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...

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

Fact sheet describing advanced wall framing.

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...

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Information sheet containing images and descriptions of cantilevers.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Report explaining the principles of seismic design to architects.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.