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Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations Reduce Costs, Save Energy

Reference

Article describing frost-protected shallow foundations with construction drawing details.

Small Commercial Building Fact Sheet - Building Envelope

Reference

Fact sheet describing building envelope performance measures applicable to residential and small commercial construction.

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations 1

Reference

Guides describing frost-protected shallow foundations as an alternative method for building an energy-efficient foundation for a house in a cold climate that uses less concrete and saves on labor.

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations

Reference

Article describing what the building codes say about frost-protected shallow foundations as a cost-saving alternative to conventional concrete foundations.

The Scary Crawlspace

Reference

Article describing the risks associated with vented and unvented crawlspaces in different climate zones.

Structural system components of a crawl space

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Crawl space radon control techniques

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Right – Polyethylene sheeting vapor barrier is installed and sealed to the crawlspace walls with mastic

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Wrong – The polyethylene sheeting vapor barrier is not attached to the piers with mechanical fasteners

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Crawl space drainage: crawl space floor at or above grade

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Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade

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Basic foundation types: deep basement, submerged crawl space, flush crawl space, and slab-on-grade

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Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade with dual drains

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A concrete slab floor can be elevated above local grade as a strategy to prevent flood damage.

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Capillary break at all crawlspace floors using ≥ 6 mil polyethylene sheeting, lapped 6-12 in., and lapped up each wall or pier and fastened with furring strips or equivalent

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Sealed Crawl Spaces with Integrated Whole-House Ventilation in a Cold Climate

Reference

Report on hybrid ventilation methods for insulated and sealed crawl spaces.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Sealed Crawl Space with Integrated Whole-House Ventilation in a Cold Climate

Case Study

Case study describing methods to seal crawl spaces in cold climate homes with integrated whole-house ventilation systems.

The goal of foundation moisture management is to construct the basement, crawlspace, or slab in a way that keeps moisture from getting in in the first place

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Revised Builder’s Guide to Frost Protected Shallow Foundations

Reference

Report describing how to construct a frost protected shallow foundation (FPSF) as a practical alternative to a deeper, more-costly foundation in cold regions with seasonal ground freezing and the potential for frost heave.

Radon Fan

Guide

Guide describing how to install a radon mitigation fan to actively remove radon from the home.

Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Reference

Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Group Home Energy Efficiency Retrofit for 30% Energy Savings, Washington, D.C.

Case Study

Case study describing a multifamily, affordable housing retrofit project that achieved 44% energy savings using readily available, cost effective measures.

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations Reduce Costs, Save Energy

Small Commercial Building Fact Sheet - Building Envelope

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations 1

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations

The Scary Crawlspace

Structural system components of a crawl space

Crawl space radon control techniques

Right – Polyethylene sheeting vapor barrier is installed and sealed to the crawlspace walls with mastic

Wrong – The polyethylene sheeting vapor barrier is not attached to the piers with mechanical fasteners

Crawl space drainage: crawl space floor at or above grade

Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade

Basic foundation types: deep basement, submerged crawl space, flush crawl space, and slab-on-grade

Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade with dual drains

A concrete slab floor can be elevated above local grade as a strategy to prevent flood damage.

Capillary break at all crawlspace floors using ≥ 6 mil polyethylene sheeting, lapped 6-12 in., and lapped up each wall or pier and fastened with furring strips or equivalent

Sealed Crawl Spaces with Integrated Whole-House Ventilation in a Cold Climate

Technology Solutions Case Study: Sealed Crawl Space with Integrated Whole-House Ventilation in a Cold Climate

The goal of foundation moisture management is to construct the basement, crawlspace, or slab in a way that keeps moisture from getting in in the first place

Revised Builder’s Guide to Frost Protected Shallow Foundations

Radon Fan

Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Group Home Energy Efficiency Retrofit for 30% Energy Savings, Washington, D.C.

Vertical Radon Ventilation Pipe

Capillary Break at Crawlspace Floor - Polyethylene Sheeting under Concrete Slab

Capillary Break at Crawlspace Floors - Polyethylene Lapped Up Walls and Piers or Secured in the Ground

Footing Drain Pipe