Library

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...

Study from Appalachian State University on passive solar design to take advantage of local climate zones for energy conservation.

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

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.

Document providing a resource to help builders large and small build high-quality, energy-efficient homes that achieve 30% energy savings in space conditioning and water heating in the cold and very cold climates.

Document providing a resource to help builders large and small build high-quality, energy-efficient homes that achieve 30% energy savings in space conditioning and water heating in the hot-dry and mixed-dry climates.

Document providing a resource to help builders large and small build high-quality, energy-efficient homes that achieve 30% energy savings in space conditioning and water heating in the mixed-humid climate.

Document testing feasibility of constructing a new single-family home engineered to reduce the home's energy loads to an absolute minimum so that most needs could be met by solar systems.

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.

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

Guide about designing and installing closed crawlspaces in the Southeast.

Article describing how closed crawlspaces can do "double duty" by controlling moisture and providing energy savings.

Article from Stephen L. Quarles on fire resistant decking design and materials recommendations.

Simple web-based tool allowing homeowners to calculate the potential savings from installing a cool roof.

FEMA guide containing recommendations on how to implement cost-effective measures that can help to reduce the potential hazards associated with earthquakes.

A report describing six mechanical ventilation strategies that were evaluated for their ability to control indoor humidity levels over 14-day periods with simulated occupancy.

Journal article reporting on field experience of unvented cathedralized (UC) attics in several environments in the United States.

Report detailing the monitored and modeled performance of a solar home outside of Washington DC.

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

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.

Article describing the factors that can lead to inefficient hot water distribution systems in homes.

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.

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

Report outlining results from a 2005 hygrothermal pilot study in the South.

An impact test report from projectile missile tests against brick veneer, verifying that brick veneers perform well to resisting hurricane force wind driven debris.

Report providing information about techniques and approaches to improve the efficiency of recessed lighting.

Report with guidance for installing windows with foam sheathing on wood-frame walls.

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.

PDF literature review of the impact and need for attic ventilation in Florida homes.

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

FEMA mitigation assessment team report following Hurricane Charley in Florida including observations, recommendations, and technical guidance for retrofitting hurricane-damaged homes.

FEMA mitigation assessment team report following Hurricane Ivan in Florida and Alabama including observations, recommendations, and technical guidance.

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.

A fact sheet educating the public on how to appropriately ground portable generators and the hazards associated with their use.

A fact sheet educating the public on the potential hazards and safe use of portable generators.

Website with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about attic radiant barriers.

Report covering the performance of residential buildings during three hurricanes impacting Florida in 2004.

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.

Report from FEMA on how to reduce damage from localized flooding including planning, drainage, building codes and retrofits, and regulations.

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.

Document reviewing current and potential ventilation technologies for residential buildings with particular emphasis on North American climates and construction.

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.

Webpage describing the standards, seminars, exams, etc regarding testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB).

Article outlining the importance of keeping dryer exhaust ducts clean.

Article describing how an affordable multifamily building achieved energy savings for the same cost as code-minimum construction.

Case study about affordable housing in a mixed, humid climate.

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

This report describes how twenty homes were tested and monitored in the Zone 2 climate of Houston, Texas, U.S.A., to evaluate the humidity control performance and operating cost of six different integrated dehumidification and ventilation systems that could be applied by production homebuilders.