BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Walls, Windows, and Doors

Information guide describing things to consider before retrofitting walls, windows, and doors, including wiring, moisture protection, and lead paints.

Retrofit Improvements - Improve Window & Door Flashing/Sealing

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

HIRL

Publication Date

February, 2012

Fact sheet describing methods for flashing and air-sealing windows and doors.

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

Water Moisture Issues: Flashing Windows, Water Leaks, and Kick-Out Flashings

Publication Date

August, 2016

Author(s)

MW Alliance

Organization(s)

MW Alliance

Steve Easley details the 2009 IECC residential requirements regarding Water and Moisture issues. Flashing, windows, water leaks and kick out flashings are all discussed.

How To Strengthen Your Home for Under $10,000 – Roof, Walls, Windows, and Doors

Publication Date

September, 2014

Video interview explaining some basic guidelines to make your home more ready for severe weather for under $10,000. Recommendations from FLASH Strong Homes.

A piece of siding is used as sill extension and to provide slope in the opening for the window, which is deeper because exterior rigid foam has been added

Publication Date

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 12:00

A liquid-applied water barrier covers the walls, serving as a drainage plane, air and vapor barrier, and secondary window flashing beneath the rigid foam that will be installed next.

Publication Date

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 12:00

Right - Tape flashing keeps moisture out around and below the window; extra tape reinforces the corners to prevent tearing of the house wrap and to keep water out of this critical juncture.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Right - Brick veneer is installed with a 1-inch air space behind the brick, metal flashing and weep holes above and below the windows and at the base of the wall to direct out water that gets behind the brick.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2004 - 12:00

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.

Front view of vertical air handler condensate disposal and controls

DWG

PDF

Front view of horizontal air handler showing condensate drain pans and drain lines

DWG

PDF

Front view of horizontal air handler showing condensate drain pans, pipes, and controls

DWG

PDF

Front view of horizontal air handler showing outdoor air intake, dampers, supply and return, emergency drain pan, and drain overflow safety cut off switch

DWG

PDF

Front view of horizontal air handler showing outdoor air intake, dampers, supply and return, and condensate drain pans, drain pipe and trap, and drain overflow safety cut off switch

DWG

PDF

Basic components of a skylight

Publication Date

Fri, 05/27/2016 - 12:00

Stucco Over Rigid Foam Insulation

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

Peeling paint indicates water infiltration around a skylight

Water stains on the framing indicate water infiltration at the skylight

Water Management of Existing Crawlspace Floor

Guide providing information about treating bulk water drainage issues and moisture control measures in existing basements and crawl spaces.

Moisture Management in Residential Construction - Building Enclosure: Exterior Door Installation

Publication Date

January, 2011

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Video from Home Innovation Research Labs on how to properly install residential exterior doors to be air and water tight.

Hurricane Straps

Publication Date

September, 2020

Author(s)

FLASH Strong Home

Organization(s)

FLASH

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

The Weather Channel - Protecting Openings

Publication Date

September, 2019

Video showing steps to take to prepare openings in homes for a hurricane or high wind event as explained by the Weather Channel and IBHS Fortified Home.

Construction & Design Considerations in Warmer Climates

Author(s)

Zero Energy Project

Organization(s)

Zero Energy Project

Publication Date

January, 2022

Guidance from Zero Energy Project on construction techniques for warmer climates, such as home orientation, and insulation requirements.

Mastic Home Exteriors Installation Guide

Author(s)

Ply Gem Siding Group

Organization(s)

Ply Gem Siding Group

Publication Date

April, 2015

Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.

Managing Indoor Humidity and Ventilation in Cold Weather

Guide describing steps to take to minimize indoor humidity in preparation for cold winter weather.

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.

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.

Flooding Overview

Overview guide describing residential floodproofing steps.

Design and Retrofit for Flood Protection

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

Aerosol Sealing Building Enclosures, Single and Multifamily Dwellings - Code Compliance Brief

Publication Date

January, 2020

The intent of this brief is to provide code-related information for aerosol sealing building enclosures to achieve durable air tightness levels that will be accepted as being in compliance with the code.