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 201 - 250 of 2180

APA - The Engineered Wood Association

Author(s)
APA - The Engineered Wood Association
Organization(s)
APA
Publication Date
Website homepage of APA – The Engineered Wood Association, a nonprofit trade association combining the research efforts of scientists and engineers, APA promotes new solutions and improved processes that benefit the entire industry.

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

Author(s)
APA - The Engineered Wood Association
Organization(s)
APA
Publication Date
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.

APA Wall Bracing Calculator

Author(s)
APA - The Engineered Wood Association
Organization(s)
APA
Publication Date
Wall bracing calculator simplifying the design of residential structures that comply with 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018 or 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) wall bracing requirements.

Approaches to 30% Energy Savings at the Community Scale in the Hot-Humid Climate

Author(s)
Thomas-Rees Stephanie,
Beal David,
Martin Eric,
Fonorow Ken
Organization(s)
Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,
BA-PIRC,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC,
Florida Home Energy and Resources Organization,
FLHero
Publication Date
Report describing partner approaches to achieving the Building America goal of 30% whole-house source energy savings using packages adopted at the community scale, using building projects in Florida as a reference.

Architecture of New Mexico

Author(s)
Albuquerque Museum
Organization(s)
City of Albuquerque
Publication Date
Power Point PDF presentation on historical architecture in New Mexico

Are Your Multi-Family Buildings Accessible?

Author(s)
Stratton
Organization(s)
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
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.

ARXX Product CAD Details

Author(s)
ARXX Building Products
Organization(s)
ARXX Building Products
Publication Date
License agreement detailing rights of ARXX and ICF CAD detail users.

Asbestos

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
EPA's website about asbestos.

Asbestos: Worker and Employer Guide to Hazards and Recommended Controls

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Organization(s)
FEMA,
EPA,
NIH,
OSHA
Publication Date
Guidance from HUD, EPA, NIH, and FEMA for workers who deal directly with asbestos.

ASCE 7 Hazard Tool

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE
Publication Date
Web-based mapping tool offering a fast, reliable way to look up key design parameters specified in Standard ASCE 7-10, 7-16, or 7-22 for a specific address or location. The tool is free to use and can look up data for eight different environmental hazard types: wind, tornado, seismic, ice, rain...

ASCE Ground Snow Loads

Author(s)
Wilkerson
Organization(s)
Medeek Design
Publication Date
Webpage providing mapping tool for obtaining ground snow load, based on ASCE 7-10, for any location in the contiguous United States, with the exception of locations requiring a case study due to extreme local variations in ground snow loads. Fee required for some data.

ASCE/SEI 24-14 - Flood Resistant Design and Construction

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
Standard describing the minimum requirements and expected performance for the siting and design and construction of buildings and structures in flood hazard areas that are subject to building code requirements. The current version of this standard was published in the year 2014, and is available in...

ASCE/SEI 41-13 - Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
Standard using deficiency-based and systematic procedures that use performance-based principles to evaluate and retrofit existing buildings to withstand the effects of earthquakes. This version of the standard was published in the year 2013, and is available in both digital and print versions. The...

ASCE/SEI 41-17 - Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
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...

ASCE/SEI 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
Standard using performance-based principles to determine dead, live, soil, flood, snow, rain, atmospheric ice, earthquake, and wind loads, and their combinations for general structural design. This version of the standard was published in the year 2010 and is available in both digital and print...

ASCE/SEI 7-16 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
Standard using performance-based principles to determine dead, live, soil, flood, tsunami, snow, rain, atmospheric ice, earthquake, wind, and fire loads, and their combinations for general structural design. This version of the standard was published in the year 2016 and is available in both digital...

ASCE/SEI 7-22 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

Author(s)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Organization(s)
ASCE,
Structural Engineering Institute,
SEI
Publication Date
Standard using performance-based principles to determine dead, live, soil, flood, tsunami, snow, rain, atmospheric ice, seismic, and wind loads, and their combinations for general structural design. The current version of this standard was published in the year 2022 and is available in both digital...

Asphalt Shingle Roofing for High-Wind Regions, FEMA Technical Fact Sheet No. 7.3

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Technical fact sheet describing ways to construct asphalt shingle roofs to be more resistant to high winds and hurricanes; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”

Assessment of Literature Related to Combustion Appliance Venting Systems

Author(s)
Rapp,
Less,
Singer,
Stratton,
Wray
Organization(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL
The exhaust from residential combustion appliances contains air pollutants and high levels of moisture that must be conveyed to the outdoors to maintain acceptable indoor quality.

Assessment of the U.S. Department of Energy's Home Energy Scoring Tool

Author(s)
Roberts,
Merket,
Polly,
Heaney,
Casey,
Robertson
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Publication Date
Report assessing the accuracy of HEST as it was being developed and to provide information useful to DOE program managers and HEST development team at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Website providing a compilation of guidance, case studies, tools, and training to assist local communities as they are in the midst of managing recovery post-disaster.

