BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Right – R-23 of blown fiberglass fills the walls and unvented vaulted attic cavities of this marine-climate home while an additional R-20 (4-inches) of graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene is installed above the roof sheathing.

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Building America Building Science Advisor

Reference

Web based tool providing decision-making guidance for selecting wall assembly components.

Cladding Attachment Solutions for Exterior Insulated Commercial Walls, RDH Technical Bulletin No. 011

Reference

Article describing correct ways to attach rigid insulation to the exterior of commercial and residential buildings.

Structural Testing of Screws through Thick Exterior Insulation

Reference

Conference paper describing testing of the performance of fasteners used to attach rigid foam insulation to the exterior of walls.

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.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Moisture Durability of Vapor Permeable Insulating Sheathing

Case Study

Case study describing research about using exterior, vapor permeable insulation of retrofit walls with vapor permeable cavity insulation.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Cladding Attachment Over Thick Exterior Insulating Sheathing

Case Study

Case study describing optimal design and limitations of cladding attachments over exterior sheathings.

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing/Siding

Reference

Document presenting step-by-step process for installing rigid insulating sheathing over wood studs or house wrap.

Adding Insulation when Re-Siding

Reference

Fact sheet poster describing how to add exterior, continuous, rigid insulation to the exterior walls when replacing siding on an existing home.

Technology Solutions Case Study: BA-1312: Application of Spray Foam Insulation Under Plywood and OSB Roof Sheathing

Case Study

Case study describing research about spray foam roof insulation and moisture management.

Condensation Control for Walls in Cold Weather

Guide

Guide describing ways to construct wall assemblies in cold climates to minimize the likelihood of condensation formation inside the walls.

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.

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.

Advanced Framing: Insulated Corners

Guide

Guide describing how to frame and insulate corners to reduce heat losses and gains though structural framing.

Waverly Home Addition | Exterior Cladding Details

Video

Video describing the exterior cladding details of a residential home addition project.

Are the Walls Closing In?

Presentation

Webinar describing research on moisture performance in high-R walls.

ROXUL Mineral Wool | Madrona Passive House

Video

Video describing the installation of mineral wool monolithic exterior insulation.

All About Water-Resistive Barriers

Reference

Article about different types of weather resistant barrier.

Roof/Attic to Exterior Wall Air Control Upgrade

Guide

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

Pumpkin Ridge Passive House video #006: Insulation Details

Video

Video describing the EPS foam used to insulate the exterior of a passive house.

Stud Walls With Continuous Exterior Insulation for Factory Built Housing

Case Study

Case study describing a panelized construction method for stud walls with continuous rigid foam insulation.

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.

Passive House Wall Assembly Mock | Hammer & Hand

Video

Video showing a mock wall assembly used in Hammer and Hand’s passive houses.

Moisture Management in Residential Construction Series - Building Enclosure: Exterior Wall Overview

Video

Video from Home Innovation Research Labs giving an overview of moisture problems common to exterior walls and how to mitigate these problems with proper framing, flashing, sheathing, cladding, and insulation.

2021 IBC and IRC Adopt Improved Vapor Retarder Requirements

Reference

Article describing vapor retarder requirements in the International Residential Code and International Building Code 2021.

They All Laughed, BSI-026

Reference

Article describing the evolution of the IRC to permit class 3 vapor retarders (latex paint) in walls coupled with exterior continuous insulation to allow drying and reduce condensation risk.