Library

Document describing three methods for elevating a home out of the flood zone.

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

Fact sheet describing advanced framing techniques that reduce the amount of lumber used in constructing wood-framed houses while providing more space for wall insulation.

Fact sheet describing advanced wall framing.

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

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.

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 marine climate.

Report provides a proposed set of guidelines for estimating the energy savings achieved by a package of retrofits or an extensive rehabilitation of an existing home.

Report summarizing research results for the 30% energy savings level and demonstrates that lead builders can successfully provide 30% homes in the Marine Climate Region on a cost-neutral basis.

Report summarizing research results for the 30% energy savings level and demonstrates that lead builders can successfully provide 30% homes in the Hot-Dry / Mixed-Dry Climate Region on a cost-neutral basis.

Report providing a summary of key lessons learned from the first ten years of the Building America program and also included a summary of the future challenges that must be met to reach the programs long term performance goals.

An online learning management resource for the construction community.

Information sheet containing images and descriptions of cantilevers.

Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.

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

Paper describing the effects of tree canopies on residential climates indicating tree cover to be beneficial to climate conditions

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.

Report describing the monitored long-term performance of two solar domestic water heating systems in northern climates.

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.

Report explaining the principles of seismic design to architects.

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

A publication developed by the U.S. Forest Service for its employees and other federal agency staff describing erosion control methods.

Guidebook meant to provide public officials with information on excessive heat event.

Article containing background knowledge on expansion tanks.

Article explaining common myths about expansion tanks and proper facts.

Report about field testing that characterizes the uniformity of room-to-room ventilation air distribution under various operating conditions by examining multi-zone tracer gas decay curves and calculating local age-of-air.

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

Guide from Building Science Corporation on how to construct a flood and hurricane resistant home.

Information sheet with manufacturer specifications about insulated concrete forms.

A fact sheet on how to prepare for a natural disaster by storing food and water through an emergency food supply.

IRC guide referencing wood truss bracing best practices and requirements.

Report discussing the potential energy savings of new high-efficiency downlights, and the results of product testing to date.

Report presenting seismic design and construction guidance for one- and two-family houses for homebuilders, knowledgeable homeowners, and other non-engineers.

Report presenting construction methods, building products, appliances and equipment of four single-family houses that achieve dramatic energy reductions and approach “net zero energy” use.

Guide discussing observations, recommendations, and technical guidance as a result of Hurricane Katrina

Code describing the requirements for existing site-built single-family homes to receive roof-to-wall retrofits when re-roofing.

Paper providing a comprehensive overview of HVAC system design considerations and challenges specific to multifamily residential buildings, focusing on optimizing performance and addressing common issues.

Correcting pressure imbalances in your HVAC system can result in a healthier, more efficient home.

Article outlining the casuses and solutions for ice dam problems.

Study evaluating opportunities for reducing cooling energy use in a hot dry climate through the use of shading and window options.

Report discussing the importance of durability and energy efficiency in building construction.

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

This paper discusses model validation using data from three thermosiphon systems.

Information sheet about how to reduce thermal bridging in walls.

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

Document covering basic moisture control principles in the design of above-grade building enclosures; driving rain as a moisture load on walls; a classification system of the various rain control strategies available for walls; and good design practises for walls.

Report describing steps homeowners can take to improve the indoor air quality in their home, including ventilating, preventing pests, and reducing pollutants in the home.

Information sheet designed for the residential construction and remodeling industries, as well as owners and managers working in affordable housing. This sheet presents building guidance for both new construction and rehabilitation, as well as practices that can be used by property maintenance...