Guides A-Z | Building America Solution Center

Traditional Split Heat Pumps

Guide describing the split system heat pumps used for central forced air heating and cooling.

Guide describing how to install transfer grilles in bedroom walls to balance air pressures between rooms and to enable stale air to return to a central heating system's air handler for reconditioning even when room doors are closed.

Undercut Doors

Guide describing how to undercut the doors in bedroom walls to balance air pressures between rooms and to enable stale air to return to a central heating system's air handler for reconditioning even when room doors are closed.

Unvented Attic Insulation

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

Unvented Combustion Appliances

Guide describing how to properly ventilate un-vented combustion appliances such as sealed fireplaces.

Unvented Conditioned Attic with Spray Foam Insulation Below Roof Deck

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

Unvented Insulated Sloped Roofs

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

Unvented, Insulated Crawlspaces

Guide describing methods for insulating an unvented crawlspace or conditioned basement with rigid foam on the interior side of the walls to provide an insulated space for HVAC equipment.

Utility Room Space for Solar Thermal Systems

This measure guide describes the need to leave space for a solar hot water tank in the home’s utility room.

Variable Speed Pool Pumps

Guide describing replacement of a single-speed pool pump with variable-speed pump.

Vented versus Unvented Attic

Guide describing options for designing and locating the thermal boundary at either the attic floor or along the roof line in new and existing homes.

Ventilate Home Before Occupancy (Indoor airPLUS Requirement)

Information guide describing the need to ventilate a home before occupancy to reduce the concentration of VOC emissions in the home.

Ventilation Air Inlet Locations

Guide describing how to install ventilation air inlets in open locations at a safe distance from potential air contamination sources.

Ventilation and Exhaust Strategies for Multifamily Housing

This guide presents central and individual dwelling unit ventilation and exhaust strategies for multifamily construction.

Ventless (Condensing) Clothes Dryers

Guide describing condensing clothes dryers, which have a secondary heat exchanger and do not require exterior venting.

Vertical Radon Ventilation Pipe

Guide describing how to install a radon-mitigating vertical ventilation pipe in new and existing homes with various types of house foundations.

Vinyl Siding with Integrated Rigid Foam for Existing Walls

Guide describing the design and installation considerations for recladding of above grade walls using insulated vinyl siding.

Wall Bracing for Hurricane, High Wind, and Seismic Resistance

Guide describing how to construct the walls of a home with bracing to resist wind and earthquake loads.

Walls Adjoining Porch Roof

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to separate the porch attic from the conditioned space.

Walls Behind Fireplaces

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to walls behind fireplaces.

Walls Behind Showers and Tubs

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to walls behind showers and tubs.

Water Heater Elevated and Secured

Guide describing how to elevate a water heater above the base flood elevation to protect it from flood damage.

Water Managed Existing Sill Beams and Sill Plates

Guide describing how to insulate the sill beam or sill plate on the exterior side in a way that allows drying to the exterior, as part of an exterior wall upgrade.

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation over a Flat Roof

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

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation Over a Sloped Roof

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

Water Management of Existing Basement Floor

Guide describing how to retrofit an existing basement floor or slab to reduce moisture issues.

Water Management of Existing Crawlspace Floor

Guide providing information about treating bulk water drainage issues and moisture control measures in existing basements and crawl spaces.

Water Savings in Pools and Spas

Guide describing ways to save water use in residential swimming pools and spas.

Water Softeners

Guide describing how to determine an efficient and effective water softener.

Water-Efficient Landscape Design

Guide describing how to design a water-efficient landscape that will minimize the need for supplemental water by using the WaterSense® Water Budget Tool.

Water-Resistant Flooring

Guide describing appropriate flooring for wet areas of the home.

Whole House Ventilation Strategies for Existing Homes

Guide describing how to select and install whole-house ventilation systems for existing homes.

Whole-House Dehumidification

Guide describing options for adding dehumidification equipment to a home to maintain indoor relative humidity below 60%.

Whole-House Fans

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.

Whole-House Ventilation Strategies for New Homes

This guide describes how to install a whole-building ventilation system to provide adequate dilution of indoor air contaminants.

Wildfire Overview

Overview guide describing wildfire risks and construction strategies to increase the wildfire resistance of homes located in wildland urban interface areas.

Wind Washing

Guide describing wind washing and how to prevent it.

Window Attachments for Solar Control and Energy Efficiency

Guide providing information on interior and exterior window attachments for shading, glare control, noise control, protection from high winds, privacy, and reduced heat loss in winter.

Window Performance Grades and Installation Details for Multifamily Buildings

Guide providing flashing and air sealing details for windows in multifamily buildings, and describing the window type classifications per the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance.

Window Rehabilitation

Guide describing how to rehab a window in an existing home.

Window Sash Replacement

Guide describing how to replace a window sash in an existing home.

Window Sash Retrofit

Guide describing how to modify an existing window sash for high-efficient windows.

Windows and Doors are Fully Flashed

Guide describing how to install flashings to help direct water down and out of windows and doors openings in exterior walls.

Windows Have Impact-Rated Glass, Fire-Resistant Glass, or Protective Coverings

Guide describing how to strengthen or protect windows against wind and wind-borne debris during high-wind events including hurricanes and tornados.

Winter Weather Overview Guide

Information guide providing an overview of winter weather issues for home owners and building science solutions for home builders.

Wiring Conduit for Solar PV Systems

This guide describes the need for installing a wiring conduit for future solar photovoltaic installations.