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Information on exterior wall construction, including materials, framing techniques, insulated concrete forms, sheathing, panelized walls
Consider using the products below to take advantage of their potential to provide one or more of the following in the homes you build: Affordability, Energy Efficiency, Quality & Durability, Environmental Performance, and Safety.
Guides for designing and building various types of construction
General recommendations and accepted practices
Evaluation of how products and systems perform in real life applications
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Advanced Framing: An Examination of its Practical Use in Residential Construction
The case study highlights the advantages of and barriers to widespread adoption of OVE practices.
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Building Concrete Masonry Homes: Design and Construction Issues
This document identifies the major issues related to the design and construction of a home with above-grade concrete masonry walls, and presents different approaches to construction details including the installation of insulation, floor framing, and doors and windows.
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Combined Axial and Bending Load Tests of Fully-Sheathed Cold-Formed Steel Wall Assemblies
The purpose of this test program was to investigate the structural capacity and performance of fully-sheathed load bearing walls of cold-formed steel framing.
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Design, Fabrication, and Installation of Engineered Panelized Walls: Two Case Studies
Two panelized wall systems are evaluated in terms of process of design, fabrication, and installation at two case study sites in high wind and earthquake-prone regions of the United States.
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Economical ICF to Cold-Formed Steel Floor Connections
This project identified and tested two fastening methods in the interest of optimizing economical connections of cold-formed steel floor systems to Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls.
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Effect of Cladding Systems on Moisture Performance of Wood-Framed Walls in a Mixed-Humid Climate
A 22-month field investigation of nine different north- and south-oriented wood-framed wall assemblies was conducted to determine the moisture performance of various wall construction types, most of which incorporated absorptive cladding.
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Heat and Moisture Transfer in Wood-Based Wall Construction: Measured Versus Predicted
This report describes a comprehensive laboratory study that evaluated the measured level of heat and moisture transfer in wood-based wall construction with the level predicted by MOIST, a personal computer program developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
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Light-Frame Wall and Floor Systems Analysis and Performance
This report provides analysis of light-frame wood structures, with emphasis on floor and wall systems.
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Lintel Testing for Reduced Shear Reinforcement in Insulating Concrete Form Systems
The purpose of this test program is to investigate the structural capacity and performance of the concrete lintels typically used in ICF construction.
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Measurements of Apparent Sound Insulation of Exterior and Interior Walls
Stewart Acoustical Consultants of Raleigh NC conducted tests according to ASTM standards E413 and E1322 to develop apparent Field Sound Transmission Class (FSTC) and Field Outdoor-Indoor Class (FOITC) ratings for the exterior walls of the buildings at the Hughes evaluation site.
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PATH Technology Inventory Review
This report describes the process and results of a short-term activity initiated by the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) to review and identify technologies in the 162-item PATH Technology Inventory that should be high-priority candidates for a concerted PATH technology transfer or diffusion effort.
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TechPractices: 21st Century Townhomes, Bowie, MD
In 1996 the NAHB Research Center, Inc. built four 21st Century Townhouses to test, demonstrate, gain experience, and disseminate information about innovative home building products, systems, and technologies.
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TechPractices: AFM Study House, Minneapolis, MN
Using readily available building technologies, such as insulating concrete forms (ICFs) and structural insulated panels (SIPs), this 4,964 sf home has an average winter heating bill of approximately $48 per month. Many of the technologies have the added benefit of reducing on-site labor.
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TechPractices: Baycliffs, Johnson's Island, Lake Erie, OH
How can you keep homes comfortable and economical when the thermometer can plunge to -10º F in the winter and soar to100º F in the summer? The developer of the planned 375-unit development solves the problem using a steel/rigid insulation panelized system with airtight, superinsulated walls, conditioned by a highly efficient geothermal heat pump drilled into rock.
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TechPractices: Carl Franklin Homes, Kensington Park, Dallas, TX
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), Geothermal Heating and Cooling units, and other PATH program technologies were used to produce houses that cost significantly less for low-income homeowners to operate and maintain than conventionally constructed units.
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TechPractices: Controlled Environment Structures
Controlled Environment Structures (CES) is a mid-sized builder operating out of Greenville, Michigan that has used R-Control Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) produced by AFM Corporation to build approximately 500 homes and additions over the past 11 years.
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TechPractices: FBC Infill Housing, Louisville, KY
Durable yet inexpensive, these houses are planned with energy- and cost-saving features that make them affordable to would-be home buyers with marginal resources.
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TechPractices: Grove at Patuxent Woods, Patuxent City, MD
In this project for seven affordable houses, it was possible to concentrate shared wastewater treatment systems in areas of the site with adequate soil conditions, allowing four houses to route their septic to a fifth lot, while two other houses shared a septic field.
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TechPractices: Healing House, BBH Enterprises, Dallas, TX
Located in a moderate income Dallas neighborhood, this house achieves its health and energy goals on a moderate ($65/SF) budget by pairing an innovative mechanical and ventilation system with a novel floor plenum design.
