BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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.

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This vaulted ceiling has 7 inches of closed-cell spray foam plus an R-22 unfaced mineral wool batt for a total attic insulation value of R-68.

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Install a sealed enclosure over a non-IC rated recessed light fixture to air-seal the can and to prevent insulation from touching the recessed can light.

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The unvented attic is insulated along the underside of the roof deck with 7 inches (R-49) of closed-cell spray foam, providing vaulted ceilings and a conditioned knee wall space for ducting.

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Wrong: Closed-cell spray foam roof insulation was not thick enough to meet IRC levels so the foam surface is colder than the dew point of the interior air and condensation formed on surface of the foam

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The dark purple areas and long streaks in this IR camera image show extreme cold spots along the top of the walls, indicating a lack of both air sealing and insulation above the top plates of these walls.

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Skylight Shaft Walls

Guide

Guide describing insulation techniques for skylight shaft walls.

Floor Above Garage

Guide

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.

Roof/Attic to Exterior Wall Air Control Upgrade

Guide

Guide describing how to retrofit an exterior wall and/or attic to provide continuous air sealing.

Vented versus Unvented Attic

Guide

Guide describing options for insulating and air sealing at either the attic floor or along the roof line in new homes.

Dropped Ceiling/Soffit Below Unconditioned Attic

Guide

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

Three inches of closed-cell spray foam (R-19) and 7.5 inches (R-28) of open-cell spray foam was installed below the roof sheathing in this cathedral ceiling.

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Ducts in Raised Ceiling Sections

Guide

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

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

Ceilings and Attics

Reference

Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.

Building Code Training - Residential Thermal Envelope - Air Sealing

Presentation

Presentation describing the Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code air barrier requirements, envelope concepts including air flow and thermal properties, and common missed insulation and air-sealing opportunities.

Air Sealing Duct and Flue Shafts

Guide

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

Burried and encapsulated ducts in a ceiling plane

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Ceiling gypsum board has been installed

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Air Sealing Drywall to Top Plate

Guide

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

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

Case Study

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 Light Tubes

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal around light tubes.

Air Sealing Recessed Light Fixtures Below Unconditioned Space

Guide

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

Thin-profile attic eave baffle and vent

CAD File

Raised ceiling duct chase installation technique

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Right - Netted blown fiberglass fills ceiling joist cavities.

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Right – Spray foam fills the cathedral ceilings of the home.

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Air Sealing Bathroom and Kitchen Exhaust Fans

Guide

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

The seams in the ceiling drywall are sealed from the attic side with spray foam.

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Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Attics, Ceilings, and Roofs

Information Guide

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