BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

No insulation at window header

Wrong - Insulation beneath window is compressed and there are more support studs than necessary to left of window.

Publication Date

Tue, 02/19/2019 - 12:00

Framing is built around the window before exterior rigid foam is installed on the exterior walls around the window.

Performance of Windows in Walls With Continuous Insulation

Author(s)

Peavey John,

Shah Nay B

Organization(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs,

HIRL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

March, 2023

Technical report describing research aimed to provide window manufacturers with foundational guidance for installing windows in walls with continuous insulation (CI), addressing critical aspects such as evaluating common installation methods, establishing acceptance criteria for window performance...

Right – Rigid foam insulation is installed in the window header.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

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.

Moisture Management in Residential Construction Series - Building Enclosure: Window Installation

Publication Date

January, 2011

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Video describing the installation of windows to be air- and water-tight, including recommendations on flashing, air-sealing, and insulation, from Home Innovation Research Labs

Advanced framing details include insulated headers over windows and doors.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Side and plan views of window-to-wall interface in masonry wall retrofit including three layers of rigid foam exterior insulation, box extensions, and flashing around new windows.

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

Energy Code - Module 2: Window and Insulation Tables (Climate Zones 1,2)

Author(s)

Nebbia

Organization(s)

Newport Partners

Publication Date

November, 2021

Webinar that discusses code requirements found in the prescriptive window and insulation requirements for climate zones 1 and 2.

Energy Code - Module 3: Window and Insulation Tables (Climate Zones 3,4,5)

Author(s)

Nebbia

Organization(s)

Newport Partners

Publication Date

December, 2021

Webinar that discusses code requirements found in the prescriptive window and insulation requirements for climate zones 3, 4 and 5.

Energy Code - Module 4: Window and Insulation Tables (Climate Zones 6,7,8)

Author(s)

Nebbia

Organization(s)

Newport Partners

Publication Date

December, 2021

Webinar that discusses code requirements found in the prescriptive window and insulation requirements for climate zones 6, 7 and 8.

Rigid foam is sandwiched between lumber to form insulated headers over windows.

Windows are installed in new framing in preparation for adding exterior spray foam insulation

Proper flashing around windows is especially important when the rigid foam serves as the drainage plane in the wall

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

Lay out the rigid foam sheathing joints so they do not align with the window and door edges

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

Right – The window header is filled with spray foam and sealant is used to air seal wood-to-wood seams; however, it would be preferable to design the wall to avoid so many stacked studs around the windows because they prevent wall insulation installation.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Extension boxes of plywood built around the windows on this wall retrofit will be flush with the outer layer of exterior rigid insulation

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

Wrong - Lack of insulation in the wall above this window combined with poor bathroom ventilation has contributed to mold growth.

Publication Date

Sun, 01/27/2019 - 12:00

Windows are installed as “outies” in this wall assembly using a self-adhered membrane water and air control layer with continuous exterior insulation

Publication Date

Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:00

Wrong – Design walls so that windows are positioned to fit regularly spaced studs so less additional studs are needed.

Instead of solid timber headers over windows, the headers can be insulated by using a sheet of plywood or one piece of solid timer on the exterior with a layer of insulation to the inside.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - New flashing has been installed to complete the air and water control layers at the window openings of this wall retrofit that includes insulating the wall cavities with spray foam

Standard Practice for the Installation of Mounting Flange Windows into Walls Utilizing Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing (FPIS) with a Separate Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB), FMA/AAMA/WDMA 500-16

Author(s)

Fenestration Manufacturers Association,

American Architectural Manufacturers Association,

Window & Door Manufacturers Association

Organization(s)

FMA,

AAMA,

WDMA

Publication Date

April, 2016

Guide describing the installation of windows in walls that have foam plastic insulating; guide provides several methods for attaching, supporting, and flashing windows in walls with rigid foam sheathing. (Note: The link only goes to the table of contents for the guide, the full guide can be...

