BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Masonry wall interior retrofit with parge coat, fluid-applied water control layer, spray foam, and wood or metal stud service cavity

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

Right – Joists between floors are air sealed to the ceiling drywall with canned spray foam along each joist-to-drywall-seam.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Building Science Education 3.3: Fourier's Law Part 2

Author(s)

Paul Torcellini

Organization(s)

NREL

Publication Date

July, 2021

Video that defines building envelope, and explains how the 3 modes of heat transfer can be applied to building science.

Building Science Education 3.14: Calculating R-Values for a Wall Part 3

Author(s)

Paul Torcellini

Organization(s)

NREL

Publication Date

July, 2021

Video demonstrating how to calculate R-values for a simple wall construction.

Wrong: This exhaust fan duct is too long and terminates in the attic instead of going through the roof and it is improperly supported; it needs straps all along its length to prevent sagging.

Wrong - Cold spots along the top plate combined with lack of ventilation have encouraged mold growth along this bathroom ceiling.

Publication Date

Sun, 01/27/2019 - 12:00

IECC Climate Zone 1A: Flat Roof, Unvented, 2x6 Wall, Monolithic Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Fri, 09/29/2023 - 12:00

IECC Climate Zone 2A: Flat Roof, Unvented, 2x6 Wall, Monolithic Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

IECC Climate Zone 3A: Vented Cathedral Celling, 2x6 Wall, Vented Crawl Space

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

IECC Climate Zone 3A: SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

IECC Climate Zone 3B: SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

IECC Climate Zone 4A: SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 4A: Vented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Slab on Grade (with notes)

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 4B: Vented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Slab on Grade (with notes)

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 4C: Vented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Slab on grade (with notes)

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 4C: Vented Attic, ICF Wall, ICF Basement Foundation (with notes)

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

Wallingford Passive House | Foundation Details

Publication Date

June, 2015

Video discussing the foundation details of a passive house.

Hand tools for cutting fiber board sheets include a knife, straight edge, and color-coded edge-cutting tools

Right – This foil-faced foam sheathing has taped seams and proper flashing details so it can serve as a drainage plane.

Right - The rigid metal HVAC ducting is installed between the floor joists rather than in an unconditioned attic or crawl space to minimize heat loss.

Wrong – Roof underlayment is not fully adhered and roof deck seams are not sealed so roof is susceptible to high-wind events

Right – Roof underlayment is fully adhered and roof deck seams are sealed so roof is resistant to high-wind events

2021 IECC Climate Zone 2A: Flat Roof, Unvented, 2x6 Wall, Monolithic Slab on Grade (with notes)

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 2B: Flat Roof, Unvented, 2x6 Wall, Monolithic Slab on Grade (with notes)

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 1A: Flat Roof, Unvented, 2x6 Wall, Monolithic Slab on Grade (with notes)

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 3A: Vented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Vented Crawl Space (with notes)

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 2A: Unvented Attic with Spray Foam at Roof Deck, 2x6 Wall-CMU Wall, Elevated Slab

Publication Date

Thu, 01/11/2024 - 12:00

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County, Lake Worth, Florida

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2012

Case study describing an energy efficient retrofit project in hot-humid climates.

Building America Top Innovations 2013: Zero Energy-Ready Single-Family Homes

Author(s)

Davis Energy Group,

Steven Winter Associates,

Florida Solar Energy Center,

Building Science Corporation,

Home Innovation Research Labs,

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

ARBI,

CARB,

SWA,

FSEC,

BA-PIRC,

BSC,

IBACOS,

PHI,

HIRL,

PNNL

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a 2013 DOE Building America Top Innovation about construction of net-zero energy ready homes, by several builders working with various DOE Building America research partners including Steven Winter Associates, Building Science Corporation, Home Innovation Research Labs, IBACOS...

An IR camera image shows gaps around HVAC flue pipes allow conditioned air to leak through blown fiberglass into the attic

Publication Date

Tue, 12/17/2013 - 12:00

Closed-cell spray foam fills the roof joist cavities forming an air barrier between the masonry parapet wall and the roof sheathing

Right – R-25 of open-cell spray foam lines this new home’s attic ceiling, to protect HVAC ducts from heat and cold.

This builder applied an air-sealing layer of spray foam along the underside of the roof deck and the inside of the walls before filling the wall cavities with blown cellulose.

