BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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

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Wrong – Drop down stairs do not have insulation cover installed

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

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

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

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

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Advanced framing details include insulated headers over windows and doors.

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

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

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This community of production homes in central New York state was built with insulated concrete forms (ICFs), which provide a highly insulated, airtight structure that is fire-, pest-, wind-, and earthquake-resistant.

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Wrong: Ducts are held above the ceiling plane with strapping to provide a good angle into top-entry boots. Once the ceiling insulation is added, this duct will protrude from the ceiling insulation and will not be buried

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The batt insulation shown here was properly installed to fill the ceiling cavities.

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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.

Measure Guideline: Deep Energy Enclosure Retrofit for Interior Insulation of Masonry Walls

Reference

Report describing a deep energy enclosure retrofit solution for insulating mass masonry buildings from the interior.

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.

The improved three-stud corner allows insulation to be installed later, in sequence

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

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Building America Energy Performance Brief: Insulating and Air Sealing Cantilevered Floors

Case Study

Case study describing the proper techniques and steps in insulating and air sealing a cantilevered floor, as well as the consequences for failing to do so properly.

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

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Keeping The Heat In - Chapter 6: Basement Insulation Floors, Walls and Crawl Spaces

Reference

Information sheet providing links and resources for insulating basements in cold climates.

Building America Top Innovations 2013: Exterior Rigid Insulation Best Practices

Case Study

Case study describing a 2013 DOE Building America Top Innovation for the installation of rigid foam insulation on the exterior of home roofs and walls as a thermal, air, and moisture barrier.