Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Weatherization of residences: criteria for retrofit materials and products

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5318543

The Department of Energy (DOE) requested the National Bureau of Standards to review and update criteria for materials and products to be included in the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program. This Program was established by Congressional legislation in 1976 and was directed toward providing financial assistance to low-income individuals for retrofitting residences to conserve energy. In most cases, only energy-saving materials and products for which standards and specifications are available are to be included in the Program. In late 1983 DOE proposed rule changes to the Program which made it necessary to update existing criteria and establish, as appropriate, new criteria. Criteria are given for retrofit materials and products included in the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program. These materials and products are thermal insulation, storm windows and doors, replacement windows and doors, caulks and sealants, weatherstripping, vapor retarders, clock thermostats, and replacement glazing. The criteria are based on a consideration of factors such as thermal performance, fire safety, durability, quality, conformance to building codes, use, and ease of installation. The retrofit materials and products are listed by generic type along with pertinent standards and specifications. Precautions to be followed during their installation are also given for each of the items. Fire safety requirements for thermal insulations are recommended with regard to the use and locations where they are installed. 53 refs., 1 fig., 15 tabs.

Research Organization:
National Engineering Lab. (NBS), Washington, DC (USA)
OSTI ID:
5318543
Report Number(s):
NBS/TN-1201; ON: DE85016791
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English