The double walls form a 12-inch cavity that was sheathed with a coated OSB then coated with 3 inches of closed-cell spray foam; they will be filled with 9 inches of blown fiberglass.

Right - Open-cell polyurethane spray foam to R-28 on underside of roof turns new attic into conditioned space for HVAC.

Wrong - Foil air barrier was ripped to install wiring; foil should be replaced with a solid air barrier and wiring hole should be caulked.

Publication Date

Sat, 04/10/2021 - 12:00

Heated recirculation plenum spaces can be installed in parking garages in cold climates to prevent pipes from freezing and warm the floor of occupied space directly above the garage.

Publication Date

Sat, 09/14/2024 - 12:00

The basement is constructed with precast concrete walls lined with R-21.3 foil-faced rigid foam while an R-10 layer of XPS rigid foam covers the ground under the slab.

Cut fiber board with a red V-groove tool and a gray shiplap tool to create mitered corners and a shiplapped edge for duct sections

Right - The energy recovery ventilator ducts supply filtered outside air to multiple locations in the home and continuously exhaust stale air to provide clean, balanced ventilation.

Right – Furring strips were installed to provide a 3/8-inch drainage plane over the rigid foam and under the fiber cement lap siding.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Step 5. Install sheathing tape flashing over the duct or pipe and wood blocking on either side for later attachment of trim.

Step 6. Install vent hood trim block, metal cap flashing; seal top edge of flashing with sheathing tape.

Right – This builder installs 1 inch of XPS rigid foam on the exterior of the 2x6 walls then covers the foam with ½-inch plywood sheathing, which serves as a nailing surface for siding and trim.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

This assembly can be used to thermally isolate heated or partially heated garages with slab foundations from the exterior in multifamily row houses/townhouses in IECC Climate Zones 3 and higher.

Publication Date

Sat, 09/14/2024 - 12:00

Closed-cell foam is sprayed into roof cavities along the masonry parapet wall to form a continuous air barrier between the wall and the sheathing of the flat roof

Right - This foil-faced polyisocyanurate rigid foam is installed on an existing exterior wall and the seams are taped so the rigid foam can serve as a water control layer

The basement walls’ interior framing is set in 3 inches from the concrete to allow space for closed-cell foam that is sprayed directly on the concrete, then blown cellulose is added to fill the wall cavity.

Right – Closed-cell polyurethane foam is sprayed on the underside of the roof deck to provide structural connections and seal seams in the sheathing to increase wind resistance

Masonry wall interior retrofit with fluid-applied water control layer, mineral wool rigid foam, and wood or metal stud service cavity (climate zones 1-4 only)

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

Building Science Education 3.1: First Law of Thermodynamics

Author(s)

Paul Torcellini

Organization(s)

NREL

Publication Date

July, 2021

Video that introduces the First Law of Thermodynamics and how it can be used to analyze how energy moves in and around buildings.

Building Science Education 3.5: Area Calculations

Author(s)

Paul Torcellini

Organization(s)

NREL

Publication Date

July, 2021

Video that explains how to calculate the cross sectional area and net area of a building's walls, which are concepts that are necessary for analyzing the heat transfer.

IECC Climate Zone 2A: Unvented Attic with Spray Foam at Roof Deck, 2x6 Wall/CMU Wall, Elevated Slab

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

IECC Climate Zone 2A: Unvented Attic with Spray Foam at Roof Deck, 2x6 Wall/CMU Wall, Elevated Slab

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

Residential Buildings: Foundations

Author(s)

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE

Publication Date

August, 2022

Website describing the U.S. Department of Energy's residential buildings program.

Waverly Addition Conditioned Crawl Space

Publication Date

October, 2013

Video describing the conditioned crawl space of a residential home addition project.

This home’s exterior walls consist of two 2x4 walls; the R-49 double wall cavity is filled with 2 inches of closed-cell spray foam plus dense-packed cellulose.

The exterior of the home is wrapped in a continuous layer of rigid foam with all seams taped to provide a thermal, air, and moisture barrier and serve as a drainage plane, eliminating the need for house wrap.

Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance

Author(s)

Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance

Organization(s)

SPFA

Publication Date

August, 2020

SPFA website homepage.

