BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Spray foam insulation is installed in open wall cavities to air seal and insulate

Image

Insulating Heated Garage Plenums in Multifamily Buildings

Guide

Guide describing methods for insulating heated garage plenums in multifamily parking garages.

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.

Spray foam provides a critical seal between the subfloor, rim joist, and sill plate

Image

Technology Solutions Case Study: Retrofit Integrated Space and Water Heating - Field Assessment

Case Study

Case study describing how combination space and water heating systems can be used in homes with efficient thermal enclosures, decreasing energy consumption and costs.

Blown cellulose insulation completely fills the netted wall and ceiling cavities.

Image

Flexible Residential Test Facility: Impact of Infiltration and Ventilation on Measured Cooling Season Energy and Moisture Levels

Reference

Research report assessing the moisture and cooling load impacts of airtightness and mechanical ventilation in homes in hot-humid climates.

ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380: Standard for Testing Airtightness of Building, Dwelling Unit, and Sleeping Unit Enclosures; Airtightness of Heating and Cooling Air Distribution Systems; and Airflow of Mechanical Ventilation Systems

Reference

This ANSI/RESNET/ICC standard provides a consistent, uniform methodology for evaluating the airtightness of building, dwelling unit, and sleeping unit enclosures and heating and cooling air distribution systems, and the air flows of mechanical ventilation systems.

Cantilevered Floor

Guide

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

Slab Edge Insulation

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate slabs on grade in climate zones 3 and higher.

Air Sealing Recessed Light Fixtures Below Unconditioned Space

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal around recessed light fixtures below unconditioned space.

Double-Wall Architectural Feature

Guide

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).

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

Reference

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...

Right - A termite shield and a sill gasket are installed between the sill plate and the foundation on a raised slab foundation.

Image

Aerosol-Based Method Seals the Deal for Tighter New Homes

Reference

Fact sheet describing an innovative aerosol-based sealing technique for tightening building envelopes in new homes, involving pressurizing the structure and dispersing an aerosol sealant "fog" to autonomously identify and seal leaks, with real-time feedback through a standard blower door and laptop...

Advanced Framing: Insulated Corners

Guide

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

Solar-Reflective "Cool" Walls: Benefits, Technologies, and Implementation

Reference

California Energy Commission report presenting the concept of cool walls and providing guidelines for their building- and climate-appropriate use to conserve energy and reduce emissions.

Building Enclosure: Series Overview

Video

Energy Efficient Log Cabin Construction Workshop

Video

Video describing log cabin wall construction and insulation in Alaska.

Blown Insulation for Cavities of Existing Exterior Walls

Guide

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

Below Deck Spray Foam Insulation for Existing Roofs

Guide

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.