Library

Report describing approaches to using less wood in home building that minimize waste.

Fact sheet describing advanced wall framing.

Article describing recessed lighting, which if installed incorrectly may contribute to air leakage and compromise building envelope efficiency.

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

Report describing approaches to insulating basements in homes built to meet Energy Star levels of performance of heat loss reduction.

Fact sheet describing basement insulation considerations.

Information sheet containing images and descriptions of cantilevers.

Source for information about Carbon Monoxide including health effects and measures to reduce exposure.

Case study characterizing the framing factors for the exterior walls, ceilings, and floors of 180 wood-framed low-rise residential buildings across the United States.

Study investigating measured cooling energy performance in side-by-side identical homes with varying roof types, including cool roof technologies.

Study reporting the results of comparative testing of the effect of finished and unfinished metal roofing systems on cooling energy performance in a test facility.

This study focuses on the design, construction, and performance of the interior chase approach as implemented by five different builders in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.

Article from NAHB research center describing home building techniques for homes in hot climate zones.

Study reporting the results of comparative testing of the effect of various roof types on cooling energy performance in a test facility.

Provides consumers with general information on solar water heating systems and how to select a contractor.

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.

Article describing how to use radiator inlet orifices optimize two-pipe steam heating systems.

Guide describing the use of a collaborative, multidisciplinary process that considers and optimizes the building as an entire system including its technical equipment and surroundings for efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective construction and operation over the building’s entire lifespan.

Report describing ways to retrofit a home to make it more hurricane resistant.

A publication describing how to protect coastal investments by adapting to natural processes and protecting coastal environments and shorelines.

Article discussing moisture control in buildings as well as building design and construction strategies for keeping buildings dry and allowing buildings to dry out if they do get wet.

Report aiming to "de-mystify" technology and economic considerations of residential PV systems.

Report seeking to teach building contractors and building inspectors the correct methods for doing typical seismic retrofits that have been designed by an engineer or architect or described in a prescriptive standard.

High-density sidewall cavity insulation can be a major comfort and savings boost. It saves energy by slowing both conductive and convective losses, but only if the right things are done and done right. This always requires site-specific thinking.

Document summarizing the various papers on unvented conditioned cathedralized attics found on BSC's website.

Report describing the use of attic ventilation to control moisture in cathedral roofs and avoid the formation of ice dams.

Report describing a field study of 31 homes to test envelope and duct leakage and fan flowrates, and to determine ventilation operation characteristics.

Document outlining a well-detailed drainage plane and flashings.

Paper describing wind influences on air infiltration related energy losses for residential housing and the shielding effects of fences, adjacent structures, and vegetation.

Report detailing passive design strategies used at the Zion National Park Visitor Center, including evaporative cool towers.