BASC Search

Structural system components of slab-on-grade foundation with grade beam

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Drainage techniques for slab-on-grade foundations

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Crawl space drainage: crawl space floor at or above grade

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Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade

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Basic foundation types: deep basement, submerged crawl space, flush crawl space, and slab-on-grade

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Drainage and waterproofing system components in a basement, single perimeter drain system, footing detail

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Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade with dual drains

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Right - Closed-cell spray foam is used to retrofit an existing rubble basement foundation wall.

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A concrete slab floor can be elevated above local grade as a strategy to prevent flood damage.

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Capillarity - Small Sacrifices, BSI-011

Reference

Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.

This exterior wall retrofit permits drying to the exterior of a sill plate installed on an untreated irregular foundation wall

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This exterior wall retrofit permits drying to the exterior of a sill plate installed on an untreated flat foundation wall

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Spray foam extends down the inside of the foundation wall to the uninsulated slab; because the wall lacked exterior perimeter drainage, the slab was cut and an interior footing drain was installed.

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The goal of foundation moisture management is to construct the basement, crawlspace, or slab in a way that keeps moisture from getting in in the first place

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Revised Builder’s Guide to Frost Protected Shallow Foundations

Reference

Report describing how to construct a frost protected shallow foundation (FPSF) as a practical alternative to a deeper, more-costly foundation in cold regions with seasonal ground freezing and the potential for frost heave.

Radon Fan

Guide

Guide describing how to install a radon mitigation fan to actively remove radon from the home.

Wrong - Class I vapor retarder over framed basement walls can cause condensation, mold, and rotting because plastic prevents drying to the inside; the outside should have waterproofing and vertical drainage, and the framing should be spaced from the wall.

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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).

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.

Pest Control Overview Guide

Information Guide

Information guide providing an overview of pest-resistant construction practices and guides in the Building America Solution Center for builders, contractors, and home owners.

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

Case Study

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.

Structural system components of slab-on-grade foundation with grade beam

Drainage techniques for slab-on-grade foundations

Crawl space drainage: crawl space floor at or above grade

Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade

Basic foundation types: deep basement, submerged crawl space, flush crawl space, and slab-on-grade

Drainage and waterproofing system components in a basement, single perimeter drain system, footing detail

Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade with dual drains

Right - Closed-cell spray foam is used to retrofit an existing rubble basement foundation wall.

A concrete slab floor can be elevated above local grade as a strategy to prevent flood damage.

Capillarity - Small Sacrifices, BSI-011

This exterior wall retrofit permits drying to the exterior of a sill plate installed on an untreated irregular foundation wall

This exterior wall retrofit permits drying to the exterior of a sill plate installed on an untreated flat foundation wall

Spray foam extends down the inside of the foundation wall to the uninsulated slab; because the wall lacked exterior perimeter drainage, the slab was cut and an interior footing drain was installed.

The goal of foundation moisture management is to construct the basement, crawlspace, or slab in a way that keeps moisture from getting in in the first place

Revised Builder’s Guide to Frost Protected Shallow Foundations

Radon Fan

Wrong - Class I vapor retarder over framed basement walls can cause condensation, mold, and rotting because plastic prevents drying to the inside; the outside should have waterproofing and vertical drainage, and the framing should be spaced from the wall.

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

Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Pest Control Overview Guide

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

Flood-Resistant Raised-Slab Foundations

Vertical Radon Ventilation Pipe

Site Drainage Practices to Minimize Localized Flooding

Capillary Break at Crawlspace Floor - Polyethylene Sheeting under Concrete Slab

Capillary Break at Crawlspace Floors - Polyethylene Lapped Up Walls and Piers or Secured in the Ground

Reduce Pest Intrusion

Design and Retrofit for Flood Protection

Footing Drain Pipe

Final Grade Slopes Away from Foundation