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TechPractices: Hillside Oaks, Carl Franklin Homes, Dallas, TX
What happens when you combine the technology of structural insulated panels with a geothermal heat pump system that costs less to operate and maintain than conventional HVAC systems?
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TechPractices: Home Front, Inc., Brian Bishop, Venice, FL
The panelized housing system developed by Brian Bishop of Home Front, Inc. gives homeowners the durability of a non-wood exterior system, the energy efficiency of full thickness foam insulation, and the lower cost of a panelized system that erects quickly without the need for heavy-lifting equipment.
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TechPractices: Lido Homes, Silvercast Western Homes, Newport Beach, CA
The new two-story homes at the Lido Peninsula Resort are designed by architects and built by factory workers on an assembly line.
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TechPractices: Long and Gordon, Dove Street, Boston, MA
In an area noted for its crime, a builder teamed up with the City of Boston to tear down a crack house and replace it with durable, energy efficient, two-story homes, strategically placed to tie together and revitalize the neighborhood.
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TechPractices: Medallion Homes, San Antonio, TX
Medallion Homes, a San Antonio home building company, is committed to constructing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly homes at an affordable price.
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TechPractices: Medallion Homes, The Craftsman, San Antonio, TX
Medallion Homes builds a low-energy, low-maintenance home through an environmentally-conscious design with a simple charm.
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TechPractices: NEDCO, Field of Dreams, Eugene, OR
The Field of Dreams residential community, completed in Eugene, Oregon, combines ingenuity at several levels of project delivery.
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TechPractices: Nicholas Lane Contractors, Anaheim, CA
Nicholas Lane Contractors (NLC) is a production residential and commercial framing company in southern California that specializes in both wood and steel framing.
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TechPractices: Ocean Colony Landing, Component Structures, Marshfield, MA
Component Structures, Inc. (CSI) uses innovative technology to address regulatory concerns and cost issues, creating an instant hit near the Boston waterfront.
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TechPractices: Stone Ledge, Leakwood, KS
With "totally maintenance-free living," this small developer went after a small but discriminating market to show there's always a demand for well-built homes.
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TechPractices: Watt Homes of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Watt Homes, headquartered in Irvine, California, has been building homes for more than 50 years and is currently one of America's fastest growing home builders.
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The Performance of Perforated Shear Walls with Narrow Wall Segments, Reduced Base Restraint, and Alternative Framing Methods
This report is part of an effort to develop, confirm, and enhance exterior shear wall design. The ultimate goal is to provide both safety and economy to housing construction in all wind and seismic areas in the United States.
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Water Intrusion Evaluation for Caulkless Siding, Window, and Door Systems
The purpose of this research is to design, evaluate, install, and monitor wall siding systems that do not require caulk, either initially or during routine maintenance.
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Evaluation of how products and systems perform in real
life applications
Frequently asked questions, answered by home building professionals
Recommended Web resources for additional information
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ABAA - Air Barrier Association of America
On this site you will find the resources to understand the concept of air barrier systems, design and specify air barrier systems into your building envelope system and find ABAA certified installers, distributors and manufacturers.
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Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries (AWCI)
AWCI represents acoustics systems, ceiling systems, drywall systems, exterior insulation and finishing systems, fireproofing, flooring systems, insulation, and stucco contractors, suppliers and manufacturers and those in allied trades. Geared toward members, this site has lists of publications, links, contractors, and more.
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BIBCA - Blow-in-Blanket Contractors Association
The Blow-in-Blanket Contractors Association serves insulation contractors throughout the US and Canada with industry news, training seminars, conventions, material specs, and networking resources. Check out their online newsletters and information for homeowners.
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Brick Industy Association (BIA)
The Brick Industry Association is committed to advancing the interest of brick manufacturers and distributors through technical assistance to architects and designers, marketing assistance to the industry, monitoring of government actions, and much more. This site offers technical information and design ideas for builders and homeowners.
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Building Stone Institute (BSI)
Building Stone Institute provides educational guidance on natural stone materials (granite, limestone, marble, quartzite, sandstone, slate and specialty building stones)and the stone industry. On this site you will find a glossary of terms, recommended practices, and restoration articles.
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Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau
The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau is a non-profit industry association representing Certi-label brand product manufacturing members, distributors, installers, roof maintenance technicians, and other associates. This site offers construction manuals, installation specifications, and product support.
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CIMA - Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association
The Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association (CIMA) is the trade association for the cellulose segment of the thermal/acoustical insulation industry. On this site you'll find technical bulletins, special reports, and more about cellulose insulation.
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Department of Energy Insulation Fact Sheet
A good overview of R-value calculation, types of information, link to model energy code and other information.
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EIFS Council of Canada (ECC)
The EIFS Council of Canada is chartered to help raise quality assurance in the Canadian EIFS industry, and to provide enhanced consumer protection through consistent guidelines and specifications for installers. This site has photos and specifications.
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EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA)
The EIFS Industry Members Association supports manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and applicators involved in the exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) industry. This site has information for residential and commercial builders.
