BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Right – This recessed light is ICAT labeled, but still needs a gasket.

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Wrong – This cabin has a gap between the concrete slab and the wall where rodents can enter

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

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Wrong – Drop down stairs do not have insulation cover installed

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

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Wrong – Whole house fan installed without an insulated cover

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Right – This ICAT recessed light is sprayed with foam to act as gasket against the drywall.

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Whole house fan cover details

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Insulated whole-house fan cover

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

Case Study

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

Install the whole house fan in the ceiling in a central location in the house

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Light tubes adjacent to unconditioned space include lens separating unconditioned and conditioned space and are fully gasketed

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Rodent Exclusion Manual: Mechanical Rodent Proofing Techniques: a training manual for National Park Service Employees

Reference

Manual describing methods for rodent-proofing buildings.

Right – Weatherstripping has been installed and remains in contact when the door is closed.

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

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

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Wire hardware mesh is fastened with a staple gun and screws to the wall to prevent pests from entering the building through small holes and cracks

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Wrong – There is visible light around the door because no weather stripping has been installed.

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

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

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Durable Airtightness in Single-Family Dwellings: Field Measurements and Analysis

Reference

Report on how airtighness changes as houses age.

Characterization of Energy Savings and Thermal Comfort Improvements Derived from Using Interior Storm Windows

Reference

Report recording the results of a field study conducted in a single historic home in Seattle, Washington, to document the performance of Indow Windows' interior storm window inserts.

Existing Skylights Repaired or Replaced and Fully Flashed

Guide

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

Insert Replacement Window

Guide

Guide describing how to insert a replacement window in an existing home.

High-Performance (ENERGY STAR) Windows

Guide

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

Flashing of Penetrations in Existing Roofs

Guide

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.

Exterior Doors Are Insulated, Impact Rated, and Fire Rated

Guide

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.

Screens and Other Deterrents for Birds, Rodents, and Other Pests

Guide

Guide describing methods to keep birds, rodents, and other pests out of vent openings and other locations in new and existing homes.