Guides A-Z | Building America Solution Center

Batt Insulation for Existing Exterior Walls

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

Batt Insulation for Existing Vented Attics

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

Below Deck Spray Foam Insulation for Existing Roofs

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.

Blown Insulation for Cavities of Existing Exterior Walls

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

Blown Insulation for Existing Vented Attic

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

Bracing of Roofs for Hurricane, High Wind, and Seismic Resistance

Guide describing ways to strengthen roof assemblies for resistance to hurricanes, high winds, and earthquakes.

Building Cavities Not Used as Supply or Return Ducts

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

Building Materials with High Moisture Content Not Enclosed

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

Building Science Introduction - Air Flow

Information guide providing background information about air flow in residential buildings.

Building Science Introduction - Heat Flow

Information guide providing background information about heat flow in residential buildings.

Building Science Introduction - Moisture Flow

Information guide providing background information about moisture flow in residential buildings.

Calculating Attic Passive Ventilation

Information guide describing how to calculate attic passive ventilation with example calculations.

Cantilevered Floor

Guide describing how to air-seal and insulate a cantilevered floor.

Capillary Break at Crawlspace Floor - Polyethylene Sheeting under Concrete Slab

Guide describing how to install a capillary break to help manage moisture in foundations.

Capillary Break at Crawlspace Floors - Polyethylene Lapped Up Walls and Piers or Secured in the Ground

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

Capillary Break Beneath Slab - Polyethylene Sheeting or Rigid Insulation over Aggregate or Sand and Geotextile Mat

Guide describing how to install a capillary break under a slab foundation using either polyethylene sheeting or rigid insulation installed over aggregate or over sand and geotextile matting.

Ceiling Fans (ENERGY STAR)

Guide describing ceiling fan components and basic steps for installation.

Cement Board Installed behind Tile and Panel Tub and Shower Enclosures

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

Central Heat Pump Water Heaters for Multifamily Buildings

Guide providing an overview of central heat pump water heater applications in multifamily buildings.

Certified Low-Emission Cabinets and Wood Products

Guide describing Indoor airPLUS construction specifications for low-VOC pressed wood materials.

Certified Low-Emission Carpet Adhesives and Carpet

Guide describing Indoor airPLUS construction specifications for carpets.

Certified Low/No Emission Interior Paints and Finishes

Guide describing Indoor airPLUS construction specifications for low/no VOC paints and finishes.

Chimneys Connected to Roof Structure

Guide providing information about flashing around a chimney to protect the intersection of the roof and chimney walls from water intrusion and anchoring of a chimney to prevent collapse in high winds.

Cisterns for Fire Suppression

Guide describing construction of cisterns for fire suppression installed on private residential property.

Clay or Concrete Tile Roofs

Guide discussing disaster resistance related to clay or concrete tile roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.

Clothes Washers

Guide describing how to install efficient clothes washers in new and existing homes.

Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) Testing

Guide describing how to conduct combustion appliance zone testing.

Combustion Furnaces

Guide describing combustion furnaces with selection and installation guidance.

Combustion Safety - CO Alarms Installed

Guide describing how to choose and install a carbon monoxide alarm.

Common Exhaust Duct Not Shared by Fans in Separate Dwellings

Guide describing correct ducting for exhaust fans.

Compact Air Distribution

Guide describing design and installation of compact duct systems for central heating and cooling systems.

Complete Window and Frame Replacement

Guide describing a complete window replacement in existing homes.

Condensation Control for Walls in Cold Weather

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

Condensation Control in Attics and Roofs in Cold Weather

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

Condensing Boilers

Guide describing condensing boilers and hot water heat distribution systems used for home heating.

Condensing HVAC has Corrosion-Resistant Condensate Drain Pan

Guide describing how to install a corrosion-resistant drain pan in condensate-producing HVAC equipment.

Continuous Air Barrier in Exterior Walls

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

Continuous Load Path Provided with Connections from the Roof through the Wall to the Foundation

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.

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing

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

Continuous Supply/Exhaust Fan Ratings

Guide describing how to select low-sone supply and exhaust fans for quiet, continuous operation.

Continuously Operating Ventilation and Exhaust Fans

Guide describing how to install continuously operating exhaust fans.

Core and Manifold Plumbing

Guide describing effective ways to distribute hot water using either a core (compact) plumbing layout or a central homerun manifold piping system.

Creating a Cool Room for Extreme Heat Events

Guide describing how to create a designated shelter-from-heat space in a home to help occupants successfully weather an extreme heat event.

Damp-Proof Exterior Surface of Below-Grade Walls

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

Decks are Wildfire-Resistant

Guide describing how to properly construct decks and other building attachments to be resistant to ignition in the event of a wildfire.

Defensible Space for Protection Against Wildfires

Guide describing how to effectively create defensible space between a residence and potential wildfire fuels in high-risk fire hazard areas.

Demand Plumbing

Guide describing the use of recirculation pumps to speed the flow of hot water to faucets for reduced wait times and savings in energy and water usage.

Design and Retrofit for Flood Protection

Information guide describing constructed flood protection measures to minimize damage and increase structural resilience during a flood.

Design for Extreme Heat

Information guide describing ways to design a home to be resistant to extreme heat.

Direct Vent Equipment

Guide describing categories of direct-vent combustion space- and water-heating equipment and combustion safety testing.