BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Cold Climate Building Enclosure Solutions

Reference

Research study investigating the energy performance and cost effectiveness of several state-of-the-art retrofit strategies that could be used in residential houses in the Boston and New England area.

Building America's Optimized Solutions for New Homes: Mixed-Humid Climate

Case Study

Case study describing Building America's Optimized Solutions for energy efficient home construction in a mixed-dry climate.

Building America's Optimized Solutions for New Homes: Hot-Humid Climate

Case Study

Case study describing Building America's Optimized Solutions for energy efficient home construction in a hot-humid climate.

Effect of Cladding Systems on Moisture Performance of Wood Frame Walls in a Mixed-Humid Climate

Reference

The objective of this research was to quantify the field performance of wood-frame walls clad with a variety of common claddings in a mixed-humid climate.

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls Climate Zones 3-5 Part I: 2x6 Walls

Reference

Part I of the Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as exterior sheathing, gypsum board as interior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories in height. Walls with...

Building America Existing Home Case Study: Insulated Siding Retrofit in a Cold Climate, New Paltz, New York

Case Study

Case study describing the application of insulated siding on an existing home.

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 Part 2: 2x4 Walls with 1” to 1.5” Exterior Insulative Sheathing

Reference

The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel sheathing (WSP) as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 inches thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...

Continuous Air Barrier in Exterior Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to install continuous air barriers in exterior walls.

Mass Save Deep Energy Retrofit Builder Guide, GM-1302

Reference

Guidebook providing useful examples of high performance retrofit techniques for the building enclosure of wood frame residential construction in a cold and somewhat wet climate.

Deep Energy Retrofit Guidance for the Building America Solutions Center

Reference

Guidance document on deep energy retrofits.

Batt Insulation for Existing Exterior Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to achieve RESNET Grade 1 installation standards, and meet/exceed code using batt insulation in existing walls.

Unvented-Cathedralized Attics: Where We've Been and Where We're Going, RR-9904

Reference

Report focusing on the performance and durability of unvented-cathedralized attics in hot-humid climates with both tile and asphalt shingle roofing.

Cantilevered Floor

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal and insulate a cantilevered floor.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Retrofit Integrated Space and Water Heating - Field Assessment

Case Study

Case study describing how combination space and water heating systems can be used in homes with efficient thermal enclosures, decreasing energy consumption and costs.

Air Sealing Recessed Light Fixtures Below Unconditioned Space

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal around recessed light fixtures below unconditioned space.

Insulating Existing Floors over Garage

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate and air seal the floor joists over a garage when there is loving space above the garage.

Below Deck Spray Foam Insulation for Existing Roofs

Guide

Guide describing how to add spray foam insulation to the underside of the existing roof deck as part of the conversion of a vented attic to an unvented, insulated attic.

Blown Insulation for Cavities of Existing Exterior Walls

Guide

Guide describing methods of installing blown insulation in exterior wall cavities of existing homes with minimal disruption to occupants.

Attic Knee Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate and air-seal attic knee walls and floor joist cavities under knee walls.

Garage Rim/Band Joist Adjoining Conditioned Space

Guide

Guide describing the air-sealing of rim joists on walls connecting homes and attached garages.

Attic Eave Minimum Insulation

Guide

Guide providing guidance on insulating attic eaves in new and existing single-family homes and multifamily buildings.

Air Sealing and Insulating Ceilings in Vented Attics

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal and insulate a ceiling where the insulation is installed on top of the ceiling (on the attic floor) in a vented attic.