BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Flood and Hurricane Resistant Buildings, BSD-111

Reference

Guide from Building Science Corporation on how to construct a flood and hurricane resistant home.

Insight Rebuilding Houston “Wash and Wear Buildings”, BSI-101

Reference

Article from Building Science Corporation explaining 'wash and wear buildings' that are designed to be flooded and washed out afterwards.

Moisture-resistant plastic and fiber cement exterior trim and cladding are indistinguishable from wood building elements.

Moisture-resistant plastic and fiber cement exterior trim and cladding are indistinguishable from wood building elements.

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Brick, Stucco, Housewrap and Building Paper, RR-0105

Reference

Research study discussing how housewraps restrict or permit the passage of water molecules based on size, but cannot control the direction in which the water vapor molecules move.

Building section connecting an unvented roof assembly constructed with fire-resistant and fire-retardant materials to a wall assembly with similar materials.

Building section connecting an unvented roof assembly constructed with fire-resistant and fire-retardant materials to a wall assembly with similar materials.

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To control surface water, the land should slope away from the building on all sides

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The “down” and “out” approach to flashing – metal flashing directs water down and out of building assemblies

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Building America Top Innovations 2013: Exterior Rigid Insulation Best Practices

Case Study

Case study describing a 2013 DOE Building America Top Innovation for the installation of rigid foam insulation on the exterior of home roofs and walls as a thermal, air, and moisture barrier.

Rainwater Management Performance of Newly Constructed Building Enclosures During August and September 2004, RR-0503

Reference

Report covering the performance of residential buildings during three hurricanes impacting Florida in 2004.

Elevated slab construction with no water sensitive materials on first level

Elevated slab construction with no water sensitive materials on first level

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New Charleston, SC home's first level used as parking, storage, and access space

New Charleston, SC home's first level used as parking, storage, and access space

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Extreme Heat—A Tale of Two Cities, BSI-032

Reference

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

A typical Las Vegas hot-dry climate home uses stucco siding and a tile roof.

A typical Las Vegas hot-dry climate home uses stucco siding and a tile roof.

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A typical Las Vegas hot-dry climate home made of wood frame construction and insulated with R-25 expanded polystyrene externally over a drainage plane, with an unvented wood frame insulated attic and roof assembly.

A typical Las Vegas hot-dry climate home made of wood frame construction and insulated with R-25 expanded polystyrene externally over a drainage plane, with an unvented wood frame insulated attic and roof assembly.

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Saturated ground water

Saturated ground water

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Vented and Sealed Attics in Hot Climates, RR-0981

Reference

Building science report describing issues with vented attics in hot-humid climates and how sealed attic construction may be a solution.

Designing for Floods, BSI-128

Reference

Report providing guidance on designing buildings to be flood resistant.

Pest-Resistant Ground Cover at Foundation Perimeter

Guide

Guide describing methods for installing pest-resistant ground cover around foundations to resist borrowing rodents and other pests.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Lancaster Live/Work Townhome Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the marine climate.

Water Management Details Housewraps/Flashings/Windows

Reference

Document providing guidance on water management concepts and applications for residential buildings.

Groundwater Control, Info-101

Reference

Information sheet about groundwater control.

Guide to Insulating Sheathing

Reference

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

Interior Spray Foam, BSI-116

Reference

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

Flood vents allow floodwaters to enter and exit the crawlspace without causing hydrostatic pressure differences

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Material Properties of Rigid foam Insulation

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An Inset Shear Panel constructed with 2x4 dimensional lumber installed into a 2x6 stud bay

An Inset Shear Panel constructed with 2x4 dimensional lumber installed into a 2x6 stud bay

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Rebuilding Houston, BSI–101

Reference

Report covering the reconstruction of flood damaged homes.

Provide a continuous air barrier from the rigid foam below the crawlspace floor joists to the rim joist to the exterior wall above

Provide a continuous air barrier from the rigid foam below the crawlspace floor joists to the rim joist to the exterior wall above

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

Case Study

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

Rocks Don’t Burn, BSI–068

Reference

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