Library

2006 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...

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

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.

Information on the control of air flow across building enclosures to control moisture damage, reduce energy losses, and ensure occupant comfort and health. A continuous, strong, stiff, durable and air impermeable air barrier system is required between the exterior and conditioned space to control...

ASTM standard providing test methods for determining duct air leakage in low-rise residential and commercial buildings.

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

Research study about key sustainability concepts, durability, energy efficiency and new flood resistant design.

Case study describing solar thermal and photovoltaic systems in new construction.

An online learning management resource for the construction community.

Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.

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.

Technical report detailing a study in which actual cooling loads are compared to modeled cooling loads.

Article introducing the FTC’s new EnergyGuide label, including estimates of annual energy usage.

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

Article describing codes and test methods related to fire-resistant construction of decks.

FEMA risk management series guide on hospital safety and resilience to natural disasters.

A book describing how to complete an earthquake retrofit plan for wood-frame residential buildings.

Report on problems and solutions with EIFS stucco wall cladding systems.

Research project addressing low-cost options that reduce monthly energy costs and improve the quality of life by enhancing comfort levels in low-income homes.

Brochure providing information on the design of the EPA Region 8 headquarters in Denver, CO.

Article containing background knowledge on expansion tanks.

Article explaining common myths about expansion tanks and proper facts.

An engineering design guide for hydronic heat loops, discussing the features and advantages of condensing boilers.

Guide providing information on using exterior foam insulating sheathing in building wall assemblies to enhance thermal performance.

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

Report providing an introduction to current photovoltaic and solar thermal building practices.

Best Practices document providing an introduction to current photovoltaic and solar thermal building practices.

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.

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

Report summarizing approaches to addressing duct leakage in hot humid climates.

Standard supporting indoor air quality performance by producers, purchasers and policy makers to improve the environmental performance of products and services.

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.

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.

Brochure discussing specific practices for mitigating moisture and mold during the construction process.

Report discussing the benefits of modern evaporative cooling systems for use in hot dry climate zones.

The Enhanced F-scale is a set of wind estimates (not measurements) based on damage which uses three-second gusts estimated at the point of damage based on a judgment of 8 levels of damage to the 28 indicators listed.

Fact sheet from Wisconsin Focus on Energy explaining how to prevent future ice dams on homes by learning about their formation and mitigation of contributing factors.

Article describing moisture and ice dam issues in attics and how to air seal the attic floor.

Guide on retrofitting insulation in cavities.

Report promoting public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of earthquake-induced damage to existing homes.

Report from FEMA describing techniques for floodproofing structures.

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.

Brochure describing insulation approaches for homes with slab-on-grade floors.

Brochure with information about how to select and install house wrap and other weather-resistive barriers.

A field guide with residential construction best practices.

Report presenting results from whole-house monitoring efforts in hope that they may be useful for others moving towards zero energy homes.