BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Slab Edge Insulation

Guide describing how to insulate slabs on grade in climate zones 3 and higher.

Unvented Attic Insulation

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

Measure the depth of insulation

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2010 - 12:00

Spray foam insulation is installed in open wall cavities to air seal and insulate

Reference

40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Marine Climate, Volume 11

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report providing builders in marine climates with guidance for building homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

Publication Date

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:00

Insulation Below Attic Platforms

Guide describing how to install insulation below attic platforms

Attic Eave Minimum Insulation

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

Advanced Framing: Insulated Headers

Guide describing how to insulate headers over doors and windows to reduce heat loss and heat gain through solid wood framing.

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.

Air Sealed, Insulated Basements

Guide describing how to insulate a basement to improve the overall thermal performance of the building and provide more dry, usable conditioned space for home occupants and HVAC equipment.

Site-built insulated header

DWG

PDF

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing

Guide describing continuous rigid insulation installation procedures to reduce thermal bridging and help provide thermal protection.

Advanced Framing: Insulated Corners

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

Properly installed rigid insulation

Double Walls for More Insulation

Guide describing construction and insulation techniques for double wall framing.

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.

Stucco Over Rigid Foam Insulation

Guide describing how to install stucco over rigid foam insulation in new and existing homes.

3-stud corner with rigid insulation

DWG

PDF

Batt insulation should be cut to fit around wiring so that insulation can completely fill the wall cavity

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2009 - 12:00

Wrong – Insulation will not be aligned with air barrier

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Framing allows corner to be insulated

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Framing allows corner to be insulated

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Insulation Installation (RESNET Grade 1) - Part 1

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to properly install the OPTIMA insulation system.

Blown Insulation for Cavities of Existing Exterior Walls

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

The attic kneewall and the open floor cavities under kneewall are both sealed and insulated in one step with spray foam insulation

Publication Date

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 12:00

Faced fiberglass batt insulation incorrectly installed

Reference

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

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.

Publication Date

Tue, 05/01/2012 - 12:00

Interior intersecting wall with 2 studs and rigid insulation

DWG

PDF

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.

RESNET Grade I installation of spray foam insulation

Wrong – Insulation has misalignment, compression, and gaps

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – RESNET grade I installation of batt insulation

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – RESNET Grade I installation of blown insulation

Right – Slab insulation extends to the top of the slab

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Slab insulation extends to the top of the slab

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Framing does not allow corner to be insulated

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Framing does not allow corner to be insulated

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Framing does not allow corner to be insulated

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Excessive framing will not allow corner to be insulated

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The framing will not allow for required insulation depth.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – The framing allows for required insulation depth.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Verify continuous rigid insulation is installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Certified Insulated Siding: Quality, Comfort and Energy Performance

Author(s)

Dobson,

Brignati

Organization(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute,

Newport Ventures

This presentation will help you define insulated siding, understand R-value testing of insulated siding, describe proper installation of insulated siding, comply with energy codes and understand building energy performance program and software recognition.

Install continuous rigid foam insulation or insulated siding to help reduce thermal bridging through wood- or metal-framed exterior walls.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

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.

Blown fiberglass insulation fills netted wall cavities

Reference

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

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.

Publication Date

Fri, 05/03/2013 - 12:00

Cladding Attachment Over Thick Exterior Insulated Sheathing

Author(s)

Baker Peter,

Eng P,

LePage Robert

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2014

Report on the stability of furring strips as a means for cladding attachment over walls with thick exterior rigid insulation.

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.

Advanced Framing: Insulated Interior/Exterior Wall Intersections

Guide describing how to frame and insulate exterior-to-interior wall intersections to reduce heat losses and gains though structural framing.

Wrong – Slab insulation does not extend to the top of the slab

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Slab insulation does not extend to the top of the slab

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Continuous rigid insulation has been installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Rigid insulation is being installed with cap nails

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Insulated sheathing has been taped and sealed at seams

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Right – The knee wall is properly insulated and air sealed.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Pumpkin Ridge Passive House video #006: Insulation Details

Publication Date

December, 2012

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

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.

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

This exterior insulated slab-on-grade monolithic grade beam foundation is protected from pests by termite shield at the sill plate, borate-treated framing, flashing at end of wall insulation, brick veneer over slab-edge insulation, and rock ground cover.

Publication Date

Mon, 03/01/2021 - 12:00

Wrong – Insulated sheathing seams should align with framing members

No insulated sheathing seams are visible from the inside during framing

1 inch exterior insulation sheathing as attic eave baffle and vent

DWG

PDF

Wrong – Compression and misalignment because insulation is not split around wires

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Compression and misalignment because insulation is not split around plumbing

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – HVAC platform installed to allow for proper insulation depth

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Insulation installed to correct depth and will be aligned with air barrier

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Rigid insulation is being installed without cap nails

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Install insulation under platforms constructed in the attic for storage or equipment.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Ladder blocking allows for insulation behind the wall intersection

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Install an air barrier on the exterior of attic knee wall insulation.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – The backing on this knee wall was air sealed prior to insulation.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Air seal and insulate drawer and closet boxes in attic kneewalls

Reference

Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing, Volume 10

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:00

2009-2021 IECC and IRC Minimum Insulation Requirements for New Homes

Table adapted from Table R402.1.1 in the 2009 and 2012 IECC and Table R402.1.2 in the 2015 and 2018 IECC (Table N1102.1 in 2009 IRC, Table 1102.1.1 in 2012 IRC, and Table N1102.1.2 in 2015 and 2018 IRC).

2009 and 2012 IECC Code Level Insulation – ENERGY STAR Requirements

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

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.

Wrong – The framing and wind baffle installation will not allow for required insulation depth.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Drop down stairs do not have insulation cover installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Attic access panel does not have an insulation cover installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

A standard site-built roof of rafters may pinch the insulation at the eaves

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The backing on this knee wall was not air sealed prior to adding insulation.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Rigid backing was installed prior to insulating the attic knee walls.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Top and bottom plates were installed prior to backing and insulation.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Advanced framing details include insulated headers over windows and doors.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Verify two member headers with rigid insulation between are installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Verify single member headers with insulation on one side are installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Blown cellulose insulation completely fills the netted wall and ceiling cavities.

Reference

Building America Best Practices Series - 40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Cold and Very Cold Climates, Volume 12

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Guide describing measures that builders in the cold and very cold climates can take to build homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

Publication Date

Fri, 05/03/2013 - 12:00

Rigid foam forms an insulating bond break between the foundation wall and the slab

Expanded polystyrene insulation is installed with joints taped and lath attached in preparation for the application of stucco

A site-built rafter roof with a raised top plate allows for more insulation underneath.

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Conventional T-post detail is extremely difficult to insulate and usually doesn't happen

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00