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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 - 17 of 17

Selecting Caulk

Author(s)
Robinson Bill
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Article describing various types of caulks and sealants, their formulas and best uses.

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part II

Author(s)
Yost Peter
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Article describing the research into insulating vented versus unvented attics.

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part I

Author(s)
Yost Peter
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Article describing the building science implications of insulating vented or unvented attics.

Air Sealing That Works

Author(s)
Bruton Jack,
Baczek Steven
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Article describing how an airtight home shell helps achieve a tight envelope that is energy efficient and cost effective.

How to Destroy a Wall in Two Easy Steps

Author(s)
Parlee Mark
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Article describing how omission of two small but critical wall details, a kick-out flashing and a weep screed, lead to extensive water damage to a wall.

A Thermally Broken Steel Connection

Author(s)
West Chris
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Article describing methods for thermally isolating a garage in a Passive House-certified multifamily building.

Roof Venting in a Wet Climate

Author(s)
Fisette Paul
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Q&A article discussing how to address moisture issues in an attic in a wet and humid coastal climate.

Using Adhesives to Beef Up Houses

Author(s)
Cushman Ted
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Article describing how adhesives can be used to make homes in high-wind locations stronger and how adhesives could be too effective resulting in overloading foundation anchors under earthquake loads.

Gable-End Retrofits

Author(s)
Reynolds Richard
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
A builder's guide describing hurricane-resistant reinforcements for gable ends.

Decks in the Line of Fire

Author(s)
Bolton Bill
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Article describing codes and test methods related to fire-resistant construction of decks.

Stucco that Works

Author(s)
DeKorne Clayton
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Information sheet describing correct application of stucco.

Weep Holes in Brick and Stone Veneer

Author(s)
Don Jackson
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
An article written by Don Jackson of The Journal of Light Construction on how to detail brick veneer siding wall.