BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Guide to Insulating Sheathing

Reference

Guide providing information on using exterior foam insulating sheathing in building wall assemblies to enhance thermal performance.

Builders Guide to Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for all Climates

Reference

A book about structurally insulated panels.

Impact Resistance of Advanced Framed Wall Systems with Insulating Sheathing as the Primary Sheathing, RR-0603

Reference

Research study describing the impact resistance performance of advanced framed wall systems with insulating sheathing as the primary sheathing from wind blown debris.

Analysis of Joint Masonry Moisture Content Monitoring

Reference

Report on adding insulation to load-bearing mass masonry buildings.

Thermal Bridges Redux, BSI-062

Reference

Article describing thermal bridging, construction practices that encourage thermal bridging, and solving thermal bridging through continuous exterior insulation.

Equivalency of SIP Walls to Light Frame Wood Construction Subjected to Seismic Loading

Reference

Article in the SIPA Technical Bulletin (No. 11) comparing the earthquake resistance of light-frame wood shear wall construction to residential construction with structural insulated panels (SIPS).

Mastic Home Exteriors Installation Guide

Reference

Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.

A Thermally Broken Steel Connection

Reference

Article describing methods for thermally isolating a garage in a Passive House-certified multifamily building.

High Performance Building Details - Advanced Framing II

Reference

Brochure describing advanced framing techniques.

Cantilevers, Technical Bulletin F2

Reference

Information sheet containing images and descriptions of cantilevers.

All About Larsen Trusses

Reference

Website article interviewing the inventor of the Larsen truss, a history of its use, and a discussion of its advantages and disadvantages.

A Bridge Too Far, BSI-005

Reference

Article describing thermal bridging, construction practices that encourage thermal bridging, and solutions.

Building Materials Property Table, Info-500

Reference

Document presenting some of the key technical properties of many of the most common building materials.

Measure Guideline: Deep Energy Enclosure Retrofit for Double-Stud Walls

Reference

Report on two approaches to retrofitting existing double-stud walls.

BSC Information - Common Advanced Framing Details for All Climates, Sheet 201

Reference

Brochure explaining the essential basis for advanced framing and some of the more common advanced framing details.

ETW: Wall - Double Stud with Spray Foam Wall Construction

Reference

Information sheet briefly summarizing double stud with spray foam wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

Advanced Wall Framing

Reference

Fact sheet describing advanced framing techniques that reduce the amount of lumber used in constructing wood-framed houses while providing more space for wall insulation.

Characterization of Framing Factors for Wood-Framed Low-Rise Residential Buildings

Reference

Case study characterizing the framing factors for the exterior walls, ceilings, and floors of 180 wood-framed low-rise residential buildings across the United States.

Extended Plate and Beam Wall System: Concept Investigation and Initial Evaluation

Reference

Report on high-R wall design called extended plate and beam that uses foam sheathing insulation with wall framing.