BASC Search

Air-seal exterior doors to minimize air leakage.

Image

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.

Air Sealed, Insulated Basements

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate a basement to improve the overall thermal performance of the building and provide more dry, usable conditioned space for home occupants and HVAC equipment.

Air Sealing Doors Adjacent to Unconditioned Space

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal doors that are next to unconditioned spaces.

Building Science for Dry Climates 5 - Building Shell, Air Sealing, & Attics

Presentation

Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically building envelope, air sealing, and attics. Part 5 of 7.

Air seal door and window rough openings with backer rod, caulk, or nonexpanding foam

Image

Wrong – If the insulated sheathing will serve as an air barrier and drainage plane, any cuts and seams must be taped or sealed.

Image

Fully Sealed Continuous Weather Resistance Barrier (1)

Video

Video describing how to apply a fully sealed continuous weather barrier.

Attic Knee Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate and air-seal attic knee walls and floor joist cavities under knee walls.

Install an ENERGY STAR labeled insulated door with an automatic closer. Weather strip the door frame

Image

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Pine Mountain Builders, Pine Mountain, Georgia

Case Study

Case study describing a builder in Georgia that designs energy-efficient homes for a green community, yielding homes with HERS scores as lowas 59 and electric bills as low as $50 a month.

The thermal boundary for a gable roof can be located at either a) the flat ceiling with a vented attic or b) the roof line for an unvented attic

Image

A low-sloped shed roof with the thermal boundary located at either a) the flat ceiling with a vented attic or b) the roof line for an unvented attic

Image

A 1- and ½-story home with a room located in the attic and the thermal boundary located at either a) the walls and ceiling of the attic room with small vented attic spaces or b) the roof line for an unvented attic

Image

Air-seal exterior doors to minimize air leakage.

Air Sealing Drywall to Top Plate

Air Sealed, Insulated Basements

Air Sealing Doors Adjacent to Unconditioned Space

Building Science for Dry Climates 5 - Building Shell, Air Sealing, & Attics

Air seal door and window rough openings with backer rod, caulk, or nonexpanding foam

Wrong – If the insulated sheathing will serve as an air barrier and drainage plane, any cuts and seams must be taped or sealed.

Fully Sealed Continuous Weather Resistance Barrier (1)

Attic Knee Walls

Install an ENERGY STAR labeled insulated door with an automatic closer. Weather strip the door frame

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Pine Mountain Builders, Pine Mountain, Georgia

The thermal boundary for a gable roof can be located at either a) the flat ceiling with a vented attic or b) the roof line for an unvented attic

A low-sloped shed roof with the thermal boundary located at either a) the flat ceiling with a vented attic or b) the roof line for an unvented attic

A 1- and ½-story home with a room located in the attic and the thermal boundary located at either a) the walls and ceiling of the attic room with small vented attic spaces or b) the roof line for an unvented attic

Attic Eave Minimum Insulation

Mass Save Deep Energy Retrofit Builder Guide, GM-1302

gutters and good drainage

Right – Weatherstripping has been installed and remains in contact when the door is closed.

Wrong – There is visible light around the door because no weather stripping has been installed.

Below Deck Spray Foam Insulation for Existing Roofs

Low-E Exterior Storm Windows