BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Step 6. Install vent hood trim block, metal cap flashing; seal top edge of flashing with sheathing tape.

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Right - This foil-faced polyisocyanurate rigid foam is installed on an existing exterior wall and the seams are taped so the rigid foam can serve as a water control layer

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Right – Closed-cell polyurethane foam is sprayed on the underside of the roof deck to provide structural connections and seal seams in the sheathing to increase wind resistance

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New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Pine Mountain Builders, Pine Mountain, Georgia

Case Study

Case study describing a builder in Georgia that designs energy-efficient homes for a green community, yielding homes with HERS scores as lowas 59 and electric bills as low as $50 a month.

Managing Indoor Humidity and Ventilation in Cold Weather

Guide

Guide describing steps to take to minimize indoor humidity during cold winter weather.

The thermal boundary for a gable roof can be located at either a) the flat ceiling with a vented attic or b) the roof line for an unvented attic

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Window and Door Rough Openings

Video

Video describing how to air-seal around window and door rough openings.

A low-sloped shed roof with the thermal boundary located at either a) the flat ceiling with a vented attic or b) the roof line for an unvented attic

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New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Imagine Homes: Stillwater Ranch, San Antonio, TX

Case Study

Case study describing a new home builder that strives to address health, safety, and durability issues in a hot and humid climate.

Pest proofing of this unvented crawlspace includes a metal termite shield that extends out from sill plate, metal flashing wrapping bottom of exterior rigid foam, and a termite inspection gap above interior rigid foam.

Pest proofing of this unvented crawlspace includes a metal termite shield that extends out from the sill plate, metal flashing wrapping the bottom of exterior rigid foam, and a termite inspection gap above interior rigid foam.

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Interior Spray Foam, BSI-116

Reference

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

Furred-out siding

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A 1- and ½-story home with a room located in the attic and the thermal boundary located at either a) the walls and ceiling of the attic room with small vented attic spaces or b) the roof line for an unvented attic

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How to Design a Home for a Cold Climate

Reference

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

gutters and good drainage

Video

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

Passive Cooling

Reference

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

Vulnerability of Vents to Wind-Blown Embers

Reference

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

Hurricane Straps

Video

Video describing hurricane ties and how they make your home more ready for severe weather by strengthening structural connections.

Roof Escape Openings for Flood-Prone Areas

Guide

Guide describing options for providing access to the roof via openable skylights, dormer windows, or roof hatches, for occupants of homes in areas prone to severe flooding.

Ping Pong Water and The Chemical Engineer, BSI-016

Reference

Article outlining moisture accumulation in open cell spray polyurethane foam.

Flood-hardy, drainable, dryable wall

Video

Video explaining a design option for homes in the case of a flood that would negate the need for gutting the home post-flood. Recommendations from LSU AgCenter.

Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: building a raised floor

Video

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

Cool Hand Luke Meets Attics, BSI-077

Reference

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

Keeping Homes and Cities Cool in Extreme Heat

Reference

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

Construction & Design Considerations in Warmer Climates

Reference

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

Efficient Earth-Sheltered Homes

Reference

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

Installation of Drip Edge over Underlayment for Hurricane Zones

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Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: Cathedral Roofs

Video

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

Tips for Installing a Weather Resistive Barrier

Presentation

Webinar from Keenan Watson and Samantha Kambo of DuPont on how to correctly install a weather-resistant barrier on a home for code compliance effectiveness. Free EEBA login required.

This home has heat loss through the roof, leading to ice dam formation and structural issues during winter months.

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