BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Slab Edge Insulation

Guide describing how to insulate slabs on grade in climate zones 3 and higher.

Construct Roofs and Attics for Ice Dam Prevention

Guide describing how ice dams form and how roofs can be constructed to prevent them.

Condensation Control for Walls in Cold Weather

Guide describing ways to construct wall assemblies in cold climates to minimize the likelihood of condensation formation inside the walls.

De-Icing Ice Dams, BSI-097

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2018

Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.

How to Prevent Roof Damage from Winter Ice Buildup

Author(s)

Dorsi Chris

Organization(s)

Montana State University Extension,

MSU Extension

Publication Date

January, 2019

Article from Montana State University Extension explaining how proper insulation techniques can greatly reduce the risks of ice dams on roofs in cold climate zones.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: National Grid Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot Program - Clark Residence

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

March, 2010

Case study describing a retrofit project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: BPC Green Builders, New Fairfield, Connecticut

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in west Connecticut that scored HERS 39 without solar PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Weiss Building & Development, Custom Home, Downers Grove, Illinois

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award winning custom home in Downers Grove IL that scored HERS 35 without PV.

gutters and good drainage

Publication Date

October, 2011

Author(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center

Organization(s)

CCHRC

Video from Cold Climate Housing Research Center explaining how to correctly 'fur' and outside wall for maximum insulation protection.

Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: building a raised floor

Publication Date

April, 2014

Author(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center

Organization(s)

CCHRC

Video from Cold Climate Housing Research Center describing building a raised floor in cold climates for air-sealing and insulation purposes.

Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: Cathedral Roofs

Publication Date

January, 2014

Author(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center

Organization(s)

CCHRC

Video describing roof and attic construction for cold climates, including cathedral roof design and insulation strategies, from Cold Climate Housing Research Center.

Attic or Roof? An Evaluation of Two Advanced Weatherization Packages, BA-1205

Author(s)

Neuhauser Ken

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

June, 2012

Report about a project that examines implementation of advanced retrofit measures in the context of a large-scale weatherization program and the archetypal Chicago, Illinois, brick bungalow.