Report summarizing current research, summarizes issues that have been experienced with current best practices, and recommends ways in which the best practices can be improved for water managing sheathings.
Technical report describing research aimed to provide window manufacturers with foundational guidance for installing windows in walls with continuous insulation (CI), addressing critical aspects such as evaluating common installation methods, establishing acceptance criteria for window performance...
Research study searching for combinations of existing technologies that could enable a minimally invasive, cost-competitive, easily deployable method of upgrading soil-side foundation insulation in existing buildings.
Research study developing baseline engineering analysis to support the installation of thick layers of exterior insulation (2 in. to 8 in.) on existing masonry walls and wood framed walls.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is interested in finding cost-effective solutions for deep energy retrofits (DERs) related to exterior wall insulation in a cold climate, with targets of 50% peak load reduction and 50% space conditioning energy savings.
This report outlines research activities that are expected to facilitate the adoption of energy retrofits by remodeling contractors and roofing contractors using retrofit panels which applicable to many existing house designs in most climates and markets.
This page provides important information on how to protect yourself and your family if you suspect that you might have vermiculite insulation from Libby, Montana.
Report describing wall assemblies that use layers of rigid exterior insulation thicker than 1-½ inch and require a secondary cladding attachment location exterior to the insulation.
Measure Guideline research report providing simple, long term, and durable solutions when using tapes and flashing membranes in conjunction with the exterior face of rigid polymeric foam sheathing to create the drainage plane of a wall system.
Document providing descriptions of the many insulation options available to homeowners, along with guidance on where, when, and how to install insulation throughout your house.
Case study describing novel technique for installing exterior spray foam on foundation walls that uses high-pressure water sprayer and a “hydro vac” to remove dirt along the foundation wall.
Case study describing the techniques involved with insulating and air sealing tub space prior to installation in order to prevent drafts and moisture escaping.
Case study describing the proper techniques and steps in insulating and air sealing a cantilevered floor, as well as the consequences for failing to do so properly.
Case study describing a 2013 DOE Building America Top Innovation for the installation of rigid foam insulation on the exterior of home roofs and walls as a thermal, air, and moisture barrier.
Research report that validates Pinhole Insulation®, offering a cost-effective, minimally invasive solution for enhancing insulation and air sealing in enclosed roof cavities, improving R-value by 60% compared to traditional methods.
Case study describing how to air seal and insulate fireplace enclosures in order to limit the large amount of air leakage that their presence can bring and obscure from view.
Report exploring four questions to determine the level of risk associated with adding drained exterior insulation to the exterior of an existing home during an energy retrofit.
Research study describing the impact resistance performance of advanced framed wall systems with insulating sheathing as the primary sheathing from wind blown debris.
Document providing renovators and retrofit contractors an overview of considerations when including wall air sealing and insulation in an energy retrofit project.
Research report describing study of exterior retrofit approach for air sealing, insulating, and water management conducted by the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership team run by University of Minnesota.
Case study describing a DOE Building America 2014 Top Innovation about the development and testing of a new attic insulation method for dense packing the shallow attic space in manufactured homes with blown fiberglass insulation based on research conducted by the Levy Partnership.
This case study describes costs associated with the External Thermal and Moisture Management System developed by the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership for retrofitting roofs with rigid foam over the roof deck, especially on one and a half-story homes.
Case study describing the importance of proper flashing on a home with rigid foam insulation sheathing, as well as the steps for installing flashing and diverters.
The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel sheathing (WSP) as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 inches thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...
Case study describing a DOE Building America Top Innovation on HVAC ducts located in vented attics that are encapsulated in foam and buried in attic insulation.
Research study describing a number of promising foundation and basement insulation strategies that can meet the requirement for better thermal control in colder climates while enhancing moisture control, health, and comfort.
Document covering the technical aspects of buried and insulated ducts (BEDs), as well as the advantages, disadvantages, and risks of BEDs compared to alternative strategies.
Document developed to help residential new construction builders transition from using a three-coat stucco system to a one-coat stucco system installed over 1 in. of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation.
Fact sheet describing the Extended Plate Wall (EPW) a system that incorporates a 2-inch layer of foam plastic insulative sheathing within the framing for top and bottom plates, streamlining air sealing, window and door installation, weather resistive barrier application, and cladding attachment for...
Case study describing how a properly designed duct system is essential for keeping a home comfortable, managing indoor air quality, and maximizing the performance of heating and cooling equipment.
Case study describing a 2013 DOE Building America Top Innovation about construction of net-zero energy ready homes, by several builders working with various DOE Building America research partners including Steven Winter Associates, Building Science Corporation, Home Innovation Research Labs, IBACOS...
Report with test results that serve as a baseline of data for further material tests of other high-R wall systems and for comparison to whole-house wind pressure testing.