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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 2401 - 2448 of 2448

Vented and Sealed Attics in Hot Climates, RR-0981

Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Building science report describing issues with vented attics in hot-humid climates and how sealed attic construction may be a solution.

Ventilating Cathedral Ceilings to Prevent Problematic Icings at their Eaves

Author(s)
Tobiasson Wayne N,
Tantillo Thomas,
Buska James S
Organization(s)
Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory,
CRREL
Publication Date
Report describing the formation of icicles and ice dams along poorly ventilated roofs and how to mitigate ventilation issues with insulation and vents.

The Performance Check Between Whole Building Thermal Performance Criteria and Exterior Wall Measured Clear Wall R-Value, Thermal Bridging, thermal mass and airtightness

Author(s)
Kosny Jan,
Christian Jeffrey E,
Desjarlais Andre O,
Kossecka Elisabeth,
Berrenberg Lance
Organization(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
Polish Academy of Sciences,
PAN,
American Polysteel Forms,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Paper that illustrates a performance check between the thermal performance of a Massive Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) wall system mocked up and Whole Building Performance criteria such as total space heating and cooling loads (thermal comfort).

Is Your Home Ready for an Earthquake?

Author(s)
Yeats Robert
Organization(s)
Oregon State University
Publication Date
Article describing dozens of ideas on how to retrofit a home so it is more earthquake ready.

Measured and Simulated Performance of Reflective Roofing Systems in Residential Buildings

Author(s)
Huang Yu Joe,
Konopacki Steven,
Gartland Lisa,
Gu Lixing,
Parker Danny S,
Sherwin John S
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC,
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL
Publication Date
Study investigating measured cooling energy savings in homes across the U.S. from the installation of roofing with higher solar reflectance.

Wood Drying: Equilibrium Moisture Content

Author(s)
University of Minnesota,
NorthernSTAR
Organization(s)
UMN,
NSTAR
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing the moisture properties of wood.

Window Condensation in Historic Buildings that Have Been Adapted for New Uses

Author(s)
Brown William C
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada,
NRC
Publication Date
Research study describing an evaluation of selected windows undertaken by IRC researchers at Ottawa’s Laurier House (now being used as a museum) to determine their effectiveness in controlling condensation.

Peak Power and Cooling Energy Savings of Shade Trees

Author(s)
Akbari Hashem,
Bretz Sarah E,
Kurn Dan M,
Hanford James W
Organization(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL
Publication Date
Paper describing a study on savings in peak power and cooling energy for homes with shade trees.

Installing and Maintaining Evaporative Coolers

Author(s)
Otterbein Roy
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Article describing what evaporative coolers are, how they work, different types, performance, where they are appropriate, and how to install and maintain them.

Thermal Performance and Wall Ratings

Author(s)
Christian Jeffrey E,
Kosny Jan
Organization(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL
Publication Date
Report proposing a procedure for estimating the whole opaque wall R-value (whole-wall R-value), independent of system type and construction materials.

Measured Impacts of Air Conditioner Condenser Shading

Author(s)
Sonne Jeffrey K,
Parker Danny S,
Barkaszi Stephen F
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Paper describing energy savings in space cooling from shading condenser units.

Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) Demonstration Project

Author(s)
McNamara Michael
Organization(s)
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority,
NYSERDA
Publication Date
This report describes the results of a multiyear research project that investigated the energy savings attributable to thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) installed on one-pipe steam distribution systems.

Combustion Appliance Safety & Efficiency Testing

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Information sheet summarizing inspection and testing of combustion appliances taught during the 2006 Florida whole-house weatherization training as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hot Climate Initiative.

Cooling Your Home Naturally

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
NREL,
DOE
Publication Date
Short report providing tips on how to reduce heat gain and passively cool a home.

Brick Masonry Rain Screen Walls

Author(s)
Brick Industry Association
Organization(s)
BIA
Publication Date
Document focusing on the design and wall components that contribute to a pressure equalized rain screen wall, including the frequency of the weep holes and other brick masonry rain screen wall requirements.

Radon Mitigation Standards

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Standard providing information on contractors who offer radon control services to homeowners.

Energy-Efficient Florida Home Building, Third Printing

Author(s)
Vieira Robin K,
Sheinkopf Kenneth G,
Sonne Jeffrey K
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Document talking about the topic Energy-Efficient Florida Home Building.

Energy-Efficient Florida Home Building

Author(s)
Sonne Jeffrey K,
Sheinkopf Kenneth G,
Vieira Robin K
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Manual describing energy efficient building, design, and marketing strategies for Florida home builders.

Passive Cooling

Author(s)
Cook Jeffrey,
Martin Marlo,
Chandra Subrato,
Yellott John,
Labs Kenneth,
Clark Gene
Organization(s)
MIT Press,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
MIT
Publication Date
Book describing passive cooling techniques from a technical and academic perspective.

Cooling with Ventilation

Author(s)
Chandra Subrato,
Houston Michael M,
Fairey Philip W
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Report providing recommendations to builders regarding how to reduce cooling loads, use air-circulation fans, natural ventilation, window and building design for natural ventilation, and whole-house fans.

Forest Home Sites Influence Heating and Cooling Energy

Author(s)
DeWalle David,
Heisler Gordon,
Jacobs Robert
Organization(s)
Northumberland County Conservation District,
Society of American Foresters
Publication Date
Journal article describing energy impacts from shade trees and forests and solar heating and air infiltration.

Storage of Lumber

Author(s)
Rietz Raymond C
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
USDA,
University of Wisconsin
Publication Date
Document providing information on correct storage techniques for lumber to manage moisture.

Carbon Monoxide - Environmental Health Effects Research Series

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
National Service Center for Environmental Publications
Organization(s)
EPA,
NSCEP
Publication Date
Source for information about Carbon Monoxide including health effects and measures to reduce exposure.

Wind and Trees: Air Infiltration Effects on Energy Use in Housing

Author(s)
Mattingly G.E.,
Peters E.F.
Organization(s)
Princeton University
Publication Date
Paper describing wind influences on air infiltration related energy losses for residential housing and the shielding effects of fences, adjacent structures, and vegetation.

Solar Radiation Data Manual for Buildings

Author(s)
Marion William,
Wilcox Stephen
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Document providing incident solar radiation data and window overhang sizing guidance for multiple locations across the U.S.

International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Webpage describing current and past versions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), establishing a baseline for energy efficiency with performance standards for building envelopes, mechanical systems, lighting systems and service water heating systems in homes and commercial...

Decay of Wood

Author(s)
Baker Maurice C
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada,
NRC
Publication Date
Article describing the causes of wood decay and moisture issues.

Condensation Between Panes of Double Windows

Author(s)
Wilson Alex
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada,
NRCC
Publication Date
Document about condensation between the panes, on the inside surface of the outer glass of double pane windows.

Adobe Construction Methods

Author(s)
Neubauer LW
Organization(s)
University of California Davis
Publication Date
Printed manual describing adobe construction

Novel, Simplified Air Delivery System Design Gets Commercialized

Author(s)
Burkett Lena,
Rapport Ari
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing a novel, simplified air delivery system using a plug-and-play model that features 3-inch diameter flexible ducts, efficient fittings, and a simplified installation process that resulted in successful market engagement through commercialization.