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Library

This library contains research reports produced by the Building America program and other building science resources used to support this Solution Center. The materials cover both new construction and existing homes. Use the search box and/or the filters to explore hundreds of residential building resources. Access to some references not produced by Building America may require purchase from the publisher. Documents are listed alphabetically. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

Showing results 1 - 30 of 30

2003 International Wildland Urban Interface Code - IWUIC

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2003 edition of the code establishing regulations to safeguard life and property from the intrusion of wildland fire and to prevent structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels; regulates defensible space and provides ignition-resistant construction requirements to protect against fire exposure...

Improving Recessed Lighting

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Report providing information about techniques and approaches to improve the efficiency of recessed lighting.

OSHA Fact Sheet: Using Portable Generators Safely

Author(s)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Organization(s)
OSHA
Publication Date
A fact sheet educating the public on the potential hazards and safe use of portable generators.

Third Street

Author(s)
Gifford Henry
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Article describing how an affordable multifamily building achieved energy savings for the same cost as code-minimum construction.

Review of Residential Ventilation Technologies

Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Sherman Max H,
Russell Marion
Organization(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Document reviewing current and potential ventilation technologies for residential buildings with particular emphasis on North American climates and construction.

Radiant Barriers: A Question and Answer Primer

Author(s)
Melody Ingrid,
Fairey Philip W,
Beal David
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Website with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about attic radiant barriers.

Impact Resistance of Brick Veneer Structures to Hurricane Debris

Author(s)
Bennett Richard M,
Borchelt Gregg J,
Bryja Jim,
Kjorlien Bill
Organization(s)
Canada Masonry Design Centre,
CMDC
Publication Date
An impact test report from projectile missile tests against brick veneer, verifying that brick veneers perform well to resisting hurricane force wind driven debris.

Affordable Passive Solar Planbook for North Carolina

Author(s)
Appalachian State University
Organization(s)
AEC,
App State
Publication Date
Study from Appalachian State University on passive solar design to take advantage of local climate zones for energy conservation.

READ THIS: Before You Design, Build or Renovate, GM-0602

Author(s)
Brennan Terry,
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Document with important building science considerations, designed for members of the residential construction and remodeling industries, as well as owners and managers who work in affordable housing.

Hathaway "Solar Patriot" House: A Case Study in Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Author(s)
Norton Paul,
Hancock Ed,
Barker Greg M,
Reeves Paul
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Mountain Energy Partnership,
Partnership for Resource Conservation
Publication Date
Report detailing the monitored and modeled performance of a solar home outside of Washington DC.

The Facts about Clothes Dryer Exhaust Systems

Author(s)
Cranor John
Organization(s)
American Society of Home Inspectors,
ASHI
Publication Date
Article outlining the importance of keeping dryer exhaust ducts clean.

Hot Water Runs Cold

Author(s)
Hoeschele Marc
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Article describing the factors that can lead to inefficient hot water distribution systems in homes.

Residential Dehumidification Systems Research for Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W,
Rudd Armin,
Eng P,
Ueno Kohta
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Research study identifying the best performing, most energy-efficient and cost- effective techniques to provide controlled mechanical ventilation and humidity control in hot- humid climates with thermally efficient building envelopes.

Closed Crawlspaces Do Double Duty

Author(s)
Dastur Cyrus,
Davis Bruce
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Article describing how closed crawlspaces can do "double duty" by controlling moisture and providing energy savings.

Decks - Fire Safe or Not?

Author(s)
Stephen L. Quarles
Organization(s)
University of California
Publication Date
Article from Stephen L. Quarles on fire resistant decking design and materials recommendations.

Builder's Guide to Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
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.

Choosing Between Oriented Strandboard and Plywood

Author(s)
Fisette Paul
Organization(s)
University of Massachusetts,
UMASS
Publication Date
Information sheet discussing how OSB will define the future of the structural sheathing market. OSB will define the future of the structural sheathing market. - See more at: http://bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/by-title/choosing-between-oriented-strandboard-and-plywood/#sthash.RilEtDpl.dpuf

Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing

Author(s)
National Environmental Balancing Bureau
Organization(s)
NEBB
Publication Date
Webpage describing the standards, seminars, exams, etc regarding testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB).