Guide
Description
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.
Reference
Description
Report describing approaches to insulating basements in homes built to meet Energy Star levels of performance of heat loss reduction.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate a new foundation wall or an existing foundation wall by adding rigid insulation to the exterior side.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install slab edge insulation when retrofitting existing slab-on-grade foundations.
Reference
Description
Document providing information on basement insulation, air sealing and water management retrofits.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to upgrade a crawlspace floor in an existing home by adding insulation.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate an existing foundation wall by adding spray foam insulation to the interior side of the wall.
Guide
Description
Guide describing principles of insulating and air sealing band joists as a stand alone energy upgrade, or as part of creating a closed crawlspace.
Reference
Description
Report assessing slab-on-grade foundation insulation energy savings.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate an existing slab floor by adding rigid foam insulation over the slab then installing a floating subfloor.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate closed crawlspace walls and band joist areas with rigid foam board insulation.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing methods to retrofit foundations and basements in climate zones 6 and 7.
Reference
Description
Brochure describing insulation approaches for homes with slab-on-grade floors.
Guide
Description
Guide describing different options for providing seismic and thermal resistance for homes with basement foundations, crawlspace foundations, or crawlspace foundations with a "cripple" wall.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to retrofit an existing basement floor or slab to reduce moisture issues.
Guide
Description
Guide providing information about treating bulk water drainage issues and moisture control measures in existing basements and crawl spaces.
Reference
Description
Presentation describing the challenges of insulating an existing basement, presented to the Building America residential energy-efficiency stakeholder meeting.
Reference
Description
Information guide describing issues with concrete floors, in multiple climate zones.
Reference
Description
Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install a radon mitigation fan to actively remove radon from the home.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing project conducted by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell (HfHGL) and Building Science Corporation (BSC).
Case Study
Description
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.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to create a capillary break at all crawlspace floors using polyethylene sheeting to manage moisture in crawlspaces.
Guide
Description
Guide describing ways builders can block off entry points and otherwise make homes inhospitable to all manner of pests.