BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Conceptual insulation at cape-style roof - roof cavity insulation with rigid insulation closure

CAD File

Unvented Attic Insulation

Guide

Guide describing methods for insulating an unvented attic along the roof line.

Conceptual insulation at cape-style roof - ceiling and knee wall cavity insulation

CAD File

Attic Eave Minimum Insulation

Guide

Guide providing guidance on insulating attic eaves in new and existing single-family homes and multifamily buildings.

Unvented Insulated Sloped Roofs

Guide

Guide describing construction of unvented, sloped, insulated roof assemblies in high wind zone areas.

Detail of an unvented cathedralized attic showing air-impermeable spray foam insulation plus batt insulation installed on the underside of the roof deck.

Image

Right – Battens were installed above the cork insulation to provide a ventilating layer between the insulation and the roof sheathing on this “hot roof” design.

Image

Above Deck Rigid Foam Insulation for Existing Roofs

Guide

Guide describing the installation of insulating sheathing above the roof deck on existing homes. This retrofit assembly is appropriate for homes with conditioned attics or where the retrofit is intended to create a conditioned attic.

Below Deck Spray Foam Insulation for Existing Roofs

Guide

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

Reference

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.

2x4 Raised Truss - Insulation Below Roof Deck CAD

CAD File

Attic Air Sealing, Insulating, and Ventilating for Ice Dam Prevention

Information Guide

Information guide describing proper attic air-sealing, insulation, and ventilation to combat ice dam formation on roofs in cold climate zones.

Wrong - The roof insulation panels for this building were not installed in multiple layers with joints offset. The snow melt pattern shows thermal bypasses at the insulation panel joints.

Image

Insulate and air seal the shaft around a skylight in a vented attic

Image

Right – Baffles maintain air flow above attic insulation

Image

Roofing membrane is installed over polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation and insulation cover board that has been cut to fit around locations for blocking for the PV system rack

Image

Right - Spray foam insulation has been sprayed onto the underside of the sloped roof and the gable end wall to provide a sealed, insulated attic for housing the HVAC ducts

Image

Air Sealing, Insulating, and Venting Attics and Roofs to Reduce Heat Gain

Information Guide

Information guide providing links to guides describing specific ways to air-seal, insulate, and ventilate attics and roofs to minimize heat gain in new and existing homes.

To reduce the risk of condensation on the interior of the roof sheathing in cold weather, the ratio of exterior (above-deck) insulation must be increased as a percent of total attic insulation as outside temperature decreases

Image

Traditional roof trusses pinch insulation where the roof meets the walls.

Image

Unvented Conditioned Attic with Spray Foam Insulation Below Roof Deck

Guide

Guide describing a method for insulating an unvented attic by spraying foam insulation along the underside of the roof deck.

The duct for this exhaust fan is properly routed through the roof and the duct is insulated

Image

2x10 Rafter - Insulation Above Roof Deck and In Rafter Cavity CAD

CAD File

2x10 Rafter - Insulation Below Roof Deck In Rafter Cavity CAD

CAD File

2x12 Rafter - Insulation Above Roof Deck and In Rafter Cavity CAD

CAD File

2x12 Rafter - Insulation Below Roof Deck In Rafter Cavity CAD

CAD File

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

Guide

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

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation over a Flat Roof

Guide

Guide describing an approach to re-roofing an existing flat roof to improve thermal, water, and air control performance.

Right – The underside of this low-sloped roof is insulated with open-cell spray foam in this dry climate to achieve the code-required R-value; the builder used the same foam to insulate exterior walls.

Image

How To Strengthen Your Home for Under $10,000 – Insulated Concrete Forms

Video

Video interview explaining the benefits of installing insulated concrete forms for both energy efficiency and disaster resistance in either new or existing homes for under $10,000. Recommendations from FLASH Strong Homes.