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.
Information sheet about insulating slabs.
Information sheet about air sealing.
Document describing a hygrothermal modeling study, including all of the US climate zones, a range of interior humidity levels and numerous arrangements and types of insulation.
Report explaining moisture-related concerns for high R-value wall assemblies and discusses past Building America research work that informs this study.
Report describing the work conducted for high performance hybrid assemblies.
Document providing information and guidance about rehabilitating, retrofitting, and replacing wood window assemblies in residential construction.
Document providing information and guidance about rehabilitating, retrofitting, and replacing wood window assemblies in residential construction.
Report describing the use of mineral fiber insulating sheathing in a high performance enclosure retrofit package.
Report summarizing the importance of properly insulating and air sealing masonry walls, providing step by step instructions and approaches.
Report describing wall assemblies that use layers of rigid exterior insulation thicker than 1-½ inch and require a secondary cladding attachment location exterior to the insulation.
Report that provides information and specifications to anyone that is attempting to air seal existing attics.
Report describing a deep energy enclosure retrofit solution for insulating mass masonry buildings from the interior.
Report on two approaches to retrofitting existing double-stud walls.
This Measure Guideline provides design and construction information for a deep energy enclosure retrofit solution of a flat roof assembly.
Report with guidance for installing windows with foam sheathing on wood-frame walls.
Brochure with information on installing cavity insulation.
Brochure with information on installing cavity insulation.
Research study to determine the impact resistance performance of advanced framed wall systems with insulating sheathing as the primary sheathing from wind blown debris.
Guide provides information about enhanced thermal enclosures and performance.
Expert Meeting about interior insulation retrofit of mass masonry wall assemblies held on July 30, 2011.
Report about an expert meeting focused on issues surrounding cladding attachment and performance of walls with exterior insulating sheathing.
Information sheet about air sealing.
Information sheet about crawlspace insulation, including installation details.
Brochure explaining the essential basis for advanced framing and some of the more common advanced framing details.
Report on the stability of furring strips as a means for cladding attachment over walls with thick exterior rigid insulation.
Report considers a number of promising wall systems that can meet the requirement for better thermal control.
This report will review, and summarize the current state of understanding and research into enclosures with higher thermal resistance, so-called “High-R Enclosures.” Recommendations are provided for further research.
Research study describing a number of promising foundation and basement insulation strategies that can meet the requirement for better thermal control in colder climates while enhancing moisture control, health, and comfort.
Report covering moisture and leakage issues associated with spray foam insulation application to the underside of roof sheathing.
Report on adding insulation to load-bearing mass masonry buildings.
Brochure about air sealing windows.
Brochure about creating an air barrier at tub, shower and fireplace walls.
Brochure about creating an air barrier by sealing drywall assemblies.