BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

All About Water-Resistive Barriers

Reference

Article about different types of weather resistant barrier.

Install the starter strip for the vinyl siding along a chalk line

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This kneewall has no top plate and the resulting gap provides a wide-open pathway for air and vapor to travel between the living space and the attic

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Right: All joints in the rigid foam are taped to keep stucco out of joints for even drying. Mesh tape (shown here) is used with expanded polystyrene (EPS); acrylic sheathing tape or self-adhered membrane is used with XPS

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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.

Deep-Dish Retrofits, BSI-079

Reference

Report covering exterior energy retrofits of masonry buildings.

EIFS - Problems and Solutions, BSD-146

Reference

Report on problems and solutions with EIFS stucco wall cladding systems.

Wrong – No top plate was installed.

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Technology Solutions Case Study: Complete and Fully Aligned Air Barrier

Case Study

Case study describing the elimination of excessive humidity in the attic of a multi-floor, single-family home that was causing condensation and water damage along the roof and eaves.

Air sealing at cantilevered manufactured fireplace assembly

CAD File

There is no polyethylene sheeting installed in the crawlspace

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Hurricane Straps

Video

Video describing hurricane ties and how they make your home more ready for severe weather by strengthening structural connections.

A Bridge Too Far, BSI-005

Reference

Article describing thermal bridging, construction practices that encourage thermal bridging, and solutions.

Air sealing at porch roof at 1/2 inch plywood exterior sheathing

CAD File

Small Commercial Building Fact Sheet - Building Envelope

Reference

Fact sheet describing building envelope performance measures applicable to residential and small commercial construction.

Right – Verify SIP headers are installed

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Building in Extreme Cold, BSI-031

Reference

Article describing the control layers (air, thermal, and vapor barriers) needed to build homes successfully in very cold locations.

Wrong – The polyethylene sheeting vapor barrier is not attached to the piers with mechanical fasteners

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Right - Basement slab with a capillary break of either gravel or a drainage mat.

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BSC Information - Common Advanced Framing Details for All Climates, Sheet 201

Reference

Brochure explaining the essential basis for advanced framing and some of the more common advanced framing details.

Foam Shrinks, and Other Lessons, PA-1201

Reference

Journal article describing lessons learned from updating a 16-year-old deep-energy retrofit.

This home has heat loss through the roof, leading to ice dam formation and structural issues during winter months.

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Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Deep Energy Retrofit in the Pacific Northwest

Case Study

Case study describing a whole-house, deep energy retrofit project in the marine climate.

2021 IBC and IRC Adopt Improved Vapor Retarder Requirements

Reference

Article describing vapor retarder requirements in the International Residential Code and International Building Code 2021.

JM Spider® Drill & Fill Installation Guide

Reference

The purpose for this document is to provide basic guidance on the use of proven installation techniques that can be used by installers to help ensure correct “dense pack” application of JM Spider® in drill & fill applications.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Retrofitting a 1960s Split-Level Cold-Climate Home

Case Study

Case study describing the retrofit of a 1960s split-level home.

Capillarity - Small Sacrifices, BSI-011

Reference

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

Unvented roof assembly at eave retrofitted with rigid foam, spray foam, and taped top edge of existing house wrap or building paper

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Building America Best Practices Case Study Whole-House Solutions for New Homes - Artistic Homes, Albuquerque, NM

Reference

Case study about Artistic Homes of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the first home builder in the United States to offer true net zero energy construction to the average home buyer on every home it builds.