BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Walls, Windows, and Doors

Information guide describing things to consider before retrofitting walls, windows, and doors, including wiring, moisture protection, and lead paints.

Wrong - Water has leaked into the window assembly and has not been able to drain out, possibly due to blocked weep holes; thus, mold and moss are growing in the window assembly.

Publication Date

Thu, 10/10/2019 - 12:00

Wrong - Lack of insulation in the wall above this window combined with poor bathroom ventilation has contributed to mold growth.

Publication Date

Sun, 01/27/2019 - 12:00

Technology Solutions Case Study: Properly Sized and Located Return Air Inlets

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

August, 2012

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.

Smoking Restrictions in Multi-Family Housing

Guide describing how to reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in multi-family buildings.

Screens and Other Deterrents for Birds, Rodents, and Other Pests

Guide describing steps to keep birds, rodents, and other pests out of vent openings and other locations in new and existing homes.

Home Performance Assessment

Information guide describing how to apply a whole-house approach to home improvement with energy efficiency upgrades, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort.

Flooding Overview

Overview guide describing residential floodproofing steps.

Kitchen Exhaust Retrofit Duct Guide

Guide describing the retrofit of kitchen exhaust systems, including duct sizing and routing considerations.

Reduce Pest Intrusion

Guide describing ways builders can block off entry points and otherwise make homes inhospitable to all manner of pests.

Design and Retrofit for Flood Protection

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

Mechanical Ventilation for Attached Garage

Guide describing how to install an exhaust fan in an attached garage to pull fumes out of the garage and to depressurize the garage with reference to the home.

Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Hazardous Materials

Information guide describing things to consider before attempting retrofits that may include hazardous materials.

Air Leakage Testing Garage to House Air Barrier

Guide describing how to properly test the air barrier between the garage and house, and how to ensure the air barrier is tight enough to prevent garage air from entering the home.

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.

Whole House Ventilation Strategies for Existing Homes

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