Reference
Description
Blog entry describing methods for insulating basement walls on the interior or exterior.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate a new foundation wall or an existing foundation wall by adding rigid insulation to the exterior side.
Reference
Description
Report summarizing the importance of properly insulating and air sealing masonry walls, providing step by step instructions and approaches.
Reference
Description
Expert Meeting about interior insulation retrofit of mass masonry wall assemblies held on July 30, 2011.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate a basement to improve the overall thermal performance of the building and provide more dry, usable conditioned space for home occupants and HVAC equipment.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install flashing that is integrated with air and water control layers around piping, vents, and other wall penetrations as part of an exterior wall retrofit.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing research about using exterior, vapor permeable insulation of retrofit walls with vapor permeable cavity insulation.
Case Study
Description
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.
Reference
Description
Report explaining moisture-related concerns for high R-value wall assemblies and discusses past Building America research work that informs this study.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to upgrade a crawlspace floor in an existing home by adding insulation.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate an existing slab floor by adding rigid foam insulation over the slab then installing a floating subfloor.
Reference
Description
Report exploring four questions to determine the level of risk associated with adding drained exterior insulation to the exterior of an existing home during an energy retrofit.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to apply flashing to the bottom of exterior walls to create a continuous drainage plane.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install and properly integrate flashing at the intersection of the wall and roof on an existing home.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to create a capillary break at all crawlspace floors using polyethylene sheeting to manage moisture in crawlspaces.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install moisture-resistant materials on walls behind showers and tubs to help manage moisture.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to retrofit an existing basement floor or slab to reduce moisture issues.
Reference
Description
Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how ice dams form and how roofs can be constructed to prevent them.
Guide
Description
Guide providing information about treating bulk water drainage issues and moisture control measures in existing basements and crawl spaces.
Reference
Description
Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing a four-square Concord home retrofitted by Building Science Corporation in Massachusetts.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to apply self-adhered asphaltic membranes at eaves in cold climates to help guard against ice dams.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 45 without PV and 32 with PV and is the first home in the world to use a tri-generation system to supply electricity, heating, and cooling on site.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to air-seal doors that are next to unconditioned spaces.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to provide a continuous water control layer across the roof assembly by sealing all penetrations for pipes, vents, etc. in existing roofs.
Information Guide
Description
Information guide describing the concept of moisture flow in residential buildings.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to repair or replace skylights in existing homes.