BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Guide describing how to upgrade a wall with a floor overhang (or cantilever) on an existing home by adding insulation (rigid insulating sheathing and/or closed-cell spray foam) and air-sealing.

Air Sealed, Insulated Basements

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.

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing

Guide describing continuous rigid insulation installation procedures to reduce thermal bridging and help provide thermal protection.

Advanced Framing: Insulated Corners

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

Double Walls for More Insulation

Guide describing construction and insulation techniques for double wall framing.

Insulation Installation Achieves RESNET Grade 1

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

Batt Insulation for Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to achieve RESNET Grade 1 installation standards, and meet/exceed code using batt insulation in existing walls.

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.

Stucco Over Rigid Foam Insulation

Guide describing how to install stucco over rigid foam insulation in new and existing homes.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

Guide describing how to install insulated concrete forms to block excessive heat loss and gain though structural framing.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

This measure guides describes how to install structural insulated panels to block excessive heat loss and gain though structural framing.

Blown Insulation for Cavities of Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing blown insulation into exterior wall cavities of existing homes with minimal disruption to occupants.

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.

Rigid Foam Insulation for Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to apply an air control layer directly over existing wall sheathing and cover with two layers of insulating sheathing held in place by vertical furring strips.

Certified Insulated Siding: Quality, Comfort and Energy Performance

Author(s)

Dobson,

Brignati

Organization(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute,

Newport Ventures

This presentation will help you define insulated siding, understand R-value testing of insulated siding, describe proper installation of insulated siding, comply with energy codes and understand building energy performance program and software recognition.

Spray Foam Insulation for Cavities of Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to insulate the walls of an existing home with spray foam insulation.

Spray Foam Insulation Applied to Existing Attic Floor

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

Cladding Attachment Over Thick Exterior Insulated Sheathing

Author(s)

Baker Peter,

Eng P,

LePage Robert

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2014

Report on the stability of furring strips as a means for cladding attachment over walls with thick exterior rigid insulation.

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.

Air Sealing Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Seams

Guide describing how to correctly seal structural insulated panel (SIP) seams.

Advanced Framing: Insulated Interior/Exterior Wall Intersections

Guide describing how to frame and insulate exterior-to-interior wall intersections to reduce heat losses and gains though structural framing.

Don't Be Dense - Cellulose and Dense-Pack Insulation, BSI-043

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2010

Information about dense pack, cellulose insulation.

Controlling Cold-Weather Condensation Using Insulation, BSD-163

Author(s)

Straube John

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2011

Article describing research encouraging use of exterior insulation to warm interior sheathing surfaces in walls and roof assemblies to reduce the likelihood of condensation during cold weather

1 inch exterior insulation sheathing as attic eave baffle and vent

DWG

PDF

2009 and 2012 IECC Code Level Insulation – ENERGY STAR Requirements

This guide describes IECC 2009 and 2012 and ENERGY STAR Certified Homes insulation requirements.

Unvented Conditioned Attic with Spray Foam Insulation Below Roof Deck

Guide describing a method for insulating an unvented attic by spraying foam insulation along the underside of the roof deck.

Spray Foam Insulation Applied over the Siding of Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to install spray foam on the exterior of the existing home after framing over the existing siding.

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.

Floor Above Unconditioned Basement or Vented Crawlspace

Guide describing how to air-seal and insulate the floor above an unconditioned basement or crawl space.

Double-Wall Architectural Feature

Guide describing air barrier installation, insulation installation, and air-sealing for double walls (half or full walls included in a home design as an architectural feature that provides a more dimensional appearance).

Attic Knee Walls

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

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.

Continuous Air Barrier in Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to install continuous air barriers in exterior walls.

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.

Vinyl Siding with Integrated Rigid Foam for Existing Walls

Guide describing the design and installation considerations for recladding of above grade walls using insulated vinyl siding.

Air Sealing Attic Access Panels/Doors/Stairs

Guide describing how to air-seal attic access panels, doors, and stairs to provide a continuous air barrier at the ceiling.