Association of Bay Area Governments

Author(s)
Association of Bay Area Governments
Organization(s)
ABAG
Publication Date
A basic guide walking through the various types of valves useful in mitigating the effects of earthquakes and other seismic events on natural gas pipelines for residential use.

ASTM C 926-22c - Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Specification covering the standard requirements for application of full thickness Portland cement-based plaster for exterior (stucco) and interior work. This standard was produced in the year 2022, and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. There are also other versions of...

ASTM C 926-23 - Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Specification covering the standard requirements for application of full thickness Portland cement-based plaster for exterior (stucco) and interior work. This standard was produced in the year 2023, and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. There are also other versions of...

ASTM C1363 - 19: Standard Test Method for Thermal Performance of Building Materials and Envelope Assemblies by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard that describes the principles for the design of a hot box apparatus and the minimum requirements for the determination of steady state thermal performance of building assemblies when exposed to controlled laboratory conditions. The current version of the standard was published in 2019, and...

ASTM C509 - 06 (2011): Standard Specification for Elastomeric Cellular Preformed Gasket and Sealing Material

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard specification covering elastomeric cellular preformed gasket and sealing materials. This version of the standard was published in the year 2011 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions of the standard were published in the years 2021, 2015, 2006, and...

ASTM C509 - 06 (2021): Standard Specification for Elastomeric Cellular Preformed Gasket and Sealing Material

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard specification covering elastomeric cellular preformed gasket and sealing materials. This version of the standard was published in the year 2021 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions of the standard were published in the years 2015, 2011, 2006, and...

ASTM C518 - 21: Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Test method providing a rapid means of determining the steady-state thermal transmission properties of thermal insulations and other materials with a high level of accuracy when the apparatus has been calibrated appropriately. This version of the standard was published in the year 2021 and is...

ASTM C553-13 (2019): Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
This standard specification covers the classification, composition, physical properties, and dimensions of mineral fiber (rock, slag, or glass) blanket intended for use as thermal insulation on surfaces at various temperature ranges. This version of the standard was published in the year 2019 and is...

ASTM C920-18 Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard specification covering the properties of a cured single- or multicomponent cold-applied elastomeric joint sealant for sealing, caulking, or glazing operations on buildings, plazas, and decks for vehicular or pedestrian use, and types of construction other than highway and airfield pavements...

ASTM D6329-98(2023) Standard Guide for Developing Methodology for Evaluating the Ability of Indoor Materials to Support Microbial Growth Using Static Environmental Chambers

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard that describes a simple, relatively cost-effective approach to evaluating the ability of a variety of materials to support microbial growth using a small chamber method. The current version of this standard was published in the year 2023, and a preview of the standard is available at the...

ASTM D7032 - 21 Standard Specification for Establishing Performance Ratings for Wood-Plastic Composite and Plastic Lumber Deck Boards, Stair Treads, Guards, and Handrails

Author(s)
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
ASTM standard for wood-composite decking and guardrail materials under a variety of tests, including fire performance and UV resistance. This standard was produced in the year 2021, and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. There are also other versions of this standard...

ASTM E1677 - 11: Standard Specification for Air Barrier (AB) Material or System for Low-Rise Framed Building Walls

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard that covers the minimum performance and acceptance criteria for an air barrier (AB) material or system for framed walls of low-rise buildings with the service life of the building wall in mind. This link directs to a preview of the version of the standard that was published in the year 2011...

ASTM E1677 - 19: Standard Specification for Air Barrier (AB) Material or Assemblies for Low-Rise Framed Building Walls

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard that covers the minimum performance and acceptance criteria for an air barrier (AB) material or system for framed walls of low-rise buildings with the service life of the building wall in mind. This link directs to a preview of the current version of the standard, published in the year 2019...

ASTM E1827 - 22: Standard Test Methods for Determining Airtightness of Buildings Using an Orifice Blower Door

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
These test methods describe two techniques for measuring air leakage rates through a building envelope in buildings that may be configured to a single zone. This standard was published in the year 2022 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions of the standard...

ASTM E2112 - 19c: Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights

Author(s)
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard covering the installation of fenestration products in new and existing construction. The current version of the standard was published in the year 2019, and is available for preview and purchase at the referenced link. Previous versions of this standard that are available for preview and...

ASTM E2112 – 07: Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights

Author(s)
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard covering the installation of fenestration products in new and existing construction. This version of the standard was published in the year 2007, and is available for preview and purchase at the referenced link. Other versions of this standard that are available for preview and purchase at...

ASTM E2121-21, Standard Practice for Installing Radon Mitigation Systems in Existing Low-Rise Residential Buildings

Author(s)
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard describing methods for installing radon mitigation systems in existing residential buildings three stories or less in height. This version of the standard was published in the year 2021 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions of the standard were...

ASTM E2178 - 21A: Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate and Calculation of Air Permeance of Building Materials

Author(s)
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Test method designed to calculate an assigned air permeance of flexible sheet or rigid panel-type materials at a reference air pressure differential of 75 Pa. This version of the standard was published in the year 2021 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions...