BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Right - The attic access panel is insulated and weather stripped and a dam is built to hold back the blown attic floor insulation

Insulated whole-house fan cover

Publication Date

Mon, 03/01/1999 - 12:00

Certified Insulated Siding: Quality, Comfort and Energy Performance

Author(s)

Dobson,

Brignati

Organization(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute,

Newport Ventures

This presentation will help you define insulated siding, understand R-value testing of insulated siding, describe proper installation of insulated siding, comply with energy codes and understand building energy performance program and software recognition.

Wrong – Fibrous insulation does not air seal

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Insulating and Air Sealing Existing Non-ICAT Recessed Lights

Guide describing air-sealing of non-ICAT recessed lights installed in accessible attics of existing homes.

Air seal and insulate drawer and closet boxes in attic kneewalls

Reference

Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing, Volume 10

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:00

Wrong – Whole house fan installed without an insulated cover

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right - A wood dam was constructed to hold back the attic floor insulation

Triple-pane windows use three panes of glass separated by gaps filled with krypton or argon gas, insulated spacers, and low-emissivity coatings to achieve high insulation performance

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Wrong – Drop down stairs do not have insulation cover installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Attic access panel does not have an insulation cover installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Exterior Doors Are Insulated, Impact Rated, and Fire Rated

Guide describing the use of doors that are insulated and are impact rated or have protective coverings for resistance to hurricane, high winds, wildfires and thermal losses.

Comparison of three homes showing the amount of wall insulation needed to achieve a whole-wall insulation value of R-19 when the wall has double- versus triple-pane windows

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Wrong – Fibrous insulation is not an air barrier and cannot be used for sealing holes.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Fibrous insulation is not an air barrier and cannot be used for sealing holes.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – No blocking installed to prevent attic insulation from falling into stairs and opening

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Fibrous insulation is not an air barrier and cannot be used to air-seal openings.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

To get an average whole-wall R value of R-19 with double-pane windows, you’d need R-330 of wall insulation; triple-pane windows can achieve an R-19 total wall R Value with R-38 of insulation

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Right – Blocking has been installed around the perimeter of this attic access to prevent insulation falling into the house

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Install an ENERGY STAR labeled insulated door with an automatic closer. Weather strip the door frame

Reference

Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing, Volume 10

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:00

Right – Attic access hatch has been properly insulated by attaching a fiberglass batt, gasketed, and opening has blocking

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - This ceiling-mounted mini whole-house fan has built-in insulated covers to reduce heat loss when the fan is not in use

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Window attachments like insulated blinds, solar screens, and low-e storm windows provide many benefits including heating and cooling savings at a low first cost

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Window coverings like insulated blinds, cellular shades, sun-blocking roller shades, and low-e storm windows can provide heating and cooling energy savings

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

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...

Even with R-30 of insulation in the wall, its overall R-value is R-5 if it has single-pane windows; triple-pane windows bring that up to R-16

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Triple-Pane windows can be used as a tradeoff for continuous wall insulation or stricter air sealing targets when showing compliance with the 2021 IECC using the UA path

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Air Sealing Attic Access Panels/Doors/Stairs

Guide describing how to air-seal attic access panels, doors, and stairs to provide a continuous air barrier at the ceiling.

Air Sealing Duct and Flue Shafts

Guide describing how to air-seal duct and flue shafts.

Air-seal the attic kneewall door opening with weatherstripping.

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2009 - 12:00

Air Sealing Light Tubes

Guide describing how to air-seal around light tubes.

Air Sealing Recessed Light Fixtures Below Unconditioned Space

Guide describing how to air-seal around recessed light fixtures below unconditioned space.

Air Sealing Bathroom and Kitchen Exhaust Fans

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

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.

Sealing Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Supply and Return Register Boots - Code Compliance Brief

Publication Date

January, 2020

The intent of this brief is to provide code-related information about properly sealing heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) register boots to help ensure that what is proposed regarding sealing the register boot will be accepted as being in compliance with the code. Providing consistent information to document compliance with codes and standards to all relevant parties responsible for verifying with those codes and standards (e.g., code officials, builders, contractors, designers, etc.) is expected to result in increased compliance and more timely, less challenging and more uniform plan review and field inspections.

Recessed Lighting - Code Compliance Brief

Code-related information about recessed lighting.

Provide flashing and sealing integrated with the air and water control layers for vents and other roof penetrations

Termites and ICFs

Author(s)

Insulated Concrete Forms Association

Organization(s)

ICF Builder

Publication Date

September, 2017

Document with information on preventing termites when using ICFs.

Spray Foam Upper Walls Adjoining Unconditioned Attics

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to insulate skylight shafts and knee walls correctly.

Waverly Home Addition | Exterior Cladding Details

Publication Date

February, 2014

Video describing the exterior cladding details of a residential home addition project.

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.

Flashing of Wall Penetrations in Existing Homes

Guide describing how to install flashing that is integrated with air and water control layers around piping, vents, and other wall penetrations as part of an exterior wall retrofit.

This kneewall has no top plate and the resulting gap provides a wide-open pathway for air and vapor to travel between the living space and the attic

Wrong – There is no weather stripping or gasket around the attic stair hatch

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Air seal attic access panels and drop-down stairs to minimize air leakage.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Flashing of Penetrations in Existing Roofs

Guide describing how to provide a continuous water control layer across the roof assembly by sealing all penetrations for pipes, vents, etc. in existing roofs.

Air Sealing Plumbing and Piping

Guide describing how to air-seal around plumbing and piping penetrations through walls, ceilings, and floors.

Right – Attic access door has foam and rubber weatherstripping installed that remains in contact when closed.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Sealing Duct Boots to Floor or Drywall

Guide describing how to air seal around duct shafts and flues installed through ceilings, walls and flooring in new and existing homes.

Whole-House Fans

Guide describing the types of whole-house fans, installation details to reduce energy loss, and how to operate them for comfort and energy savings based on climate zone.

Air seal the attic access panel with weather stripping

Reference

Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing, Volume 10

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:00

Air seal the attic access pull-down stairs opening with weather stripping

Reference

Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing, Volume 10

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:00

Air sealing at attic hatch - finish screws

DWG

PDF

Air Sealing Doors Adjacent to Unconditioned Space

Guide describing how to air-seal doors that are next to unconditioned spaces.

Disaster-Resistant Roof Venting

Guide describing the installation of roof vents that are resistant to damage from high winds and entry of wind-borne rain, wildfire embers, or pests.

Air sealing at attic pull down attic stair

DWG

PDF

Pest Control Overview Guide

Information guide providing an overview of pest-resistant construction practices and guides in the Building America Solution Center for home builders.

Air Sealing Electrical Wiring

Guide describing how to air-seal electrical wiring throughout a home.

DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Window Requirements

Information guide describing the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, Version 1, requirements for high-performance windows.

High-Performance (ENERGY STAR) Windows

Guide providing information about high-performance and high-efficiency windows including ENERGY STAR-certified windows.

Existing Skylights Repaired or Replaced and Fully Flashed

Guide describing how to repair or replace skylights in existing homes.

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.