Roofs, Attics & Ceilings -

Air Sealing/Insulation

This guide describes IECC 2009 and 2012 and ENERGY STAR Certified Homes insulation requirements.

This guide describes IECC 2015 and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home insulation requirements.

Guide describing the installation of insulating sheathing above the roof deck on existing homes. This retrofit assembly is appropriate for homes with conditioned attics or where the retrofit is intended to create a conditioned attic.

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.

Guide describing how to air-seal and insulate a ceiling where the insulation is installed on top of the ceiling (on the attic floor) in a vented attic.

Guide describing ways to air-seal an attached garage in new and existing homes.

Guide describing how to air-seal attic access panels, doors, and stairs to provide a continuous air barrier at the ceiling.

Guide describing how to air-seal bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans.

Guide describing ways to seal drywall to the top plate of an exterior wall to air-seal the wall cavity.

Guide describing how to air-seal duct and flue shafts.

Guide describing how to air-seal electrical wiring throughout a home.

Guide describing how to air-seal around light tubes.

Guide describing how to air-seal modular home marriage joints.

Guide describing how to air-seal common walls between dwelling units in multifamily housing.

Guide describing how to air-seal around plumbing and piping penetrations through walls, ceilings, and floors.

Guide describing how to air-seal around recessed light fixtures below unconditioned space.

Guide describing how to correctly seal structural insulated panel (SIP) seams.

Guide describing the repair and reconfiguration of the air handler closet and platform when replacing the air handler.

Guide providing guidance on insulating attic eaves in new and existing single-family homes and multifamily buildings.

Guide describing how to insulate and air-seal attic knee walls and floor joist cavities under knee walls.

Guide describing application of a radiant barrier layer in the attic to block radiant heat transfer between hot surfaces and heat-absorbing surfaces.

Guide describing how to increase insulation in existing homes by installing batt insulation on the ceiling plane of a vented attic.

Guide describing how to add spray foam insulation to the underside of the existing roof deck as part of the conversion of a vented attic to an unvented, insulated attic.

Guide describing how to insulate a vented attic in an existing home using blown insulation added to the attic floor.

Guide describing how to avoid using wet materials and reduce moisture exposure in construction.

Guide describing causes of condensation in attics and roof assemblies during cold weather and ways to reduce this condensation.

Guide describing how ice dams form and how roofs can be constructed to prevent them.

Guide describing continuous rigid insulation installation procedures to reduce thermal bridging and help provide thermal protection.

Guide describing how to insulate and air-seal dropped ceilings and soffits to prevent air leakage.

Guide describing buried ducts in loose-fill attic insulation, a method that can only be used in dry climates.

Guide describing approaches to burying and encapsulating ducts in unconditioned attics to increase the overall R-value of duct insulation.

Guide describing how to provide a continuous water control layer across the roof assembly by sealing all penetrations for pipes, vents, etc. in existing roofs.

Guide describing how to correctly air-seal a wall with missing top plates or open wall cavities.

Guide describing air-sealing of non-ICAT recessed lights installed in accessible attics of existing homes.

Guide describing how to install insulation below attic platforms

Guide describing RESNET Grade 1 level installation of insulation in walls, attics, and floors.

A guide describing how to install low-sloped ("flat") roofs with insulation above the roof deck that resist wind pressures during high-wind events.

Guide describing steps to take to minimize indoor humidity in preparation for cold winter weather.

Guide describing requirements for sheathing and sealing the roof decking in accordance with the requirements of the IBHS Fortified Home Program's Hurricane and High Wind Standards, and other roofing considerations to increase the roof's disaster resistance.

Guide describing how to apply heavy membranes at eaves in cold climates to help guard against ice dams.

Guide describing designs and construction retrofits for roof assemblies to resist pressures at roof edges during high-wind events.

Guide describing how to seal roof valleys and how to seal around pipes, chimneys, and other roof deck penetrations.

Guide outlining how to retrofit an exterior wall and/or attic to provide continuous air sealing.

Guide describing how to apply spray foam insulation to ceilings in existing homes.

Guide describing methods for insulating an unvented attic along the roof line.

Guide describing a method for insulating an unvented attic by spraying foam insulation along the underside of the roof deck.

Guide describing construction of sloped roofs that are unvented and are insulated above the roof deck.

Guide describing an approach to re-roofing an existing flat roof to improve thermal, water, and air control performance.

Guide describing how to re-roof an existing home with a sloped and add insulation above the roof deck.

Guide describing the types of whole-house fans, installation details to reduce energy loss, and how to operate them for comfort and energy savings based on climate zone.

Guide describing wind washing and how to prevent it.