BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Right - This heated garage plenum has insulated ceiling tiles.

Publication Date

Sat, 09/14/2024 - 12:00

Spray foam insulation used for raised ceiling duct chase

Insulate and air seal the shaft around a skylight in a vented attic

Wrong - Continuous rigid insulation was not installed to continuously cover the sheathing.

Publication Date

Thu, 06/16/2022 - 12:00

Building America Energy Performance Brief: Insulating Attic Kneewalls

Author(s)

Gilbride Theresa L

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

March, 2011

Case study describing the options and techniques one should consider when trying to insulate attic knee walls in order to reduce air leakage.

Rigid insulation is installed on the exterior side of the flat foundation wall

Right – Unfaced batt insulation completely fills the wall cavities.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Right – Baffles maintain air flow above attic insulation

Wrong - Ceiling insulation is not completely installed and air barrier is missing.

Wrong – Insulated sheathing seams should align with framing members

No insulated sheathing seams are visible from the inside during framing

Key elements of a wall system clad with insulated vinyl siding

Right – The pipes on this heat pump water heater are carefully insulated.

Rigid Foam Board Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide describing how to insulate closed crawlspace walls and band joist areas with rigid foam board insulation.

Turned down concrete slab - 3/4 inch rigid insulation

DWG

PDF

Turned down concrete slab - 1 1/2 inch rigid insulation

DWG

PDF

Rigid foam insulating sheathing installed over an existing garage ceiling with retrofits to air seal exterior wall before adding exterior wall insulating sheathing

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

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

Measure Guideline: Incorporating Thick Layers of Exterior Rigid Insulation on Walls

Author(s)

Baker Peter,

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2015

Report describing wall assemblies that use layers of rigid exterior insulation thicker than 1-½ inch and require a secondary cladding attachment location exterior to the insulation.

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

Air Sealing, Insulating, and Venting Attics and Roofs to Reduce Heat Gain

Information guide providing links to guides describing specific ways to air-seal, insulate, and ventilate attics and roofs to minimize heat gain in new and existing homes.

Roofing membrane is installed over polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation and insulation cover board that has been cut to fit around locations for blocking for the PV system rack

The rim band connecting the insulated precast concrete basement walls to the floor joists above is spray foamed to provide air-sealing and insulation in this hard-to-seal juncture.

Right - Spray foam insulation has been sprayed onto the underside of the sloped roof and the gable end wall to provide a sealed, insulated attic for housing the HVAC ducts

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).

A trained installer completely fills the wall cavities with sprayed cellulose insulation.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/30/2022 - 12:00

2009 and 2012 IECC Code Level Insulation – ENERGY STAR Requirements

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

Application of Spray Foam Insulation Under Plywood and OSB Roof Sheathing

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to air seal attic rafters with spray foam.

Knauf Insulation Air Duct Fabrication Manual for 1", 1-1/2", and 2"

Author(s)

Knauf

Organization(s)

Knauf

Publication Date

January, 2021

Website providing information about Knauf Insulation.

BSC Information - Slab Edge Insulation for All Climates, Sheet 513

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Information sheet about insulating slabs.

Sealing and Insulating Existing Crawl Space Walls - Code Compliance Brief

Publication Date

May, 2016

The intent of this brief is to provide code-related information about sealing and insulating crawl space walls in existing residential buildings to help ensure that the measures will be accepted as being in compliance with the code. Providing the same information to all interested parties (e.g., code officials, builders, contractors, designers, etc.) is expected to result in increased compliance and fewer innovations being questioned at the time of plan review and/or field inspection.

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

Publication Date

May, 2012

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.

Rigid Foam Insulation Installed Between Existing House and Garage Walls

Guide describing how to upgrade walls that separate the garage from the house by providing a continuous air control layer on the garage side of the wall and adding rigid foam insulation.

Typical R-values and Vapor Retarder Classifications for Common Insulation Materials

Typical R-values for common insulation materials are summarized in this table, which also identifies the vapor retarder classification for each insulation.

To reduce the risk of condensation on the interior of the roof sheathing in cold weather, the ratio of exterior (above-deck) insulation must be increased as a percent of total attic insulation as outside temperature decreases

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Air Sealing and Insulating Attic Knee Walls - Code Compliance Brief

Air sealing and insulating attic knee walls to code.

