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Library

Explore this extensive library of building science guidance including research reports from DOE’s Building America program as well as hundreds of other articles, fact sheets, webpages, and reference documents related to constructing and renovating homes.

Showing 51 - 62 of 62 results:

Thermal Mass in Building Design

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Baggs David,
Mortensen Neal
·
Organization(s)
Australian Council of Building Design Professions Ltd,
BDP
Description
Design guide providing technical information regarding building with thermal mass.

Understanding Air Barriers, BSD-104

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Description
Information sheet providing definitions, applications, and techniques for applying air barriers.

Understanding Attic Ventilation, BSD-102

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Description
BSD-102 report providing guidance about whether to construct a vented or unvented attic based on hygro-thermal zone.

Understanding Basements, BSD-103

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Description
Information sheet with methods for constructing or retrofitting basements to reduce moisture issues.

Understanding Drainage Planes, BSD-105

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Description
Guide providing information about controlling rainwater through use of drainage planes.

Understanding Vapor Barriers, BSD-106

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Description
Information sheet describing the function of a vapor barrier, and methods to retard the migration of water vapor.

Urban Forestry Manual

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
U.S. Forest Service
·
Organization(s)
USFA
Description
Manual describing scientific, technical, and practical information needed to work with communities on urban forestry, including a section on trees and construction.

Utility Benefits of Homes Approaching "Zero Energy"

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Aldrich Robb,
Walsh John T,
Swift Joseph
·
Organization(s)
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA,
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
Western Massachusetts Electric Company,
Northeast Utilities
Description
Report summarizing results from a study in Massachusetts that aimed to upgrade existing homes and incorporate solar thermal systems.

Venting of Attics & Cathedral Ceilings

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
TenWolde Anton,
Rose William B
·
Organization(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
ASHRAE
Description
Report describing the use of attic ventilation to control moisture in cathedral roofs and avoid the formation of ice dams.

Washington State Residential Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code (VIAQ): Whole House Ventilation Systems Field Research Report

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Devine John,
et al.
·
Organization(s)
Washington State University Extension Energy Program,
WSU Extension Energy Program,
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy,
ACEEE,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Description
Report describing a field study of 31 homes to test envelope and duct leakage and fan flowrates, and to determine ventilation operation characteristics.

Window Systems

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
University of Florida IFAS Extension
·
Organization(s)
University of Florida IFAS Extension,
University of Florida
Description
Fact sheet describing impact-resistant window systems with specifics on Florida’s building codes.