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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 1 - 50 of 84

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
ENERGY STAR clothes dryer buying guidance for consumers.
Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
DOE's consumer information about energy and laundry.
Author(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs,
National Association of Home Builders,
International Code Council
Organization(s)
HIRL,
NAHB,
ICC
Publication Date
Description
Fact Sheet describing the need for supplemental dehumidification, dehumidifier configuration options, and design considerations.
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)
ENERGY STAR,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
ENERGY STAR lightbulb criteria.
Author(s)
Schneider Philip J,
Santos Janet,
Rashed Tarek,
Mickey Kathelene,
Isteita Maher,
Huyck Charles,
Ghosh Simi,
Eguchi Ronald,
Dash Nicole,
Scawthorn Charles,
Porter Keith
Organization(s)
Natural Institute of Building Science,
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)
Home Innovation Research Labs,
National Association of Home Builders
Organization(s)
HIRL,
NAHB
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)
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)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report covering the reconstruction of flood damaged homes.
Author(s)
McGuigan Connor
Organization(s)
Sierra Club
Publication Date
Description
Article from the Sierra Club explaining 5 steps to take to ensure your home's resistance to wildfires, including site maintenance and roof construction guidelines.
Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE
Publication Date
Description
Standard using deficiency-based and systematic procedures that use performance-based principles to evaluate and retrofit existing buildings to withstand the effects of earthquakes. The current version of this standard was published in the year 2017, and is available in both digital and print...
Author(s)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Organization(s)
FDA
Publication Date
Description
When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from foodborne illness, one of your most effective tools is the kitchen refrigerator.
Author(s)
Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet instructing installers about flashing installed on a FORTIFIED roof and points to roof covering manufacturers for flashing installation instructions.
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article describing issues with condensation in unvented attics insulated with open-cell spray foam.
Author(s)
Pennsylvania State University
Organization(s)
Pennsylvania State University,
PennState Extension
Publication Date
Description
Article explaining how to use integrated pest management to choose methods of pest control that are safe and effective.
Author(s)
Energy Saver,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Webpage describing high-efficiency lighting choices for homeowners including LEDs, CFLs, and halogen bulbs.
Author(s)
Insulated Concrete Forms Association
Organization(s)
ICF Builder
Publication Date
Description
Document with information on preventing termites when using ICFs.
Author(s)
Florida Department of Transportation
Organization(s)
FDOT
Publication Date
Description
Handbook describing the permitting process regulating the transfer of stormwater from private property owners to the State of Florida Department of Transportation stormwater drainage systems.
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. Fire Administration,
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
U.S. Fire Administration,
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Description webpage providing information about home fire safety during sever weather for consumers.
Author(s)
Parlee Mark
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction
Publication Date
Description
Article describing how omission of two small but critical wall details, a kick-out flashing and a weep screed, lead to extensive water damage to a wall.
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report covering the fire performance of combustible cladding over combustible insulation.
Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
Description
2009 edition of code establishing a baseline for the design and installation of fuel gas systems and gas fired appliances through performance requirements.
Author(s)
Quarles Stephen L
Organization(s)
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety,
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
Report covering the migration of wind-blown embers in roof vents.
Author(s)
City of New York
Organization(s)
City of New York
Publication Date
Description
Website providing information about how to keep the properties rat-free and address conditions that can lead to rats.
Author(s)
Widder Sarah H,
Metzger Cheryn E,
McIntosh Joshua A,
Petersen Joseph M
Organization(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance,
NEEA,
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Description
Report describing the objective evaluation of space conditioning interactions between heat pump water heaters and home heating systems during winter 2016-2017, revealing a smaller than anticipated impact on space conditioning loads.
Author(s)
Burkett Lena,
Cole Pam C,
Kaiser David,
Rosemiller Gil
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs,
CRA,
Colorado Code Consulting,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Webinar answering code-related questions on duct leakage tests, moisture levels in attics and crawlspaces, combustion equipment in conditioned attics, ventilation in multifamily buildings, and continuous insulation in residential construction.
Author(s)
International Code Council,
Florida Building Commission
Organization(s)
ICC,
FBC
Publication Date
Description
Florida building code including all the amendments and additions by Florida for the wind-borne debris regions and the high-velocity hurricane zone.
Author(s)
Beach Robert,
Grisolia Anthony,
Dickson Bruce,
Poerschke Andrew,
Rapport Ari
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS
Publication Date
Description
Report describing an air distribution system composed of a series of uniformly-sized ducts that terminate in rooms throughout the home and return to a central manifold, similar in fashion to a “home-run” cross-linked polyethylene plumbing system.
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)
Mosiman Garrett,
VonThoma Ed
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership,
NorthernSTAR,
University of Minnesota,
UMN
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)
Kochkin Vladimir,
Wiehagen Joseph
Organization(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs,
HIRL
Publication Date
Description
The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 in. thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...
Author(s)
Kochkin Vladimir,
Wiehagen Joseph
Organization(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs,
HIRL
Publication Date
Description
Part I of the Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as exterior sheathing, gypsum board as interior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories in height. Walls with...
Author(s)
Kochkin Vladimir,
Wiehagen Joseph
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
Home Innovation Research Labs,
HIRL
Publication Date
Description
Part I of the Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as exterior sheathing, gypsum board as interior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories in height.
Author(s)
Kochkin Vladimir,
Wiehagen Joseph
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel sheathing (WSP) as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 inches thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...
Author(s)
McAlpine Jake,
Bohac Dave,
Schoenbauer Ben,
Hewett Martha,
Rothgeb Stacey
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership,
NorthernSTAR,
University of Minnesota,
UMIN
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)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
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.
Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Description
Resource that provides guidance when choosing products that meet WaterSense program requirements.
Author(s)
Smith Tom
Organization(s)
Whole Building Design Guide,
WBDG
Publication Date
Description
Article discussing structural and nonstructural building components and illustrates a variety of wind-induced damages, including wind-driven rain infiltration.