BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Types of Insulation

Author(s)

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE

Publication Date

May, 2012

Information sheet about types and installation of insulation.

Insulated Siding as Home Insulation: Guide for Users and Energy Raters

Author(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute,

Polymeric Exterior Products Association

Organization(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute,

PEPA

Publication Date

January, 2021

A guide for users and energy raters of insulated siding as home insulation.

Water Management of Non-Insulating and Insulating Sheathings - Final Report

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W,

Smegal Jonathan

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2012

Report summarizing current research, summarizes issues that have been experienced with current best practices, and recommends ways in which the best practices can be improved for water managing sheathings.

Unvented, Insulated Crawlspaces

Guide describing methods for insulating an unvented crawlspace or conditioned basement with rigid foam on the interior side of the walls to provide an insulated space for HVAC equipment.

Insulation: A Guide to Proper Installation

Author(s)

North America Insulation Manufacturers Association,

Insulation Institute

Organization(s)

NAIMA

Publication Date

March, 2016

Website providing builders with information about meeting RESNET Grade 1 criteria when installing insulation.

Insulating Existing Floor Overhang

Guide describing how to upgrade a wall with a floor overhang (or cantilever) on an existing home by adding insulation (rigid insulating sheathing and/or closed-cell spray foam) and air-sealing.

How to Install Cellulose Insulation

Author(s)

Holladay Martin

Organization(s)

Green Building Advisor,

GBA

Publication Date

March, 2011

Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

Insulation Installation Achieves RESNET Grade 1

Guide describing RESNET Grade 1 level installation of insulation in walls, attics, and floors.

Batt Insulation for Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to achieve RESNET Grade 1 installation standards, and meet/exceed code using batt insulation in existing walls.

Insulating Existing Floors over Garage

Guide with information about how to upgrade a garage ceiling when a portion of the interior of the house is located directly above the attached garage by adding insulation and air sealing.

Batt Insulation for Existing Vented Attics

Guide describing how to increase insulation in existing homes by installing batt insulation on the ceiling plane of a vented attic.

Blown Insulation for Existing Vented Attic

Guide describing how to insulate a vented attic in an existing home using blown insulation added to the attic floor.

Basement Insulation Systems, BA-0202

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2002

Report describing approaches to insulating basements in homes built to meet Energy Star levels of performance of heat loss reduction.

Exterior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide describing how to insulate a new foundation wall or an existing foundation wall by adding rigid insulation to the exterior side.

Insulation for Existing Crawl Space Floors

Guide describing how to upgrade a crawlspace floor in an existing home by adding insulation.

Blown Insulation for Cavities of Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing blown insulation into exterior wall cavities of existing homes with minimal disruption to occupants.

Rigid Foam Insulation for Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to apply an air control layer directly over existing wall sheathing and cover with two layers of insulating sheathing held in place by vertical furring strips.

Spray Foam Insulation for Cavities of Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to insulate the walls of an existing home with spray foam insulation.

Spray Foam Insulation Applied to Existing Attic Floor

Guide describing how to apply spray foam insulation to ceilings in existing homes.

Spray Foam Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide describing how to insulate an existing foundation wall by adding spray foam insulation to the interior side of the wall.

Exterior Insulation Implications on Heating and Cooling in Cold Climates

Author(s)

Herk Anastasia,

Poerschke Andrew

Organization(s)

Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,

IBACOS

Publication Date

April, 2015

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is interested in finding cost-effective solutions for deep energy retrofits (DERs) related to exterior wall insulation in a cold climate, with targets of 50% peak load reduction and 50% space conditioning energy savings.

Below Deck Spray Foam Insulation for Existing Roofs

Guide describing how to add spray foam insulation to the underside of the existing roof deck as part of the conversion of a vented attic to an unvented, insulated attic.

Attic Retrofits Using Nail-Base Insulated Panels

Author(s)

Mallay David,

Kochkin Vladimir

Organization(s)

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE,

Home Innovation Research Labs,

HIRL

Publication Date

March, 2018

This report outlines research activities that are expected to facilitate the adoption of energy retrofits by remodeling contractors and roofing contractors using retrofit panels which applicable to many existing house designs in most climates and markets.

Insulating and Air Sealing Existing Floors above Unconditioned Spaces

Guide describing how to insulate a floor over unconditioned space with conditioned space above by adding insulation and air-sealing.

Don't Be Dense - Cellulose and Dense-Pack Insulation, BSI-043

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2010

Information about dense pack, cellulose insulation.

Rigid Foam Insulation Installed over Existing Foundation Slabs

Guide describing how to insulate an existing slab floor by adding rigid foam insulation over the slab then installing a floating subfloor.

Protect Your Family from Asbestos - Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation

Author(s)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Organization(s)

EPA

Publication Date

January, 2015

This page provides important information on how to protect yourself and your family if you suspect that you might have vermiculite insulation from Libby, Montana.

Controlling Cold-Weather Condensation Using Insulation, BSD-163

Author(s)

Straube John

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2011

Article describing research encouraging use of exterior insulation to warm interior sheathing surfaces in walls and roof assemblies to reduce the likelihood of condensation during cold weather

2009 and 2012 IECC Code Level Insulation – ENERGY STAR Requirements

This guide describes IECC 2009 and 2012 and ENERGY STAR Certified Homes insulation requirements.

Knauf Insulation Air Duct Fabrication Manual for 1", 1-1/2", and 2"

Author(s)

Knauf

Organization(s)

Knauf

Publication Date

January, 2021

Website providing information about Knauf Insulation.

