BASC Search

Literature review from NFPA on the use of insulation to protect the piping in home fire sprinkler systems from freezing conditions.

Report summarizing current research, summarizes issues that have been experienced with current best practices, and recommends ways in which the best practices can be improved for water managing sheathings.

Guide providing information on using exterior foam insulating sheathing in building wall assemblies to enhance thermal performance.

Measure Guideline research report providing simple, long term, and durable solutions when using tapes and flashing membranes in conjunction with the exterior face of rigid polymeric foam sheathing to create the drainage plane of a wall system.

Test results used by multiple structural insulated panel manufacturers confirming a one-hour fire rating for specific SIP assemblies.

Factsheet describing the use of rigid foam insulation to meet energy efficiency requirements and minimize fire risks.

Report covering moisture and leakage issues associated with spray foam insulation application to the underside of roof sheathing.

Article describing issues with condensation in unvented attics insulated with open-cell spray foam.

Report covering the fire performance of combustible cladding over combustible insulation.

Report covering non-combustible continuous exterior insulation and non-combustible roof venting.

A guideline containing fire sprinkler insulation requirements from the Prescott, Arizona Fire Department.

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.

Article in the SIPA Technical Bulletin (No. 11) comparing the earthquake resistance of light-frame wood shear wall construction to residential construction with structural insulated panels (SIPS).

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.

A structural insulated panel (SIP) roof has no embedded lumber in the structure, and therefore nothing substantial for attaching PV array and solar hot water mounts. Single or double lumber splines could be put into the panels, or I-joists at 4-foot intervals could be added.

Article outlining the use of spray polyurethane foam in residential buildings.

Article summarizing for potential homeowners items to check or demand from the builder in designing a home for a cold climate.

Article from Smarter Homes NZ on home building techniques that incorporate passive cooling.

Report covering the migration of wind-blown embers in roof vents.

Article outlining moisture accumulation in open cell spray polyurethane foam.

Article describing the difference between conditioned or unvented attics and unconditioned or vented attics.

Article from University of Arizona on keeping homes cool during extreme heat, both personal and system changes.

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

Webpage from U.S. Department of Energy describing using Earth-Sheltered home building techniques in hot climate zones.

Article from Building Science Corporation on construction techniques for extreme heat conditions in Dubai and Las Vegas.

Report that considers a number of promising wall systems that can meet the requirement for better thermal control.

Report discussing how to create livable space in the attic that meets IRC code requirements by either creating a ventilated roof assembly, or and unvented attic assembly.

Article from Green Building Advisor on strategies to take when building homes to reduce the need for air conditioning, including insulation, windows, site selection, and roofing.

Brochure with information about how to select and install house wrap and other weather-resistive barriers.

Document providing background and approach for the prep work necessary prior to adding attic insulation - focusing on combustion safety, ventilation for indoor air quality, and attic ventilation for durability.