BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

How to Install Cellulose Insulation

Reference

Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

Designing with SIPs: Design Considerations

Reference

Guide informing architects and engineers about designing buildings to be constructed with structural insulated panels.

Duct and HVAC Insulation

Reference

Information sheet with HVAC duct insulation, testing, maintenance and performance information.

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part I

Reference

Article describing the building science implications of insulating vented or unvented attics.

Zeroing In, BSI-081

Reference

Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.

RESNET Insulation Grading Criteria

Reference

Presentation describing RESNET grading criteria for insulation installation.

Interior Spray Foam, BSI-116

Reference

Article outlining the use of spray polyurethane foam in residential buildings.

Joni Mitchell, Water and Walls, BSI-071

Reference

Article describing walls and moisture development on them.

Kick the Can! No Recessed Lights in the Building Envelope

Reference

Article discussing the downside to recessed can lights.

All About Water-Resistive Barriers

Reference

Article about different types of weather resistant barrier.

Third Street

Reference

Article describing how an affordable multifamily building achieved energy savings for the same cost as code-minimum construction.

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

Video

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

ETW: Wall - ICF Wall Construction

Reference

Information sheet that summarizes Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction including advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

Passive House Underslab Foam & Vapor Barrier: Karuna Video #6

Video

Video describing the under slab and vapor barrier used on a passive house.

Right - Rigid foam slab edge insulation is installed along the exterior edge of a monolithic slab foundation.

Image

High Performance Building Details - Advanced Framing II

Reference

Brochure describing advanced framing techniques.

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

Presentation

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

Hybrid Assemblies, BSI-100

Reference

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

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part II

Reference

Article describing the research into insulating vented versus unvented attics.

AY-126 Thermal and Ignition Barriers For The SPF Industry

Reference

SPFA website signup page to access SPFA documents.

Adding weatherstripping to a door

Video

Video describing different types of weatherstripping and how to install them to properly air-seal doors from Columbia Water and Light.

All About Larsen Trusses

Reference

Website article interviewing the inventor of the Larsen truss, a history of its use, and a discussion of its advantages and disadvantages.

Why Seal and Insulate?

Reference

Introductory guide to air sealing the envelope of a home to reduce wasted energy and save on energy costs.

Deep-Dish Retrofits, BSI-079

Reference

Report covering exterior energy retrofits of masonry buildings.

Hot Spot: Closed Crawlspace - Installing Wall Insulation

Video

Video from Home Innovation Research Labs on installing different insulation types in a closed crawlspace foundation.

Moisture Management in Residential Construction Series - Managing Water Vapor Flow

Video

Video from Home Innovation Research Labs on materials and design principles to mitigate moisture issues in homes.

Flow-Through Assemblies, BSI-091

Reference

Article discussing flow-through assemblies of walls.

Passive Cooling

Reference

Article from Smarter Homes NZ on home building techniques that incorporate passive cooling.

How to Insulate a Basement Wall

Reference

Blog entry describing methods for insulating basement walls on the interior or exterior.

Estimating the Payback Period of Additional Insulation

Reference

Homebuilding’s simple payback estimator for an insulation upgrade – the type and amount of insulation, square footage of the area, recent utility bill, and a quote from insulation contractor.