Energy Renovations Insulation - A Guide for Contractors to Share with Homeowners, Volume 17

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Adams Karen T,

Hefty Marye G,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

May, 2012

Document providing descriptions of the many insulation options available to homeowners, along with guidance on where, when, and how to install insulation throughout your house.

Rigid Foam Insulation Installed Between Existing House and Garage Walls

Guide describing how to upgrade walls that separate the garage from the house by providing a continuous air control layer on the garage side of the wall and adding rigid foam insulation.

Spray Foam Insulation Applied over the Siding of Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to install spray foam on the exterior of the existing home after framing over the existing siding.

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation Over a Sloped Roof

Guide describing how to re-roof an existing home with a sloped and add insulation above the roof deck.

2015 IECC Code Level Insulation – DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Requirements

This guide describes IECC 2015 and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home insulation requirements.

Application of Spray Foam Insulation Under Plywood and Oriented Strand Board Roof Sheathing, BA-1312

Author(s)

Grin Aaron,

Smegal Jonathan,

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

September, 2013

Report covering moisture and leakage issues associated with spray foam insulation application to the underside of roof sheathing.

Building America Existing Home Case Study: Insulated Siding Retrofit in a Cold Climate, New Paltz, New York

Author(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center

Organization(s)

BA-PIRC,

FSEC

Publication Date

April, 2015

Case study describing the application of insulated siding on an existing home.

Insulation was added to the walls and ceiling of this existing home from the inside as part of an extensive retrofit to avoid replacing original 1-inch shiplapped sheathing.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/29/2021 - 12:00

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 Part 2: 2x4 Walls with 1” to 1.5” Exterior Insulative Sheathing

Author(s)

Kochkin Vladimir,

Wiehagen Joseph

Organization(s)

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

June, 2017

The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel sheathing (WSP) as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 inches thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...

Roof/Attic to Exterior Wall Air Control Upgrade

Guide outlining how to retrofit an exterior wall and/or attic to provide continuous air sealing.

Support at Intervals for Flex Ducts

Guide describing how to hang ducts with supporting straps or saddles to adequately support ducts so they do not sag and are not pinched or compressed in a manner that would cause damage to the ducts, the duct insulation, or the duct air barrier covering.

Sufficient Cavity Space for Flex Ducts

This measure guide describes how to correctly install ducts, ensuring enough cavity space to avoid compression.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Stand-Off Furring in Deep Energy Retrofits

Author(s)

IBACOS

Organization(s)

IBACOS

Publication Date

May, 2014

Case study describing a stand-off furring strategy that minimizes the physical connections to each existing wall stud, uses spray foam to encapsulate existing siding materials (including lead paint), and creates a vented rain screen assembly to promote drying.

Sidewall Blowing Tips and Tricks

Author(s)

Wisconsin Focus on Energy

Organization(s)

Wisconsin Focus on Energy

Publication Date

March, 2003

High-density sidewall cavity insulation can be a major comfort and savings boost. It saves energy by slowing both conductive and convective losses, but only if the right things are done and done right. This always requires site-specific thinking.

Which Spray Foam is Right For You?

Author(s)

Zoeller William

Organization(s)

CARB,

Steven Winter Associates,

SWA

Publication Date

April, 2009

Document describing different spray foam materials including some pros and cons and technical specifications.

Home Performance Assessment

Information guide describing how to apply a whole-house approach to home improvement with energy efficiency upgrades, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort.

Attic Radiant Barriers

Guide describing application of a radiant barrier layer in the attic to block radiant heat transfer between hot surfaces and heat-absorbing surfaces.

No Excessive Coiled or Looped Flex Ducts

Guide outlining how to correctly install flex ducts without excessive coils or loops.

No Kinks or Sharp Bends in Flex Duct Installation

Guide outlining how to correctly install flex ducts without kinks or sharp bends.

No Ducts or Air Handlers Located in Garage

Guide describing how to design HVAC systems to be located within the conditioned space of the home, either in a utility closet or in an air sealed conditioned attic, basement, or crawl space.

Vinyl Siding Installation Manual

Author(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute

Organization(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute

Publication Date

October, 2022

Publication with installation guidance for vinyl siding.

Building Cavities Not Used as Supply or Return Ducts

Guide describing the use of building cavities as supply or return ducts.

JM Spider® Drill & Fill Installation Guide

Author(s)

Johns Manville

Organization(s)

Johns Manville

Publication Date

February, 2010

The purpose for this document is to provide basic guidance on the use of proven installation techniques that can be used by installers to help ensure correct “dense pack” application of JM Spider® in drill & fill applications.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Retrofitting a 1960s Split-Level Cold-Climate Home

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

September, 2015

Case study describing the retrofit of a 1960s split-level home.

Technology Fact Sheet: Weather-Resistive Barriers

Author(s)

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE

Publication Date

October, 2000

Brochure with information about how to select and install house wrap and other weather-resistive barriers.

Measure Guideline: Deep Energy Enclosure Retrofit (DEER) for Zero Energy House (ZERH) Flat Roofs

Author(s)

Loomis Honorata,

Pettit Betsy

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2015

This Measure Guideline provides design and construction information for a deep energy enclosure retrofit solution of a flat roof assembly.

Whole-House Fans

Guide describing the types of whole-house fans, installation details to reduce energy loss, and how to operate them for comfort and energy savings based on climate zone.

Building America Special Research Project - High R-Value Enclosures for High Performance Residential Buildings in All Climate Zones, BA-1005

Author(s)

Straube John

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

February, 2011

This report will review, and summarize the current state of understanding and research into enclosures with higher thermal resistance, so-called “High-R Enclosures.” Recommendations are provided for further research.