BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Unvented Attic Insulation

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

Insulation Below Attic Platforms

Guide describing how to install insulation below attic platforms

Attic Eave Minimum Insulation

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

Advanced Framing: Insulated Corners

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

Insulation Installation Achieves RESNET Grade 1

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

Insulating Existing Floors over Garage

Guide with information about how to upgrade a garage ceiling when a portion of the interior of the house is located directly above the attached garage by adding insulation and air sealing.

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.

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.

Failure in attic insulation effectiveness caused by wind washing pushing insulation away from the edges of the attic space.

Publication Date

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 12:00

The attic kneewall and the open floor cavities under kneewall are both sealed and insulated in one step with spray foam insulation

Publication Date

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 12:00

Air Sealing and Insulating Ceilings in Vented Attics

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.

Spray Foam Insulation Applied to Existing Attic Floor

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

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.

Wrong - Wind baffle installation will not allow insulation over the top plate.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

A site-built rafter roof with a raised top plate allows for more insulation underneath.

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 12:00

Install a continuous air barrier below or above ceiling insulation and install wind baffles.

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - Wind baffle installation will allow proper insulation depth over the top plate.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Flat roof with cavity spray foam plus loose-fill insulation and gypsum board thermal barrier.

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2015 - 12:00

The soffit dam and baffle allow air to flow through the vents without disturbing the insulation covering the top plates

After all holes through the ceiling are air-sealed and the baffles have been installed, then the insulation can be installed.

Publication Date

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 12:00

Right-- IR photo shows how effectively spray foam insulated/air sealed attic kneewall and the floor cavities under kneewall

Publication Date

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 12:00

Limited attic access may make it necessary to use a bore scope when inspecting for missing air barriers and insulation in existing buildings.

Publication Date

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 12:00

Baffles provide an air space over the insulation to guide ventilation air from the soffit vents up along the underside of the roof deck

Publication Date

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 12:00

Raised heel energy trusses extend past the exterior wall and are deeper at the wall allowing room for full insulation coverage over the top plate of the exterior walls.

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 12:00

Skylight Shaft Walls

Guide describing insulation techniques for skylight shaft walls.

Floor Above Garage

Guide describing how to create an air barrier between the garage and the conditioned space above it to prohibit pollutants from entering a home's interior.

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.

Wind Washing

Guide describing wind washing and how to prevent it.

Dropped Ceiling/Soffit Below Unconditioned Attic

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

Ducts in Raised Ceiling Sections

Guide describing method for designing and installing ducts in a raised ceiling chase.

Install Top Plates or Blocking at the Top of Walls Adjoining Unconditioned Spaces

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

Air Sealing Drywall to Top Plate

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

Air Sealing Duct and Flue Shafts

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

Air Sealing Light Tubes

Guide describing how to air-seal around light tubes.

Attic Radiant Barriers

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

Air Sealing Recessed Light Fixtures Below Unconditioned Space

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

DOE ZERH HIA 2017 Case Study: Thrive Home Builders, Courtyard Rows, Lone Tree, CO

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2017

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2017 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 41 without PV and 8 with PV.

Air Sealing Bathroom and Kitchen Exhaust Fans

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

Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Attics, Ceilings, and Roofs

Information guide describing things to consider in the attic, ceiling, or roof before attempting retrofits of items including HVAC, wiring, or structural systems.