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Duct leakage is a concern in the HVAC field, due to energy consumption, pressure balance problems, bypassing of the filter by leakage air, and contaminant draw from unconditioned spaces. Therefore,… Read More

Understanding the significance of the complex flow and pressure distribution problems created by the interaction of the building envelope with the mechanical system and climate can lead to changes in… Read More

Unvented-cathedralized attics are known to be advantageous in hot-humid and hot-dry climates, whereby, exterior moisture would be excluded for hot-humid climates, and attic mounted air distribution… Read More

Energy efficient homes are inherently airtight and require ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality. Of all the options currently available, the low cost and low … Read More

Sealed attic construction, by excluding vents to the exterior, can be a good way to exclude moisture-laden outside air from attic and may offer a more easily constructed alternative for air leakage… Read More

In cold climates, the primary purpose of attic ventilation is to maintain a cold roof temperature to avoid ice dams created by melting snow, and to vent moisture that moves from the conditioned space… Read More

This report is available from the Canadian Urethane Foam Contractors Association. It is reproduced here for convenience. A common question encountered by SPF applicators, building designers, and code… Read More

An hourly simulation study using DOE2.1E was conducted to determine the annual difference in energy consumption between various ventilation options in different climates.

The balance between wetting, drying, and safe storage is critical to the long term performance of building enclosures. Where wetting cannot be controlled to acceptable levels, safe storage and drying… Read More

The research reported in this paper is aimed at increasing the understanding of the hygrothermal performance of interior basement insulation systems by a combination of field monitoring of four… Read More

This paper documents the experimental methodology, details, and results and discusses how this information can be applied to modeling drained wall systems. Practical applications and research… Read More

This document summarizes the theory behind thermal insulation and building system heat flow control metrics and presents a literature review of selected research into this area. As the building… Read More

Concentrations of 54 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ventilation rates were measured in four new manufactured houses over 2-to-9.5 months following installation and in seven new site-… Read More

This paper reviews current ventilation codes and standards for residential buildings in Europe and North America. It also examines the literature related to these standards such as occupant surveys… Read More

The purpose of this research program was to determine the impact resistance performance of advanced framed wall systems with insulating sheathing as the primary sheathing from wind blown debris… Read More

A performance review of residential assemblies in the central Florida (Orlando) area during the three hurricanes in August and September 2004. The specific focus of the review is on the water… Read More

Two seemingly innocuous requirements for building enclosure assemblies bedevil builders and designers almost endlessly: keep water vapor out, let the water vapor out if it gets in. It gets… Read More

Just about everyone in the building industry can be guilty of using building terms loosely, and a prime example is with attics, roof assemblies. You can vent single components, you can vent… Read More

Good design and practice involve controlling the wetting of building assemblies from both the exterior and interior and different climates require different approaches. Ideally, building assemblies… Read More

Exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) and moisture are the major factors affecting the durability of paint coatings and the durability of the substrate. Ultraviolet radiation, moisture and… Read More