Right – This National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label shows the insulation U-Factor, solar heat gain coefficient, visible transmittance, and condensation resistance for this triple-pane window.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Instead of solid timber headers over windows, insulated headers can be used consisting of prefabricated structural insulated panels or site-fabricated with two sheets of plywood sandwiching a layer of rigid foam.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Advanced framing details include open headers and reduced framing around windows and two-stud corners to allow more room for insulation in the wall cavities while reducing lumber costs.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Completed wall retrofit of masonry home (on right) showing new lap siding attached over four inches of rigid foam; windows were boxed with plywood to accommodate depth of foam plus 1x4 furring strips

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

Adding Automated Shading to the High Performance Toolkit: HVAC, Health & Wellness, and High Tech

Author(s)

Katie Cort,

Shannon Christie

Organization(s)

PNNL,

Attachments Energy Rating Council,

EEBA

Publication Date

October, 2020

Webinar from Katie Cort and Shannon Christie on automated window shading and its applications for energy efficiency and demand response, leading to a discussion on integration for complete smart homes.

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.

Manufactured insulated header

DWG

PDF

Site-built insulated header

DWG

PDF

Mini truss header - section

DWG

PDF

Outset header with head plate

DWG

PDF

Vinyl Siding with Integrated Rigid Foam for Existing Walls

Guide describing the design and installation considerations for recladding of above grade walls using insulated vinyl siding.

Air sealing at skylight shaft

DWG

PDF

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Imagine Homes: Stillwater Ranch, San Antonio, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a new home builder that strives to address health, safety, and durability issues in a hot and humid climate.

Polyethylene Over Aggregate

DWG

PDF

Rigid Insulation Over Aggregate

DWG

PDF

Foundation wall interior polyisocyanurate, foil-faced, exposed

DWG

PDF

Termite shield with exterior rigid foam above and below

DWG

PDF

Foundation wall interior rigid insulation with furring strips

DWG

PDF

Spray foam on a stone or rubble foundation

DWG

PDF

Spray foam on concrete foundation wall with framed interior wall

DWG

PDF

2x4 Raised Truss - Insulation Below Roof Deck CAD

DWG

PDF

Foundation wall interior rigid insulation with framed wall

DWG

PDF

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Weiss Building & Development, System House, River Forest, IL

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a 4,763 ft2 certified Passive House that achieved HERS 27 without PV through the construction of R-54 walls that use ICF plus fiberglass cavity insulation, an R-100 vented attic, extensive air sealing and flashing, triple-pane windows, ductless heat pumps, and solar hot water.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Imagine Homes

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2011

Case study describing a new home construction project in the hot-humid climate.

Foundation Wall Exterior board insulation without above-grade wall insulation

DWG

PDF

HUD 2024 Housing Innovation Showcase Poster: Re-Siding your Home?

Author(s)

Patricia Gunderson,

Theresa Gilbride

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Publication Date

September, 2024

Factsheet describing re-siding retrofits containing exterior insulation and window upgrades aimed at improved energy savings and comfort.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: GreenCraft, Lewisville, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2011

Case study describing a new home construction project in the hot-humid climate.

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

Polyethylene sheeting covers the aggregate and extends down and under the footing to provide a capillary break between the ground and the slab and monolithic footing

DWG

PDF

High Performance Builder Spotlight: G.W. Robinson, Gainesville, FL

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2011

Case study describing a new home construction project in the hot-humid climate.

Adding Automated Shading to the High Performance Toolkit: HVAC, Health & Wellness, and High Tech

Author(s)

Katie Cort,

Shannon Christie

Organization(s)

PNNL,

Attachments Energy Rating Council,

EEBA

Webinar from Katie Cort and Shannon Christie on automated window shading and its applications for energy efficiency and demand response, leading to a discussion on integration for complete smart homes. Free EEBA login required.

