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Air Sealed, Insulated Basements

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate a basement to improve the overall thermal performance of the building and provide more dry, usable conditioned space for home occupants and HVAC equipment.

Exterior XPS basement insulation is correctly installed to completely cover the foundation wall

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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

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Foil-faced rigid foam and spray foam can be used to insulate a basement on the interior; use good moisture management techniques to keep the basement dry

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Exterior fiberglass insulation on this new home was (incorrectly) cut to terminate below-grade after backfill, which will expose the above-grade portions of the foundation wall to cold temperatures

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Vinyl Siding with Integrated Rigid Foam for Existing Walls

Guide

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

Home Performance Assessment

Information Guide

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

Air Sealing Drywall to Top Plate

Guide

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

Mastic Home Exteriors Installation Guide

Reference

Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.

Air Sealing Bathroom and Kitchen Exhaust Fans

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans.

Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Attics, Ceilings, and Roofs

Information Guide

Information guide describing things to consider in the attic, ceiling, or roof before attempting retrofits of items including HVAC, wiring, or structural systems.

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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Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Reference

Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.

Moisture Performance of High-R Wall Systems

Reference

The next generation of building enclosures is a key step toward achieving high-performance goals through decreasing energy load demand and enabling advanced space-conditioning systems. Yet the adoption of high-R enclosures and particularly high-R walls has been a slow-growing trend because...