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Types of Insulation

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Information sheet about types and installation of insulation.
Reference

The Insulating Concrete Forms Magazine

Author(s)
ICF Builder Magazine
Organization(s)
ICF Builder Magazine
Publication Date
Information sheet disucssing myths about insulated concrete forms.
Reference

Selecting Healthy Insulation and Air Sealants

Author(s)
Rebecca Stamm,
Roberto Valle Kinloch
Organization(s)
Healthy Building Network,
HomeFree,
EEBA
Webinar from Rebecca Stamm of Healthy Building Network and Roberto Valle of HomeFree describing policies surrounding environmental and human health impacts of insulation and air sealing materials. Free EEBA login required.
Presentation

Cladding Attachment Over Thick Exterior Insulated Sheathing

Author(s)
Baker Peter,
Eng P,
LePage Robert
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report on the stability of furring strips as a means for cladding attachment over walls with thick exterior rigid insulation.
Reference

Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications, ASTM C553-13(2019)

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
This standard specification covers the classification, composition, physical properties, and dimensions of mineral fiber (rock, slag, or glass) blanket intended for use as thermal insulation on surfaces at various temperature ranges. This version of the standard was published in the year 2019 and is...
Reference
An uninsulated (or existing insulated) basement slab is retrofitted to reduce moisture transmission by sealing with epoxy paint.

An uninsulated (or existing insulated) basement slab is retrofitted to reduce moisture transmission by sealing with epoxy paint.

Publication Date
Image

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 Part 2: 2x4 Walls with 1” to 1.5” Exterior Insulative Sheathing

Author(s)
Kochkin Vladimir,
Wiehagen Joseph
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel sheathing (WSP) as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 inches thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...
Reference
Wrong: Closed-cell spray foam roof insulation was not thick enough to meet IRC levels so the foam surface is colder than the dew point of the interior air and condensation formed on surface of the foam

Wrong: Closed-cell spray foam roof insulation was not thick enough to meet IRC levels so the foam surface is colder than the dew point of the interior air and condensation formed on surface of the foam

Publication Date
Image
ICF bricks are stacked to form hollow walls that are reinforced with steel rebar before the concrete is poured in

ICF bricks are stacked to form hollow walls that are reinforced with steel rebar before the concrete is poured in

Publication Date
Image

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

Author(s)
IBACOS
Organization(s)
IBACOS
Publication Date
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.
Case Study

Home Performance Assessment

Information guide describing how to apply a whole-house approach to home improvement with energy efficiency upgrades, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort.
Information Guide

How To: Mounting Solar on Sips

Author(s)
Sughrue Patrick
Organization(s)
Premier SIPS Structural Insulated Panels,
Home Power Magazine
Publication Date
A structural insulated panel (SIP) roof has no embedded lumber in the structure, and therefore nothing substantial for attaching PV array and solar hot water mounts. Single or double lumber splines could be put into the panels, or I-joists at 4-foot intervals could be added.
Reference

Air Sealing Sill Plates

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

CCHRC: Thermal Mass in Alaska

Publication Date
Author(s)
Craven
Organization(s)
Cold Climate Housing Research Center,
CCHRC
Video describing what thermal mass is and answering some frequently asked questions about how to utilize it in Alaska.
Video

Concrete Homes

Author(s)
Portland Cement Association
Organization(s)
PCA
Publication Date
Information sheet discussing the properties and benefits of insulating concrete forms.
Reference

EIFS - Problems and Solutions, BSD-146

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report on problems and solutions with EIFS stucco wall cladding systems.
Reference

Building Materials Property Table, Info-500

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Document presenting some of the key technical properties of many of the most common building materials.
Reference

Plaster and Drywall Assemblies Manual

Author(s)
Fowler Mark,
Stanley Bryan,
Coats Darin
Organization(s)
Technical Services Information Bureau,
Walls & Ceilings
Publication Date
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.
Reference
Right – Two-thirds of acrylic tape is offset above the joint and over and above the fasteners

Right – Two-thirds of acrylic tape is offset above the joint and over and above the fasteners

Publication Date
Image
Right – two-thirds of the blue butyl flashing tape is above the sheathing seam; the top edge of the butyl flashing tape is covered with clear sheathing tape that is also offset so two-thirds is above the top edge of the butyl flashing.

Right – two-thirds of the blue butyl flashing tape is above the sheathing seam; the top edge of the butyl flashing tape is covered with clear sheathing tape that is also offset so two-thirds is above the top edge of the butyl flashing.

Publication Date
Image

Building Materials Listing

Author(s)
Cal Fire Office of the State Fire Marshal
Organization(s)
CAL FIRE OSFM
Publication Date
California Office of the State Fire Marshal's homepage for the Building Materials Listing Program, providing builders, contractors, architects, and others with access to a database of fire alarm systems and fire-resistant construction materials including roof coverings, wall, ceiling, and floor...
Reference

Non-Traditional Building Materials and Systems, FEMA Technical Fact Sheet No. 1.8

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Fact sheet providing guidance on alternative building materials and techniques in coastal environments, including Engineered Wood Products, SIPs, ICFs, Prefabricated Shear Walls and Moment Frames, Sprayed Closed-Cell Foam Insulation, Advanced Wall Framing, and Modular Houses; also published in FEMA...
Reference

Design and Retrofit for Flood Protection

Information guide describing constructed flood protection measures to minimize damage and increase structural resilience during a flood.
Information Guide

Removing Construction Debris from Ducts

Guide describing removal of construction debris from flex ducts and protection of ducts and HVAC equipment during construction to keep them free of dust and debris.
Guide