Airflow within drop-in ceiling assemblies is generally not a concern due to the limited vertical height. However, airflow within air gaps in walls is a concern due to the much larger vertical height.

Publication Date

Sat, 09/14/2024 - 12:00

Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction and Maintenance

Author(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Organization(s)

EPA

Publication Date

December, 2013

EPA guidance document providing information on moisture control in buildings.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Pine Mountain Builders, Pine Mountain, Georgia

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2013

Case study describing a builder in Georgia that designs energy-efficient homes for a green community, yielding homes with HERS scores as lowas 59 and electric bills as low as $50 a month.

Connector plate and drywall clips

Publication Date

Mon, 02/01/2010 - 12:00

The inner liner of the flex duct is fastened to the collar with a tension tie, the connection is sealed with mastic, then the outer layer is pulled over and sealed with mastic or foil tape (Steven Winter Associates 2013).

In this gut rehab, drywall was removed then a sprayer-applied sealant was used to seal all large cracks and seams and then the 2x4 walls were filled with spray foam.

After spraying the 2x6 wall cavities with 2 inches (R-13) of closed-cell spray foam, the walls are covered with netting and an additional 3.5 inches of fiberglass (R-13) is blown in.

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

This home has a cost-saving shallow frost-protected foundation that uses rigid foam laid vertically at the base of the 16-inch-deep footers to protect the foundation from frost damage.

Right – Open-cell spray foam is installed over closed-cell spray foam in this hybrid approach to achieve adequate attic ventilation while allowing some vapor permeability.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Masonry wall interior retrofit with parge coat, fluid-applied water control layer, mineral wool rigid foam, and wood or metal stud service cavity (climate zones 1-4 only)

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

CCHRC: Thermal Mass in Alaska

Publication Date

May, 2014

Author(s)

Craven

Organization(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center,

CCHRC

Video describing what thermal mass is and answering some frequently asked questions about how to utilize it in Alaska.

Right – This wall is constructed with the sill plate overhanging the top of the foundation wall so that when rigid foam is installed on the exterior of the foundation wall, its surface will align with the surface of the wall sheathing.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

How to Keep Attic Vent From Freezing Up in Winter

Publication Date

December, 2017

Author(s)

Tinsley

Organization(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center,

CCHRC

Video describing techniques to prevent attic plumbing vents from freezing during Alaskan winters.

Marine Climate

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

March, 2015

Advances in Manufactured Home Energy Efficient Design

Author(s)

ARIES

Organization(s)

ARIES Collaborative

Webinar explaining advances in energy efficient design for manufactured homes.

Raised-Heel Trusses

Author(s)

American Plywood Association

Organization(s)

APA

Publication Date

September, 2011

Information sheet with the definition and uses for a raised truss.

Wall Assembly | Madrona Passive House

Publication Date

December, 2014

Video describing the wall assembly of a passive house.

Interior wall attached with top plate metal connector, drywall clips support drywall, side view

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Example of an HVAC installer’s balancing report form

Publication Date

Sun, 05/01/2011 - 12:00

The thermal boundary for a gable roof can be located at either a) the flat ceiling with a vented attic or b) the roof line for an unvented attic

The exterior walls of this home consist of two wall cavities: a 2x6 wall with plywood sheathing plus 8-inch I-joists sheathed with engineered wood; both cavities are dense-packed with cellulose for R-60 total.

Right – A 1-inch layer of XPS rigid foam covers the 2x6 wall studs and is topped by ½-inch-thick plywood sheathing, which is covered with draining house wrap and serves as a nailing surface for siding and trim.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

When architects and builders think of the house as a systems, all of the parts are designed to work together for a healthy, durable home that minimizes builder callbacks while cutting energy, maintenance, and repair costs down the road.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Waverly Home Addition | Exterior Cladding Details

Publication Date

February, 2014

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

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Imagine Homes: Stillwater Ranch, San Antonio, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a new home builder that strives to address health, safety, and durability issues in a hot and humid climate.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Insight Homes: Deep Creek, Seaford, Delaware

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a home builder that has refined its home designs to achieve HERS scores of 49 to 56 on 40 to 70 homes per year.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Preferred Builders, Old Greenwich, Connecticut

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

April, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Old Greenwich CT, that scored HERS 42 without PV and HERS 20 with PV.