Why Are Attics Insulated With Open-Cell Spray Foam So Damp?

Author(s)

Holladay

Organization(s)

Green Building Advisor

Presentation describing issues with condensation in unvented attics insulated with open-cell spray foam.

Installing European Passive House Windows #006: Exterior Over-Insulating

Publication Date

March, 2013

Video describing how to insulate the exterior of European passive house windows. This video is part of an eight-video series by Hammer & Hand.

Continuous Insulation – Cladding/Furring Attachment - Code Compliance Brief

Guidance is needed for code-compliant installations of various cladding materials when installed over thicker foam sheathing also known as insulated sheathing or continuous insulation (c.i.).

Slab-on-grade with integral grade beam and exterior and slab insulation

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Slab-on-grade with masonry stem wall and interior and slab insulation

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Slab-on-grade with concrete stem wall and under slab insulation

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Slab-on-grade with concrete masonry stem wall and exterior insulation

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Durable Interior Foundation Insulation Retrofits for Cold Climates, Cloquet Minnesota

Author(s)

University of Minnesota

Organization(s)

NorthernSTAR,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

April, 2015

Case study describing foundation wall moisture studies at a research facility in Minnesota run by Building America team NorthernSTAR.

The attic duct chase insulated and sealed to the attic floor with spray foam

Right – Strips of SIP panels are used to sheath and insulate the rim joists.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Traditional roof trusses pinch insulation where the roof meets the walls.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Trunk to duct connections are properly insulated and have been sealed with mastic

This unfaced fiberglass completely fills the wall cavities, with RESNET Grade 1 insulation.

Right – Netting will prevent blown insulation from blocking the soffit vents.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Imagine Homes chose low-density spray foam to insulate this attic.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - This heated garage plenum is insulated along the bottom of the plenum space.

Publication Date

Sat, 09/14/2024 - 12:00

This 2x6 wall is advanced framed and filled with dense-packed cellulose insulation.

Right – This coated OSB sheathing product is available with an integrated insulation layer.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Wrong - Batt insulation is poorly installed leaving gaps along the ceiling.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/26/2018 - 12:00

Wrong - Insulation does not fill entire cavity leading to heat losses.

Vented crawlspace foundation insulated under floor joists with rigid foam.

Right - Mineral Wool insulation is installed on the exterior of wall with furring strips.

Publication Date

Tue, 10/09/2018 - 12:00

Excavationless: Exterior-Side Foundation Insulation for Existing Homes, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Author(s)

University of Minnesota

Organization(s)

UMN,

NorthernSTAR,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing novel technique for installing exterior spray foam on foundation walls that uses high-pressure water sprayer and a “hydro vac” to remove dirt along the foundation wall.

Right: Ducts are completely buried beneath insulation to the depth specified in the plans

Moisture levels are checked in the blown cellulose insulation before enclosing the walls.

Spray foam insulates and air seals the exterior wall behind the fireplace.

Right – An insulated space is provided in the home’s attic to house the HVAC equipment.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Spray foam insulates and air seals the underside of the attic roof and walls.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - A wood dam was constructed to hold back the attic floor insulation

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

Advanced framing details throughout house including insulated and open headers

Publication Date

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 12:00

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.

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

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

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

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

2x10 Rafter - Insulation Above Roof Deck and In Rafter Cavity CAD

DWG

PDF

2x10 Rafter - Insulation Below Roof Deck In Rafter Cavity CAD

DWG

PDF

2x12 Rafter - Insulation Above Roof Deck and In Rafter Cavity CAD

DWG

PDF

2x12 Rafter - Insulation Below Roof Deck In Rafter Cavity CAD

DWG

PDF

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation Over a Sloped Roof

Guide describing how to re-roof an existing home with a sloped and add insulation above the roof deck.

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

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

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2013

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

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

Author(s)

Musunuru Sravanthi,

Pettit Betsy

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2015

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

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

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2009 - 12:00

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

Author(s)

Gilbride Theresa L

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

October, 2011

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.

Exterior XPS basement insulation is correctly installed to completely cover the foundation wall

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:00