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Building in Extreme Cold, BSI-031

Reference

Article describing the control layers (air, thermal, and vapor barriers) needed to build homes successfully in very cold locations.

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.

Building America Efficient Solutions for New Homes: Case Study: Concord Cape Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing a Concord Cape Cod style home designed in August 2008 by architects and engineers at Building Science Corporation, who developed the drawing set and specifications for the high performance custom home in Concord, Massachusetts.

ETW: Building Profile: New - Albuquerque New Mexico

Reference

Information sheet with details on a building enclosure designed for Albuquerque, NM, as an example for building enclosures built for hot-dry and mixed-dry climates.

READ THIS: Before You Design, Build or Renovate, GM-0602

Reference

Document with important building science considerations, designed for members of the residential construction and remodeling industries, as well as owners and managers who work in affordable housing.

Building America Case Study Technology Solutions for Existing Homes: Bedford Farmhouse High Performance Retrofit Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing project conducted by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell (HfHGL) and Building Science Corporation (BSC).

Right – A sump pump with a perforated sump pit was installed in the crawlspace slab to reduce water accumulation under the slab

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BSC Information - Slab Edge Insulation for All Climates, Sheet 513

Reference

Information sheet about insulating slabs.

Provide a continuous air barrier from the rigid foam below the crawlspace floor joists to the rim joist to the exterior wall above

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An exhaust fan pulls damp air out of a retrofitted sealed crawlspace while drawing in dry air from the living space

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Measure Guideline: Hybrid Foundation Insulation Retrofits

Reference

Document providing information on basement insulation, air sealing and water management retrofits.

Before sealing and insulating the crawlspace, the windows were sealed, the window wells backfilled, and sumps pumps were installed that discharged to the gutter downspouts

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Wrong – This vented crawlspace has standing water because steps were not taken to address site conditions that led to bulk water flow into the crawlspace

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Wrong – A poorly sealed window and window well allow bulk water to enter the crawlspace from ground that slopes toward the structure

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Concrete Solutions, BSI-118

Reference

Report covering insulating crawlspaces.

Water-proof materials cover the exterior side of crawlspace windows in a crawlspace retrofit, while foil-faced rigid foams seals and insulates the inside face of the openings

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Right – Foil-faced insulation was added after the crawlspace was dried and sealed by diverting water runoff, sealing off crawlspace windows and vents, and adding sump pumps and exhaust fan ventilation

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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

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Complete water management strategy for a below-grade wall

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Building in Extreme Cold, BSI-031

Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Building America Efficient Solutions for New Homes: Case Study: Concord Cape Prototype

ETW: Building Profile: New - Albuquerque New Mexico

READ THIS: Before You Design, Build or Renovate, GM-0602

Building America Case Study Technology Solutions for Existing Homes: Bedford Farmhouse High Performance Retrofit Prototype

To control surface water, the land should slope away from the building on all sides

Building America Efficient Solutions for New Homes: Case Study: Habitat for Humanity Cold Climate High R-Value Prototype

Elevated slab construction with no water sensitive materials on first level

New Charleston, SC home's first level used as parking, storage, and access space

Saturated ground water

Designing for Floods, BSI-128

Moisture problems must be dealt with before sealing and insulating a crawlspace

Pest-Resistant Ground Cover at Foundation Perimeter

Right – Foundation drainage mat was installed over the waterproof membrane that covers the sealed crawlspace window

Below-Grade Water Management for Urban Sites

Rebuilding Houston, BSI–101

Right – A sump pump with a perforated sump pit was installed in the crawlspace slab to reduce water accumulation under the slab

BSC Information - Slab Edge Insulation for All Climates, Sheet 513

Provide a continuous air barrier from the rigid foam below the crawlspace floor joists to the rim joist to the exterior wall above

An exhaust fan pulls damp air out of a retrofitted sealed crawlspace while drawing in dry air from the living space

Measure Guideline: Hybrid Foundation Insulation Retrofits

Before sealing and insulating the crawlspace, the windows were sealed, the window wells backfilled, and sumps pumps were installed that discharged to the gutter downspouts

Wrong – This vented crawlspace has standing water because steps were not taken to address site conditions that led to bulk water flow into the crawlspace

Wrong – A poorly sealed window and window well allow bulk water to enter the crawlspace from ground that slopes toward the structure

Concrete Solutions, BSI-118

Water-proof materials cover the exterior side of crawlspace windows in a crawlspace retrofit, while foil-faced rigid foams seals and insulates the inside face of the openings

Right – Foil-faced insulation was added after the crawlspace was dried and sealed by diverting water runoff, sealing off crawlspace windows and vents, and adding sump pumps and exhaust fan ventilation

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

Complete water management strategy for a below-grade wall