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Library

This library contains research reports produced by the Building America program and other building science resources used to support this Solution Center. The materials cover both new construction and existing homes. Use the search box and/or the filters to explore hundreds of residential building resources. Access to some references not produced by Building America may require purchase from the publisher. Documents are listed alphabetically. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

Showing results 51 - 89 of 89

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report covering reservoir claddings, back ventilation and vapor throttles.
Author(s)
Pennsylvania State University
Organization(s)
Pennsylvania State University
Publication Date
Description
Article explaining how to use integrated pest management to choose methods of pest control that are safe and effective.
Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
The light-emitting diode (LED) is one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies.
Author(s)
EnergySaver
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Webpage describing high-efficiency lighting choices for homeowners including LEDs, CFLs, and halogen bulbs.
Author(s)
Porter,
Scawthorn,
Dash,
Santos,
Eguchi,
Ghosh,
Huyck,
Isteita,
Mickey,
Rashed,
Schneider
Organization(s)
NIBS
Publication Date
Description
Report updating and expanding on a 2005 study that found, among other things, that every $1 of natural hazard mitigation funded by FEMA between 1993 and 2003 saved the American people an average of $4 in avoided future losses.
Author(s)
National Fire Protection Association
Organization(s)
NFPA
Publication Date
Description
An NFPA Standard that identifies a method for determining the minimum water supply necessary for structural fire-fighting purposes in areas where it has been determined that there is no water or inadequate water for fire fighting.
Author(s)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Organization(s)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Publication Date
Description
Website providing weather data.
Author(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs
Organization(s)
HIRL
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet describing design and construction practices to reduce the likelihood of water intrusion in walls and foundations in residential construction.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report covering the reconstruction of flood damaged homes.
Author(s)
Schoenbauer B,
Bohac D,
McAlpine J,
Hewett M
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership,
NorthernSTAR,
University of Minnesota
Publication Date
Description
This project analyzed combined condensing water heaters or boilers and hydronic air coils to provide high efficiency domestic hot water (DHW) and forced air space heating. Called "combi" systems, they provided similar space and water heating performance less expensively than installing two...
Author(s)
Metzger Cheryn E,
Goyal Siddharth,
Baechler Michael C
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Description
This research paper outlines residential HVAC advanced controls and sensors. It includes a technology review, applications, maintenance and commissioning, occupant behavior and a summary of the state-of-the-art technologies for advanced controls for residential HVAC.
Author(s)
Pacific Gas & Electric
Organization(s)
PG&E
Publication Date
Description
Brochure for utility customers describing installation of an excess flow valve to automatically shut off natural gas flow into a home in the event of a gas line rupture.
Author(s)
Ghosh S K,
Cleland Ned M,
Naito Clay J,
Applied Technology Council,
ATC
Organization(s)
National Institute of Standards and Technology,
NIST
Publication Date
Description
Document describing precast concrete earthquake design considerations including connections, detailing, and forces, among others.
Author(s)
U.S. Fire Administration
Organization(s)
USFA
Publication Date
Description
Description webpage providing information about home fire safety during sever weather for consumers.
Author(s)
Michael O'Rourke
Organization(s)
ASCE
Publication Date
Description
Guide providing detailed explanations of the snow load provisions contained in Standard ASCE/SEI 7-16: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report covering coating and back venting wood based claddings and trim.
Author(s)
Insulated Concrete Forms Association
Organization(s)
Insulated Concrete Forms Association
Publication Date
Description
Document with information on preventing termites when using ICFs.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
BSC,
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Description
Article describing the evolution of the IRC to permit class 3 vapor retarders (latex paint) in walls coupled with exterior continuous insulation to allow drying and reduce condensation risk.
Author(s)
VonThoma E,
Mosiman Garrett
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership,
NorthernSTAR,
University of Minnesota
Publication Date
Description
Report documenting the process and outcomes involved in achieving the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program certification standards while helping homebuilders in Climate Zones 5 and 6 in the Upper Midwest achieve ZERH certification.
Author(s)
Marty Ahrens
Organization(s)
NFPA
Publication Date
Description
A report examining the presence, reliability, effectiveness, and impact of sprinkler systems in structure fires.
Author(s)
Quarles
Organization(s)
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
Publication Date
Description
Report covering the migration of wind-blown embers in roof vents.
Author(s)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Organization(s)
CDC
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet describing how to identify heat-related illness and what actions to take.
Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Resource that provides guidance when choosing products that meet WaterSense program requirements.
Author(s)
Krejci Cassie,
Muncaster John
Organization(s)
Polyguard
Publication Date
Description
An article describing a way to protect drain and ventilation holes in brick veneer siding against pests. Selecting a fine screen mesh opening (1/55-inch or 0.5-mm) is important to guard against small insects such as subterranean termites.
Author(s)
Habte Filmon,
Mooneghi Maryam Asghari,
Baheru Thomas,
Zisis Ioannis,
Chowdhury Arindam Gan,
Masters Forrest,
Irwin Peter
Organization(s)
Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics,
International Association for Wind Engineering,
IAWE
Publication Date
Description
Study showcasing the location of the highest uplift force on the hip, ridge, and perimeter regions of roofs, and thus roofing material needs for the most fasteners and adhesive at these locations.
Author(s)
Smith
Organization(s)
NIBS
Publication Date
Description
Article discussing structural and nonstructural building components and illustrates a variety of wind-induced damages, including wind-driven rain infiltration.