BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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.

Easy access

Publication Date

Tue, 05/01/2012 - 12:00

Concrete Solutions, BSI-118

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2020

Report covering insulating crawlspaces.

Builders Challenge High Performance Builder Spotlight: David Weekley Homes, Houston, Texas

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2009

Case study describing new home construction in the hot-humid climate, optimizing thermal enclosure, HVAC, water heating and lighting measures.

Good water management practices like sloping grade away from house, and installing gutters, perimeter drain pipe, a capillary break, and free-draining soils or drainage mat protect the foundation from water saturation.

Publication Date

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:00

Water intrusion

Pouring the slab

There is no polyethylene sheeting installed in the crawlspace

Right – Polyethylene sheeting vapor barrier is installed and sealed to the crawlspace walls with mastic

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The polyethylene sheeting vapor barrier is not attached to the piers with mechanical fasteners

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Efficient Earth-Sheltered Homes

Author(s)

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE

Publication Date

January, 2022

Webpage from U.S. Department of Energy describing using Earth-Sheltered home building techniques in hot climate zones.

Keeping Homes and Cities Cool in Extreme Heat

Author(s)

Kyle Mittan

Organization(s)

University of Arizona

Publication Date

June, 2021

Article from University of Arizona on keeping homes cool during extreme heat, both personal and system changes.

Right - Basement slab with a capillary break of either gravel or a drainage mat.

Publication Date

Thu, 02/01/2018 - 12:00

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

Guide describing how to create a capillary break at all crawlspace floors using polyethylene sheeting to manage moisture in crawlspaces.