BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Which Spray Foam is Right For You?

Reference

Document describing different spray foam materials including some pros and cons and technical specifications.

Example of the advanced framing technique, double-stud wall cavity, which will later be filled with blown insulation

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Radiant Barrier: Effect of Radiant Barriers on Heating and Cooling Bills

Reference

Fact sheet describing analysis of potential heating and cooling savings from radiant barriers in attics.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Exterior Rigid Foam Insulation at the Edge of a Slab Foundation, Fresno, California

Case Study

Case study describing application of exterior rigid foam insulation on a foundation system.

High-R Walls for New Construction Structural Performance: Wind Pressure Testing

Reference

Report with test results that serve as a baseline of data for further material tests of other high-R wall systems and for comparison to whole-house wind pressure testing.

Impact Resistance of Advanced Framed Wall Systems with Insulating Sheathing as the Primary Sheathing, RR-0603

Reference

Research study describing the impact resistance performance of advanced framed wall systems with insulating sheathing as the primary sheathing from wind blown debris.

Strategy Guideline: Partnering for High Performance Homes

Reference

Document serving as a starting point that features initial tools and resources for teams to start collaborating to continually improve the energy efficiency and durability of new houses.

Energy Savings and Breakeven Costs for Residential Heat Pump Water Heaters in the United States

Reference

Report investigating performance and energy savings potential of heat pump water heaters.

Measure Guideline: Deep Energy Enclosure Retrofit (DEER) for Zero Energy House (ZERH) Flat Roofs

Reference

This Measure Guideline provides design and construction information for a deep energy enclosure retrofit solution of a flat roof assembly.

Moisture Management for High R-Value Walls

Reference

Report explaining moisture-related concerns for high R-value wall assemblies and discusses past Building America research work that informs this study.

Capillarity - Small Sacrifices, BSI-011

Reference

Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.

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.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Cladding Attachment Over Thick Exterior Insulating Sheathing

Case Study

Case study describing optimal design and limitations of cladding attachments over exterior sheathings.

Technology Fact Sheet Slab Insulation: Improve Comfort and Save Energy in Homes with Slab-on-Grade Floors

Reference

Brochure describing insulation approaches for homes with slab-on-grade floors.

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing/Siding

Reference

Document presenting step-by-step process for installing rigid insulating sheathing over wood studs or house wrap.

Measure Guideline: Basement Insulation Basics

Reference

Document describing good practices for insulating basements in new and existing homes.

High-R Walls for New Construction Structural Performance: Integrated Rim Header Testing

Reference

Report providing testing methodology to evaluate structural rim header designs over openings up to 6 ft. wide and applicable to one- and two-story homes.

Measure Guideline: Installing Rigid Foam Insulation on the Interior of Existing Brick Walls

Reference

Information sheet providing information on installing Rigid XPS foam board insulation to existing brick masonry walls.

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

Reference

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.

External Insulation of Masonry Walls and Wood Framed Walls

Reference

Research study developing baseline engineering analysis to support the installation of thick layers of exterior insulation (2 in. to 8 in.) on existing masonry walls and wood framed walls.

Adding Insulation when Re-Siding

Reference

Fact sheet poster describing how to add exterior, continuous, rigid insulation to the exterior walls when replacing siding on an existing home.

Retrofit of Blown Attic Insulation in Existing HUD-Code Manufactured Homes: Needs Assessment Report

Reference

Report describing the costs, benefits, and challenges of attic insulation retrofits in HUD-code manufactured homes.

Technology Solutions Case Study: BA-1312: Application of Spray Foam Insulation Under Plywood and OSB Roof Sheathing

Case Study

Case study describing research about spray foam roof insulation and moisture management.

Expert Meeting Report: Interior Insulation Retrofit of Mass Masonry Wall Assemblies

Reference

Expert Meeting about interior insulation retrofit of mass masonry wall assemblies held on July 30, 2011.

Energy Savings Measure Packages: Existing Homes

Reference

Document presenting a simple starting point to determine the most cost-effective Energy Savings Measure Packages (ESMP) for existing homes to achieve 15% and 30% savings in 37 locations across the United States.

Predicting Envelope Leakage in Attached Dwellings

Reference

Research study exploring a test method measuring air leakage between units through common surfaces and air infiltration across exterior, noncommon surfaces of the enclosure.

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.

Measure Guideline: Wall Air Sealing and Insulation Methods in Existing Homes - An Overview of Opportunity and Process

Reference

Document providing renovators and retrofit contractors an overview of considerations when including wall air sealing and insulation in an energy retrofit project.

Encapsulated Ducts

Guide

Guide that illustrates how and when to encapsulate ductwork in unconditioned attics, increasing the R-value of duct insulation, mitigating condensation issues, and reducing air leakage.