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Foundation wall exterior board insulation with above-grade wall insulation

Guide describing how to install stucco over rigid foam insulation in new and existing homes.

Expanded polystyrene insulation is installed with joints taped and lath attached in preparation for the application of stucco

Siding has been removed so cellulose insulation can be dense-packed into the exterior walls of this home

Stucco is installed over rigid insulation, which is installed over a drainage plane consisting of a drainage gap and building wrap layer over the sheathing

In warm-humid climates, do not install Class 1 vapor retarders on the interior side of air-permeable insulation in above-grade walls, except at shower and tub walls.

Building Materials with High Moisture Content Not Enclosed

Guide describing how to avoid using wet materials and reduce moisture exposure in construction.

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.

Passive House Wall Assembly Mock | Hammer & Hand

Publication Date

March, 2015

Video showing a mock wall assembly used in Hammer and Hand’s passive houses.

Air Sealing Drywall to Top Plate

Guide describing ways to seal drywall to the top plate of an exterior wall to air-seal the wall cavity.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Stand-Off Furring in Deep Energy Retrofits

Author(s)

IBACOS

Organization(s)

IBACOS

Publication Date

May, 2014

Case study describing a stand-off furring strategy that minimizes the physical connections to each existing wall stud, uses spray foam to encapsulate existing siding materials (including lead paint), and creates a vented rain screen assembly to promote drying.

Class I Vapor Retarders Not Installed in Above-Grade Walls in Warm-Humid Climate

Guide describing vapor retarder permeability, insulation interaction, and example construction in a hot-humid climate.

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.

Air Sealing Sill Plates

Guide describing how to air-seal sill plates in single-family homes and multifamily buildings.

Cement Board Installed behind Tile and Panel Tub and Shower Enclosures

Guide describing how to install moisture-resistant materials on walls behind showers and tubs to help manage moisture.

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

Spray foam on concrete foundation wall with framed interior wall

DWG

PDF

Plaster and Drywall Assemblies Manual

Author(s)

Fowler Mark,

Stanley Bryan,

Coats Darin

Organization(s)

Technical Services Information Bureau,

Walls & Ceilings

Publication Date

October, 2014

Manual describing design, detailing, material selection and troubleshooting for plaster, IEFs, and drywall, with information on continuous insulation, air barriers, rain screens, and ratings for fire and sound.

Conceptual air sealing strategy - lower wall section

DWG

PDF

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Tom Walsh & Co., New Columbia, Portland, OR

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

February, 2013

Case study describing a new construction building project of 20 homes that earned HERS scores that represent greater than 50% energy savings in heating and cooling over the 2004 IECC.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Schneider Homes, Inc., Village at Miller Creek, Burien, WA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

February, 2013

Case study describing new home construction in the marine climate that achieved 50% savings over the 2004 IECC.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Nelson Construction: Hamilton Way, Farmington, CT

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing the design and testing of 10 high-performance homes in Farmington, Connecticut.

Moisture-, Impact-, Fire-, and Pest-Resistant Exterior Siding

Guide describing how to select the siding materials best suited to withstand hazards the home is likely to face within its lifetime.