2-stud corner with 1x4 backer

DWG

PDF

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: SMUD's 32nd Avenue Remodel Demonstration Program, Sacramento, CA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

March, 2011

Case study describing a retrofit project in the marine climate.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: SMUD's Energy Efficient Remodel Demonstration Project

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

October, 2010

Case study describing a retrofit project in the hot-dry climate.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: SMUD's Energy Efficient Remodel Demonstration Project: Sacramento, CA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

October, 2010

Case study describing a retrofit project in the hot-dry climate.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Ravenwood Homes and Energy Smart Home Plans, Inc., Cape Coral, Florida

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

October, 2012

Case study describing a new construction project in Florida with a HERS score of 15.

Interior intersecting wall with 1x6

DWG

PDF

2-stud corner with drywall clips

DWG

PDF

3-stud corner with rigid insulation

DWG

PDF

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study - Dwell Development, Seattle, Washington

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

USDOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Seattle, WA, that scored HERS 34 without PV.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Insight Homes: Deep Creek, Seaford, Delaware

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a home builder that has refined its home designs to achieve HERS scores of 49 to 56 on 40 to 70 homes per year.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Evaluation of a Multifamily Retrofit in Climate Zone 5, Boulder, Colorado

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a multifamily retrofit project in a cold climate.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: The Performance House: A Cold Climate Challenge Home, Old Greenwich, Connecticut

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a high performance test home incorporating best practices for energy efficiency.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Deep Energy Retrofit of 1910 House, Portland, Oregon

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2011

Case study describing a deep energy renovation of a home in the marine climate.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Habitat for Humanity Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Florida

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

November, 2011

Case study describing a new building project that partnered with Habitat for Humanity.

Interior intersecting wall with drywall clips

DWG

PDF

Interior intersecting wall with ladder blocking

DWG

PDF

Interior intersecting wall with 2 studs and rigid insulation

DWG

PDF

New Whole-House Case Study: Transformations, Inc. Net Zero Energy Communities, Devens, Easthampton, Townsend, Massachusetts

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a new construction net zero energy home.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Heritage Buildings, Inc., and Energy Smart Home Plans, Leland, North Carolina

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

October, 2012

Case study describing a new construction project in North Carolina.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Ferguson Design and Construction, Sagaponack, New York

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Long Island, NY, that scored HERS 43 without PV.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Tommy Williams Homes Initial Performance of Two Zero Energy Homes, Gainesville, Florida

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing two new construction projects in Florida built to be net zero energy homes.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Build San Antonio Green, San Antonio, Texas

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

June, 2013

Case study describing one of three deep energy renovations of occupied affordable homes.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Clifton View Homes, Coupeville, Washington

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study about a Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner construction project in the marine climate.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Caldwell and Johnson, Exeter, Rhode Island

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Exeter, Rhode Island, that scored HERS 43 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: StreetScape Development, LLC, Libertyville, Illinois

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Libertyville, IL that scored HERS 45 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: KB Homes, Double ZeroHouse, San Marcos, CA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 43 without PV and 0 with PV.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Manufactured Home Builders

Author(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center

Organization(s)

BA-PIRC,

FSEC

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a package of energy- efficiency measures for new manufactured homes in the Pacific Northwest, including triple-pane highly efficient windows.

Builders Challenge High Performance Builder Spotlight: David Weekley Homes, Houston, Texas

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2009

Case study describing new home construction in the hot-humid climate, optimizing thermal enclosure, HVAC, water heating and lighting measures.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: BPC Green Builders, New Fairfield, Connecticut

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in west Connecticut that scored HERS 39 without solar PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Garbett Homes, Herriman, Utah

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Herriman, UT, that scored HERS 40 without PV, -1 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: New Town Builders, the ArtiZEN Plan, Denver, CO

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 38 without PV and -3 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Nexus Energy Homes, Frederick, Maryland

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Frederick MD that scored HERS 43 without PV and HERS 28 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Mandalay Homes, Phoenix, Arizona

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Phoenix, AZ that scored HERS 58 without PV and HERS 38 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Ellenton, Florida

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Ellenton FL that scored HERS 53 without PV and HERS 23 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: TC Legend Homes, Cedarwood, Bellingham, WA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner in the marine climate that scored HERS 43 without PV and 13 with PV.