for Safety, Life and Efficiency

2008

Kleva Stephen

Contractor Magazine

Article explaining the importance of regular inspections of boiler systems in maintaining their safety, lifespan, and efficiency.

Build A Better Home: Moisture-Resistant Roof Construction

2017

APA - The Engineered Wood Association

American Plywood Association,

APA

Report providing water management details for roof assemblies.

Builder's Guide to Hot-Humid Climates

2005

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

The Builder's Guide provides the building industry with the latest and best practical information on how to apply building science principles to structures as systems in hot-humid climate regions.

Building America Top Innovations 2013: Attic Air Sealing Guidelines

2013

U.S. Department of Energy

DOE

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.

Building in Extreme Cold, BSI-031

2010

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

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

Building Science Introduction

2011

ENERGY STAR

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

EPA,

ENERGY STAR

Document outlining building science principles about air flow, heat flow and moisture flow in homes.

Bulk Water Control Methods for Foundations, BA-1015

2011

Lstiburek Joseph W,

Ueno Kohta

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Report about the fundamental concepts that must be understood at the planning or initial nspection of existing homes regarding surface and ground water management.

Capillarity - Small Sacrifices, BSI-011

2014

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.

Capillarity Sucks, BSI-123

2021

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Article describing the principle of capillarity in construction materials.

Ceilings and Attics

2000

Southface Energy Institute,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

ORNL,

SEI

Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.

Coastal Construction Manual - Principles and Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, Fourth edition, Volume I, FEMA P-55

2011

Coulbourne William,

et al.

Federal Emergency Management Agency,

FEMA,

Applied Technology Council,

ATC,

URS Group,

DK Low and Associates,

Atkins,

TLSmith Consulting

Volume 1 of a two-volume report providing a comprehensive approach to planning, siting, and risk management for homes constructed in coastal environments.

Coastal Construction Manual - Principles and Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, Fourth Edition, Volume II, FEMA P-55

2011

Coulbourne William,

et al.

Federal Emergency Management Agency,

FEMA,

Applied Technology Council,

ATC,

URS Group,

DK Low and Associates,

Atkins,

TLSmith Consulting

Volume II of a two-volume report providing a comprehensive approach to design, construction, and renovation of homes located in coastal environments.

Concrete Floor Problems, BSI-003

2008

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

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

Concrete Floors and Moisture, 2nd Edition

2008

Kanare Howard M

Portland Cement Association

Document discussing moisture considerations and testing techniques for concrete floors.

Condensation Between Panes of Double Windows

1960

Wilson Alex

National Research Council Canada,

NRCC

Document about condensation between the panes, on the inside surface of the outer glass of double pane windows.

Cool Hand Luke Meets Attics, BSI-077

2015

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

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

Cool Solutions: The Whole House Fan

2018

Mott-Smith John

City of Davis,

State of California

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

Cost Analysis of Roof-Only Air Sealing and Insulation Strategies on 1-1/2 Story Homes in Cold Climates, Minneapolis, MN

2014

University of Minnesota,

NorthernSTAR

NSTAR,

UMN

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.

Criteria for Moisture-Control Design Analysis in Buildings, ANSI/ASHRAE 160-2021

2021

American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers,

American National Standards Institute

ASHRAE,

ANSI

Standard describing prediction, mitigation, and reduction of moisture damage to the building envelope, materials, components, systems, and furnishings, depending on climate, construction type, and HVAC system operation; the webstore allows preview or full purchase.

CRRC - Cool Roof Rating Council

2023

Cool Roof Rating Council

CRRC

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

Dam Ice Dam, BSI-046

2011

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

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

De-Icing Ice Dams, BSI-097

2018

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

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.

Decay of Wood

1969

Baker Maurice C

National Research Council Canada,

NRC

Article describing the causes of wood decay and moisture issues.

Designing and Building Resilient Wall Systems with Engineered Rainscreen Products.

2016

Lolley Keith,

Dalgleish Laverne

Building Enclosure Moisture Management Institute

Conference paper describing the use of engineered rainscreen products to provide air flow and water drainage space in wall assemblies in residential and commercial buildings.

Disconnect or Redirect Your Downspout Brochure

2020

Mid-America Regional Council

MARC

A guide on the use of rain barrels for greater water efficiency and use in gardens and lawns.

Don’t Try Building Hugel Swales

2015

Spirko Jack

Permaculture Research Institute

Article describing the difference between swales and hugels (berms used to create soil from woody debris).

Drain the Rain…On the Plane…the Drainage Plane, BSI–112

2019

Lstiburek Joseph W

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Report covering the rainwater performance of building assemblies.

Drainage Plane/Water Resistive Barrier, Info-301

2009

Building Science Corporation

BSC

Brochure describing drainage planes, also referred to as water resistive barriers.

Drip Irrigation: The Basics

2016

Schuch Ursula

University of Arizona,

College of Agricultural & Life Sciences,

The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

Fact sheet describing drip irrigation for landscaping.