BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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

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Utilities are commonly recessed into cutouts in the foam after concrete has been poured

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DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: e2 Homes, Winter Park, Florida

Case Study

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Winter Park FL that scored HERS 57 without PV or HERS -7 with PV.

Ice Dams, BSD-135

Reference

Article outlining the casuses and solutions for ice dam problems.

Install the starter strip for the vinyl siding along a chalk line

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This kneewall has no top plate and the resulting gap provides a wide-open pathway for air and vapor to travel between the living space and the attic

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Right: All joints in the rigid foam are taped to keep stucco out of joints for even drying. Mesh tape (shown here) is used with expanded polystyrene (EPS); acrylic sheathing tape or self-adhered membrane is used with XPS

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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

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How to Design a Home for a Cold Climate

Reference

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

gutters and good drainage

Video

Video from Cold Climate Housing Research Center explaining how to correctly 'fur' and outside wall for maximum insulation protection.

EIFS - Problems and Solutions, BSD-146

Reference

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

Wrong – Spray foam installed with voids

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Wrong – No top plate was installed.

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Thermal bridging is eliminated at the rim joist with the use of joist ledgers that are anchored in the wall

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Wrong – There is no weather stripping or gasket around the attic stair hatch

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Small Commercial Building Fact Sheet - Building Envelope

Reference

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

Right - Batt was properly split around wires to achieve RESNET Grade I

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Wrong – No rigid backing was installed on the attic knee wall.

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Right – Verify SIP headers are installed

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Air seal attic access panels and drop-down stairs to minimize air leakage.

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Tips for Installing a Weather Resistive Barrier

Presentation

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.

Right – Attic access door has foam and rubber weatherstripping installed that remains in contact when closed.

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Right - Continuous wall sheathing and blocking has been installed to brace the raised heel trusses.

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Plaster and Drywall Assemblies Manual

Reference

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.

Opportunities for Energy Conservation and Improved Comfort From Wind Washing Retrofits in Two-Story Homes - Part II

Reference

Report presenting the results of a study evaluating retrofit solutions for addressing the effects of wind washing on homes.

Complete Window and Frame Replacement

Guide

Guide describing how to complete remove and replace a window in an existing home.

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

Reference

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

ASHRAE -Thermal Performance of Building Envelope Details for Mid- and High-Rise Buildings (1365-RP)

Reference

Technical report describing the thermal performance of 40 common building envelope details for mid- and high-rise buildings, including analyses to optimize energy efficiency and reduce thermal bridging.

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

Reference

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.

Air seal the attic access panel with weatherstripping.

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