BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Right – This floor system on a column foundation is insulated using closed-cell spray foam rather than fibrous insulation

Publication Date

Wed, 09/01/2021 - 12:00

Rigid foam provides the code-required insulation values for this floor and wall assembly so that fibrous cavity insulation can be avoided, reducing risk of floodwater damage

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2022 - 12:00

Right – The floor and wall system on this open-foundation home use rigid foam rather than fibrous cavity insulation to reduce risk of water damage.

Publication Date

Wed, 09/01/2021 - 12:00

For homes built on an open foundation, provide a continuous air barrier by sealing all joints between the rigid insulation, floor support beams, rim joist, and bottom wall plate

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2022 - 12:00

Closed-cell spray foam insulates the floor above an open foundation; a protection board made of fiber cement is screwed in place under the floor joists to keep out pests

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2022 - 12:00

Closed-cell spray foam insulates the floor above a vented crawlspace; a protection board made of fiber cement is screwed in place under the floor joists to keep out pests

Publication Date

Sat, 01/15/2022 - 12:00

Green Coast Enterprises built this New Orleans home on piers so that the floor is 1 foot above the base flood level; borate treated framing and closed-cell spray foam insulation add to the home's moisture resistance.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

This raised-slab poured concrete foundation includes flood-resistant features such as a sloped grade, capillary break under the slab (gravel or sand), vapor retarder under the slab (rigid insulation), and capillary break at the top of the foundation wall

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2022 - 12:00

Flood-Resistant Pier, Pile, Post, and Column Foundations

Guide describing how to construct flood-resistant homes using pier, pile, post, or column foundations.

Flood-Resistant Crawlspace Foundations

Guide describing how to design or retrofit a crawlspace to reduce the risk of damage during a flood event.

Flood-Resistant Raised-Slab Foundations

Guide describing ways to construct a raised-slab foundation to increase a home's resistance to floods.

Site Drainage Practices to Minimize Localized Flooding

Guide describing steps that builders can take to reduce the likelihood of standing water and localized flooding around the foundation of a home during rainy conditions, with links to several full guides providing detailed instructions for improving water management in new and existing homes.

Design and Retrofit for Flood Protection

Information guide describing constructed flood protection measures to minimize damage and increase structural resilience during a flood.

Final Grade Slopes Away from Foundation

Guide describing how to properly grade a site so water will flow away from the foundation.