BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Install wood framing cross pieces in the attic rafter bays on each side of the duct chase

Energy Efficient Log Cabin Construction Workshop

Publication Date

May, 2013

Organization(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center,

CCHRC

Video describing log cabin wall construction and insulation in Alaska.

Heated recirculation plenum spaces can be installed in parking garages in cold climates to prevent pipes from freezing and warm the floor of occupied space directly above the garage.

Publication Date

Sat, 09/14/2024 - 12:00

This assembly can be used to thermally isolate heated or partially heated garages with slab foundations from the exterior in multifamily row houses/townhouses in IECC Climate Zones 3 and higher.

Publication Date

Sat, 09/14/2024 - 12:00

Airflow within drop-in ceiling assemblies is generally not a concern due to the limited vertical height. However, airflow within air gaps in walls is a concern due to the much larger vertical height.

Publication Date

Sat, 09/14/2024 - 12:00

DOE ZERH 2013 Case Study: e2 Homes Winter Park, Florida [2-page summary version]

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

January, 2013

Case study describing the first certified DOE Zero Energy Ready Home—the “Wilson Residence” in Winter Park, Florida.

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

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2013

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.

Marine Climate

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

March, 2015

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

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Preferred Builders, Old Greenwich, Connecticut

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

April, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Old Greenwich CT, that scored HERS 42 without PV and HERS 20 with PV.

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

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

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

January, 2013

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.

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

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 12:00

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.

Wrong – Spray foam installed with voids

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 12:00

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

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

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

Wrong – No top plate was installed.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

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.

gutters and good drainage

Publication Date

October, 2011

Author(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center

Organization(s)

CCHRC

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

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.

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

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Verify SIP headers are installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

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.

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

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

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

Author(s)

Withers Charles R,

Cummings James B

Organization(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center,

FSEC

Publication Date

September, 2010

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

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.

Air seal the attic access panel with weather stripping

Reference

Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing, Volume 10

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:00

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.

Air seal the attic access pull-down stairs opening with weather stripping

Reference

Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing, Volume 10

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:00

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.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Treasure Homes Inc.

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

March, 2014

Case study describing the family-run Treasure Homes that achieved a HERS rating of 46 without PV on its prototype “Gem” home, located on the blustery shores of Lake Michigan in northern Indiana.

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.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Conway Street Apartments - Greenfield, Massachusetts

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

December, 2014

Case study describing a deep energy retrofit, turning an old school into 12 high-end apartments in Greenfield, MA.

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

Author(s)

Kochkin Vladimir,

Wiehagen Joseph

Organization(s)

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE,

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.

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...

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: One Sky Homes, Cottle Zero Net Energy Home, San Jose, CA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 69 without PV and -1 with PV.

Insert Replacement Window

Guide describing how to insert a replacement window in an existing home.

Air Sealing Modular Home Marriage Joints

Guide describing how to air-seal modular home marriage joints.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Tom Walsh & Co., New Columbia, Portland, OR

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

February, 2013

Case study describing a new construction building project of 20 homes that earned HERS scores that represent greater than 50% energy savings in heating and cooling over the 2004 IECC.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: M Street Homes, Smartlux on Greenpark Houston, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 45 without PV and 32 with PV and is the first home in the world to use a tri-generation system to supply electricity, heating, and cooling on site.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Lancaster County Career and Technology Center Green Home 3 - Mount Joy, Pennsylvania

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

HIRL

Publication Date

December, 2014

Case study describing the Green Home 3 project, which achieved a 44% whole-house energy savings over the Building America New Construction B10 Benchmark, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certification, and National Green Building Standard Gold-level certification.

Air Sealing Electrical Wiring

Guide describing how to air-seal electrical wiring throughout a home.

Window Sash Replacement

Guide describing how to replace a window sash in an existing home.

Calculating Attic Passive Ventilation

Information guide describing how to calculate attic passive ventilation with example calculations.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Devoted Builders, LLC, Mediterranean Villas, Pasco, WA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

February, 2013

Case study describing 50% energy saving projects for new multifamily homes in cold climates.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Schneider Homes, Inc., Village at Miller Creek, Burien, WA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

February, 2013

Case study describing new home construction in the marine climate that achieved 50% savings over the 2004 IECC.

DOE ZERH HIA 2017 Case Study: Thrive Home Builders, Lowry Plan, Denver, CO

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2017

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2017 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 38 without PV and 4 with PV.