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EPS Molders Association
EPS Molders Association provides the construction industry with the latest information on expanded polystyrene (EPS) product manufacture, use and performance. This site offers technical information and industry news.
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EURIMA - European Association of Insulation Manufacturers
European Association of Insulation Manufacturers (EURIMA) represents the interests of all major mineral wool producers throughout Europe. This site contains plenty of good information about mineral wool insulation.
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Exterior Design Institute
The Exterior Design Institute is a non-profit organization founded for the purpose of training and certifying Third Party Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) Inspectors and Moisture Analysts to promote quality control within the EIFS industry. This site answers some questions about EIFS inspection.
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ICAA - Insulation Contractors Association of America
The Insulation Contractors Association of America was created to be the only national voice representing both small and large residential and commercial insulation contractors. This site has information for consumers, builders, and code officials.
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ICF Web
Purchase publications, find products and professionals, and get answers about Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF).
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ICFA - Insulating Concrete Form Association
The Insulating Concrete Form Association (ICFA) promotes the use of ICFs, and helps overcome obstacles to industry growth. This site has a lot of technical information for builders.
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Insulating Concrete Form Association
The business association representing the ICF industry through promotion, codes and
standards, research, partnering and education.
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Marble Institute of America (MIA)
The Marble Institute of America promotes the use of natural stone and is the authoritative source of informaton on the standards of workmanship and practice and suitable application of stone products. This site offers information on the types of stone, their uses, and maintenance.
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Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA)
MCAA represents masonry contractors and suppliers in national legislative and political affairs, codes and standards composition, workforce development, education, market promotion and general industry advocacy. Their offers publications and resources for members, building professionals, and consumers.
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Masonry Advisory Council - Fire Safety
Some online articles to help you determine the fire rating of a given assembly.
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NAIMA - North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
NAIMA concentrates on promoting energy efficiency and environmental preservation through the use of fiber glass, rock wool and slag wool insulation products, while encouraging safe production and use of these products.
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National Paint & Coatings Association (NPCA)
National Paint & Coatings Associations represents some 400 paint and coatings manufacturers, raw materials suppliers and distributors. This site has much information for consumers, professionals, and members.
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National Tile Contractor Association (NTCA)
The National Tile Contractors Association is a non-profit trade association serving every segment of the industry. Their Tileletter trade magazine has many useful articles.
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NIA - National Insulation Association
The National Insulation Association (NIA) strives to be the authority on the insulation industry while increasing awareness for the need and benefits of insulation. This site offers a lot of technical information about insulation and its installation.
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Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau (NWCB)
The Northwest Wall & Ceiling Bureau (NWCB) is an international trade association encompassing all wall and ceiling industry products and systems available for interior and exterior construction.
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Paint Quality Institute
Articles, ideas, and tips for professionals and homeowners. The Paint Quality Institute has extensive information on paints and painting.
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PIMA - The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) is the national trade association that represents polyiso insulation manufacturers and suppliers to the polyiso industry. This site has product specs, technical bulletins, performance data, and more.
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Residential Compliance Using REScheck
The REScheck (formerly MECcheck) materials have been developed to simplify and clarify code compliance with the Model Energy Code (MEC), the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and a number of state codes. Download REScheck software to your computer, or use REScheck online.
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Shear Wall Design Guide
Design guidelines with 1) plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) on the exterior surface, with or without gypsum wall board (GWB) on the interior wall surface, 2) GWB on both surfaces, 3) steel side, and 4) steel X-bracing on one side.
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Simply Insulate
The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has created this website to aide homeowners with their building decisions and provide tips on choosing and installing insulation.
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SIPA - Structural Insulated Panel Association
The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a non-profit trade association representing manufacturers, suppliers, fabricators/distributors, design professionals, and builders committed to providing quality structural insulated panels for all segments of the construction industry. This site has a lot of technical information about SIPs.
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Steel Stud Manufacturers Association
Steel Stud Manufacturers Association (SSMA)represents manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of cold-formed steel framing members to the residential and light commercial construction industry. Check our their online technical library.
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SWRI - Sealant, Waterproofing, and Restoration Institute
The Sealant, Waterproofing, and Restoration Institute (SWRI) is an international trade association that represents the commercial sealant, waterproofing and restoration construction industry.
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The Masonry Society
The Masonry Society is a professional, technical, and educational association dedicated to the advancement of knowledge on masonry. This site has information about the association's services and publications.
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Trim Technologies LLC
Trim Technologies, LLC's patented stucco enhancement systems is used for exterior details and projections for commercial and residential projects.
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Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI)
The Vinyl Siding Institute is a trade association for manufacturers of vinyl siding and suppliers of raw materials, equipment and services to the vinyl siding industry. This site offers an installation guide, maintenance guide, and more.
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Walls and Ceilings Magazine
Walls and Ceilings covers all aspects of the industry: drywall, lath and plaster, stucco, ceilings and acoustics, exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS), fireproofing, metal framing and architectural decorative ornamentation. They have articles, news, resources, and more.
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Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA)
This site has technical, product, and environmental information about cedar lumber. It also presents an Architects' Showcase and do-it-yourself projects.
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