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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Paper describing the development and testing of an affordable net-zero energy house in Lenoir City, Tennessee.

A research paper exploring the design, installation, repair and maintenance of solar water and pool heating technologies.

Information sheet describing correct application of stucco.

A report describing methods for constructing homes and treating soils to reduce the risk of termites in buildings.

Report providing a selected compilation of seismic rehabilitation techniques and guidance on which techniques are commonly used to mitigate specific seismic deficiencies in various model building types.

Design guide providing technical information regarding building with thermal mass.

Information sheet providing definitions, applications, and techniques for applying air barriers.

BSD-102 report providing guidance about whether to construct a vented or unvented attic based on hygro-thermal zone.

Information sheet with methods for constructing or retrofitting basements to reduce moisture issues.

Guide providing information about controlling rainwater through use of drainage planes.

Information sheet describing the function of a vapor barrier, and methods to retard the migration of water vapor.

Manual describing scientific, technical, and practical information needed to work with communities on urban forestry, including a section on trees and construction.

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.

Fact sheet describing impact-resistant window systems with specifics on Florida’s building codes.

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