Advanced Framing vs Traditional Framing

Publication Date

December, 2012

Author(s)

Risinger

Organization(s)

Build with Matt Risinger

Video describing traditional 2x4 16 inch on center framing versus advanced framing with 2x6 stud walls at 24 inch on center, insulated corners and headers, wall stud-ceiling joist alignment, etc. providing a strong wall with more room for insulation.

Cantilevered Floor

Guide describing how to air-seal and insulate a cantilevered floor.

Staircase Walls

Guide describing how to create a fully aligned air barrier behind a staircase.

Ducts in Raised Ceiling Sections

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

Walls Behind Showers and Tubs

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to walls behind showers and tubs.

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.

Walls Behind Fireplaces

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to walls behind fireplaces.

Support at Intervals for Flex Ducts

Guide describing how to hang ducts with supporting straps or saddles to adequately support ducts so they do not sag and are not pinched or compressed in a manner that would cause damage to the ducts, the duct insulation, or the duct air barrier covering.

Garage Rim/Band Joist Adjoining Conditioned Space

Guide describing the air-sealing of rim joists on walls connecting homes and attached garages.

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.

ETW: Wall - ICF Wall Construction

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2014

Information sheet that summarizes Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction including advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

Air Sealing Duct and Flue Shafts

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

Sidewall Blowing Tips and Tricks

Author(s)

Wisconsin Focus on Energy

Organization(s)

Wisconsin Focus on Energy

Publication Date

March, 2003

High-density sidewall cavity insulation can be a major comfort and savings boost. It saves energy by slowing both conductive and convective losses, but only if the right things are done and done right. This always requires site-specific thinking.

Air Sealing Light Tubes

Guide describing how to air-seal around light tubes.

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.

Mastic Home Exteriors Installation Guide

Author(s)

Ply Gem Siding Group

Organization(s)

Ply Gem Siding Group

Publication Date

April, 2015

Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.

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.

Advanced Framing: Minimum Wall Studs

Guide describing how to frame a wall with minimal wall studs to prevent heat losses and gains through walls.

All Electric & Fossil Fuel Free: The Ultimate Z.E.N. Home

Author(s)

Rich Binsacca,

Sam Rashkin,

Bill Rectanus,

Jack Armstrong,

Karla Butterfield

Organization(s)

Pro Builder,

EEBA

Publication Date

October, 2020

Webinar from a group of green residential home building experts on how the Ultimate Z.E.N. Home, a production-built home is able to operate comfortably and successfully without the use of fossil fuels, including insulation, heating and cooling strategies, and other energy efficient design measures.

Air Sealing Sill Plates

Guide describing how to air-seal sill plates in single-family homes and multifamily buildings.

Air Sealing Bathroom and Kitchen Exhaust Fans

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

Advanced Framing: Minimal Framing at Doors and Windows

Guide describing how to minimize framing around doors and windows to reduce heat losses and gains through structural framing.

Extended Plate Wall System Expands Adoption of High-R Envelope Solutions

Author(s)

Burkett Lena,

Gunderson Patti

Organization(s)

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

August, 2020

Fact sheet describing the Extended Plate Wall (EPW) a system that incorporates a 2-inch layer of foam plastic insulative sheathing within the framing for top and bottom plates, streamlining air sealing, window and door installation, weather resistive barrier application, and cladding attachment for...

Air Sealing Attached Garage

Guide describing ways to air-seal an attached garage in new and existing homes.

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.

Marine Climate

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

March, 2015

Ice Dams, BSD-135

Author(s)

Straube John

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2006

Article outlining the casuses and solutions for ice dam problems.

How to Design a Home for a Cold Climate

Author(s)

Diez Roy

Organization(s)

New Home Source

Publication Date

July, 2020

Article summarizing for potential homeowners items to check or demand from the builder in designing a home for a cold climate.

