Guide describing the principal of compartmentalization in multifamily buildings - the separation of dwelling units from each other and from common areas in terms of air flow. Locations where air-sealing is critical to maintain separation of air spaces and air-sealing methods especially for party walls are also described.
Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.
Article describing the impact of stack effect on building performance, highlighting how pressure differences caused by temperature and height affect air infiltration and exfiltration, and detailing strategies like compartmentalization and distributed mechanical systems to manage airflow and maintain...
Case study describing a Concord Cape Cod style home designed in August 2008 by architects and engineers at Building Science Corporation, who developed the drawing set and specifications for the high performance custom home in Concord, Massachusetts.
Case study describing a multi-family town home project constructed for the City of Aspen, Colorado, with assistance from the U.S. DOE Building America research team Building Science Corporation and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Guide describing how to install flashing that is integrated with air and water control layers around piping, vents, and other wall penetrations as part of an exterior wall retrofit.
Case study describing a new construction project designed to achieve an 87% reduction in source energy use when compared to the 2009 Building America Benchmark.
Report providing information about improving the energy efficiency and long-term durability of the buildings that are being reconstructed post Katrina in New Orleans.
Document reviewing ventilation strategies for different climate zones that also includes schematic drawings and photographs of various ventilation installations.
Guidebook providing useful examples of high performance retrofit techniques for the building enclosure of wood frame residential construction in a cold and somewhat wet climate.
Report explaining moisture-related concerns for high R-value wall assemblies and discusses past Building America research work that informs this study.
This report describes research conducted to evaluate air transfer between the garage and living space in a single-family detached home constructed to the 2009 IECC by a production home builder in Maryland.
Report describing steps homeowners can take to improve the indoor air quality in their home, including ventilating, preventing pests, and reducing pollutants in the home.
Research study about two test homes that are examined with the goal of providing case studies that could be applied to other similar New England homes.