http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/publications.htmlVisit the Building America website to learn more about the program and access resources including meetings and webinars, case studies, and the full library of publications.en-us60http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/moisture_research_walls.pdfTue, 21 May 2013 18:04:44 GMThttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/moisture_research_walls.pdfIn this project, the Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB) team evaluated several different configurations of wall assemblies to determine the accuracy of moisture modeling and make recommendations to ensure durable, efficient assemblies. WUFI and THERM were used to model the hygrothermal and heat transfer characteristics of these walls. Wall assemblies evaluated included code minimum walls using spray foam insulation and fiberglass batts, high R-value walls at least 12 in. thick (R-40 and R-60 assemblies), and brick walls with interior insulation.http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/measure_guide_condensing_boilers.pdfTue, 21 May 2013 17:55:53 GMThttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/measure_guide_condensing_boilers.pdfThis guide is intended for designers and installers of hydronic heating systems interested in maximizing the overall system efficiency of condensing boilers when coupled with baseboard convectors. It is applicable to new and retrofit projects.http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/ba_systems_integration_fy2012.pdfTue, 21 May 2013 17:42:18 GMThttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/ba_systems_integration_fy2012.pdfThis Building America FY2012 Annual Report includes an overview of the Building America Program activities and the work completed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Building America industry consortia (the Building America teams). The annual report summarizes major technical accomplishments and progress towards U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Program's multi-year goal of developing the systems innovations that enable risk-free, cost effective, reliable and durable efficiency solutions that reduce energy use by 30%-50% in both new and existing homes.http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/strategy_guide_retrofit_multifamily_cold.pdfMon, 06 May 2013 15:37:40 GMThttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/strategy_guide_retrofit_multifamily_cold.pdfThis Strategy Guideline explains the benefits of evaluating and identifying energy efficiency retrofit measures that could be made during renovation and maintenance of multifamily buildings. It focuses on low-rise multifamily structures (three or fewer stories) in a cold climate. These benefits lie primarily in reduced energy use, lower operating and maintenance costs, improved durability of the structure, and increased occupant comfort. This guideline focuses on retrofit measures for roof repair or replacement, exterior wall repair or gut rehab, and eating system maintenance. All buildings are assumed to have a flat ceiling and a trussed roof, wood- or steel-framed exterior walls, and one or more single or staged boilers. Estimated energy savings realized from the retrofits will vary, depending on the size and condition of the building, the extent of efficiency improvements, the efficiency of the heating equipment, the cost and type of fuel, and the climate location.http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/measure_guide_attic_sprinklers.pdfTue, 30 Apr 2013 18:09:33 GMThttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/measure_guide_attic_sprinklers.pdfBeginning with the 2009 edition of the International Residential Code (Section R313, IRC 2009), the inclusion of automatic sprinkler systems is required in all single and two-family residences. As these systems gradually find more and more market penetration in new and existing homes across various climate zones, it becomes imperative to address questions of their safety and durability, chief of which is minimizing the potential for freezing events during colder months. This document describes and explains the best practices for freeze protecting ceiling sprinkler applications in vented attics, as this is anticipated to remain the primary method of installation. The author intends that this document be useful to a varied audience that includes builders, remodelers, contractors and homeowners. Local requirements may vary from the recommendations contained within this document. Make sure to refer to your local code requirements to ensure the methods discussed in this document can be applied. Whenever procedures require specialized equipment or expertise, it is recommended those procedures be performed by persons possessing the necessary experience.