EIFS - Problems and Solutions, BSD-146

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

July, 2007

Report on problems and solutions with EIFS stucco wall cladding systems.

Small Commercial Building Fact Sheet - Building Envelope

Author(s)

Southface Energy Institute

Organization(s)

SEI

Publication Date

November, 2016

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

Air Sealing Plumbing and Piping

Guide describing how to air-seal around plumbing and piping penetrations through walls, ceilings, and floors.

Complete Window and Frame Replacement

Guide describing a complete window replacement in existing homes.

Tips for Installing a Weather Resistive Barrier

Author(s)

Keenan Watson,

Samantha Kambo

Organization(s)

DuPont Performance Building Solution,

EEBA

Publication Date

June, 2020

Webinar from Keenan Watson and Samantha Kambo of DuPont on how to correctly install a weather-resistant barrier on a home for code compliance effectiveness. Free EEBA login required.

Plaster and Drywall Assemblies Manual

Author(s)

Fowler Mark,

Stanley Bryan,

Coats Darin

Organization(s)

Technical Services Information Bureau,

Walls & Ceilings

Publication Date

October, 2014

Manual describing design, detailing, material selection and troubleshooting for plaster, IEFs, and drywall, with information on continuous insulation, air barriers, rain screens, and ratings for fire and sound.

Window Sash Retrofit

Guide describing how to modify an existing window sash for high-efficient windows.

Investigating Solutions to Wind Washing Issues in 2-Story Florida Homes; Phase 1

Author(s)

Cummings James B,

Withers Charles R,

LaHiff Ian L

Organization(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center,

FSEC

Publication Date

December, 2009

Research study describing field testing performed in 32 two-story Florida homes to characterize wind washing failures of the house air and thermal boundary.

Whole-House Fans

Guide describing the types of whole-house fans, installation details to reduce energy loss, and how to operate them for comfort and energy savings based on climate zone.

Building America Special Research Project - High R-Value Enclosures for High Performance Residential Buildings in All Climate Zones, BA-1005

Author(s)

Straube John

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

February, 2011

This report will review, and summarize the current state of understanding and research into enclosures with higher thermal resistance, so-called “High-R Enclosures.” Recommendations are provided for further research.

Indoor airPLUS Version 2 Reaches for the Sky: New Opportunities for Healthier Multifamily Buildings

Author(s)

Nick Hurst,

Gayathri Vijayakumar,

Karla Butterfield

Organization(s)

EPA,

Steven Winter Associates,

EEBA

Publication Date

October, 2020

Webinar from a group of indoor air quality experts on compliance with EPA's Indoor airPLUS program as multifamily buildings reach past five stories high, with special consideration taken for ventilation, air sealing, moisture control, and indoor air quality needs in larger residences.

Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2020

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

Air Sealing Doors Adjacent to Unconditioned Space

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

A Cost-Effective Path to Healthy, Affordable, Net Zero Housing with DOE’s ZER Program

Author(s)

Terrence Mosley,

Rick Wertheim,

Theresa Gilbride

Organization(s)

U.S. Department of Energy,

United Way of Long Island,

PNNL,

EEBA

Publication Date

November, 2020

Webinar from Terrence Mosley, Rick Wertheim, and Theresa Gilbride on providing high performance, high indoor air quality, and net zero energy usage to affordable housing projects in accordance with U.S. DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home program, focusing on affordable projects from the United Way of Long...

Mass Save Deep Energy Retrofit Builder Guide, GM-1302

Author(s)

Neuhauser Ken,

Gates Cathy,

Pettit Betsy

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

July, 2013

Guidebook providing useful examples of high performance retrofit techniques for the building enclosure of wood frame residential construction in a cold and somewhat wet climate.

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls Climate Zones 3-5 Part I: 2x6 Walls

Author(s)

Kochkin Vladimir,

Wiehagen Joseph

Organization(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs,

HIRL

Publication Date

June, 2017

Part I of the Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as exterior sheathing, gypsum board as interior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories in height. Walls with...