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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 1 - 50 of 186 results:

2012 International Building Code - IBC

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
International Code Council
·
Organization(s)
ICC
Description
2009 edition of code for commercial buildings that brings together all structural, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy and electrical provisions for all buildings except detached one- and two-family residences and townhouses up to three stories.

2012 International Mechanical Code - IMC

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
International Code Council
·
Organization(s)
ICC
Description
2012 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, fireplaces, combustion and hydronic systems, using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.

2012 International Residential Code - IRC

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
International Code Council
·
Organization(s)
ICC
Description
2012 edition of code for residential buildings that creates minimum regulations for one- and two-family dwellings of three stories or less, bringing together all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy and electrical provisions for one- and two-family residences.

2019 Fortified Home New Construction Hurricane Technical Summary

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
·
Organization(s)
IBHS
Description
Report summarizing the requirements for strenghtening and protecting the roof, openings in the house, and creating a continuous load path to strengthen walls and foundation per the IBHS Fortified Homes Hurricane Standard for New Homes.

40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Hot-Dry and Mixed-Dry Climates, Volume 9

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Baechler Michael C,
et al.
·
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Description
Report providing builders in the hot-dry and mixed-dry climates with guidance for building homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

ABAA Section 072713: Self-Adhered Sheet Membranes

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Air Barrier Association of America
·
Organization(s)
ABAA
Description
Standard providing information about self-adhered sheet air barriers located in the non-accessible part of the wall and materials to bridge and seal air leakage pathways and gaps.

ACCA Manual T - Air Distribution Basics

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
·
Organization(s)
ACCA
Description
Standard providing guidance on how to select, size, and locate the supply air diffusers, grilles and registers, and the return grilles.

Air Sealing Colorado Homes – 10.634

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Weiner C.
·
Organization(s)
Colorado State University,
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
USDA
Description
Fact sheet describing air-sealing concerns and remedies, including HRV/ERV installation, caulking, spray foam, and weatherstrip installation.

An Overview of Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership (BAIHP) Activities in Hot-Humid Climates

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Chandra Subrato,
et al.
·
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC,
University of Central Florida,
UCF
Description
Report summarizing systems research activities for new housing in hot-humid climates, including NightCool, interior duct systems in manufactured housing, ventilation and dehumidification, plug load reduction and solar and conventional hot water.

APA Building for High Wind Resistance in Light-Frame Wood Construction

Publication Date
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Author(s)
APA - The Engineered Wood Association
·
Organization(s)
American Plywood Association,
APA
Description
A publication highlighting recommendations that contribute to improved overall performance in the structural shell and focus on good connection details to tie together exterior walls, roofs and floors.

Are Your Multi-Family Buildings Accessible?

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Stratton Petter A
·
Organization(s)
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Description
Document highlighting federal accessibility laws which may apply to a housing development, and common mistakes made in the field which, if avoided, will help to ensure compliance.

Assessing the Business Case for Hosting Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in New York State

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Nigro Nick,
et al.
·
Organization(s)
Atlas Public Policy,
NYSERDA,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Description
Report describing the business case of hosting a Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging station in New York, including analysis of real-world data on equipment use, costs, revenue, and assumptions derived from industry reports and original research.

Basement Insulation, Info 511

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
·
Organization(s)
BSC
Description
Information sheet describing techniques for insulating basements.

Benefits of Demand-Controlled Pumping

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Acker Larry,
Klein Gary
·
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine,
Taco Comfort
Description
Article describing how demand plumbing systems send cold water back to the water heater until hot water arrives at the sink, shower or other fixture where it is needed.

Building America Building Science Advisor

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
·
Organization(s)
ORNL,
DOE
Description
Web based tool providing decision-making guidance for selecting wall assembly components.

California Plumbing Code 2019

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
California Plumbing Code
·
Organization(s)
CPC
Description
2019 version of California's plumbing code.

Classic Rib® Install Guide

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation
·
Organization(s)
MS Manufacturing Corporation
Description
Installation manual for installing metal panel siding.