Guides A-Z

Guide describing how to frame and insulate corners to reduce heat losses and gains though structural framing.

Guide describing how to insulate headers over doors and windows to reduce heat loss and heat gain through solid wood framing.

Guide describing how to frame and insulate exterior-to-interior wall intersections to reduce heat losses and gains though structural framing.

Guide describing how to minimize framing around doors and windows to reduce heat losses and gains through structural framing.

Guide describing how to frame a wall with minimal wall studs to prevent heat losses and gains through walls.

Guide describing how to insulate a basement to improve the overall thermal performance of the building and provide more dry, usable conditioned space for home occupants and HVAC equipment.

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

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 common walls between dwelling units in multifamily housing.

Guide describing how to air-seal sill plates in 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 how to achieve RESNET Grade 1 installation standards, and meet/exceed code using batt insulation in existing walls.

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

Guide describing blown insulation into exterior wall cavities of existing homes with minimal disruption to occupants.

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

Guide describing how to create a capillary break at all crawlspace floors using polyethylene sheeting to manage moisture in crawlspaces.

Guide describing how to install moisture-resistant materials on walls behind showers and tubs to help manage moisture.

Guide describing vapor retarder permeability, insulation interaction, and example construction in a hot-humid climate.

Guide describing ways to construct wall assemblies in cold climates to minimize the likelihood of condensation formation inside the walls.

Guide describing how to install continuous air barriers in exterior walls.

Guide describing how to provide a strong continuous load path from the roof through the wall to the foundation to ensure a structurally sound building and increase racking resistance in hurricanes, high winds, tornados, and earthquakes.

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

Guide describing how to apply water management strategies to below grade walls.

Guide describing construction and insulation techniques for double wall framing.

Guide describing air barrier installation, insulation installation, and air-sealing for double walls (half or full walls included in a home design as an architectural feature that provides a more dimensional appearance).

Guide describing installation of a fully sealed continuous weather resistant barrier to provide a drainage plane to keep rainwater out of above-grade walls.

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

Guide describing method for installing ducts in a duct chase above a dropped ceiling.

Guide describing how to insulate a new foundation wall or an existing foundation wall by adding rigid insulation to the exterior side.

Guide describing how to apply flashing to the bottom of exterior walls to create a continuous drainage plane.

Guide describing how to install and properly integrate flashing at the intersection of the wall and roof on an existing home.

Guide describing how to install flashing that is integrated with air and water control layers around piping, vents, and other wall penetrations as part of an exterior wall retrofit.

Guide describing the air-sealing of rim joists on walls connecting homes and attached garages.

Guide describing materials and methods for incorporating thermal mass into the construction of a home for temperature regulation, energy savings, and resistance to extreme heat and cold.

Guide describing the use of building cavities as supply or return ducts.

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

Guide describing how to install insulated concrete forms to block excessive heat loss and gain though structural framing.

Guide describing how to upgrade a wall with a floor overhang (or cantilever) on an existing home by adding insulation (rigid insulating sheathing and/or closed-cell spray foam) and air-sealing.

Guide describing how to brace gable end walls to resist wind pressures.

Guide describing how to select the siding materials best suited to withstand hazards the home is likely to face within its lifetime.

Guide describing ways to retrofit an existing roof to increase its resistance to damage during hurricanes, high winds, and earthquakes.

Guide describing how to insulate closed crawlspace walls and band joist areas with rigid foam board insulation.