Description
Guide describing how to retrofit an existing basement floor or slab to reduce moisture issues.
Showing results 1 - 100 of 116
Description
Guide providing information about treating bulk water drainage issues and moisture control measures in existing basements and crawl spaces.
Description
Guide describing how to insulate the sill beam or sill plate on the exterior side in a way that allows drying to the exterior, as part of an exterior wall upgrade.
Organization(s)
Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,
BA-PIRC,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Description
Report focusing on managing the driving forces that move air and water vapor across the building envelope.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article discussing indoor water management.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Document providing guidance on water management concepts and applications for residential buildings.
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Report covering the fundamental waterproofing strategies for tub and shower assemblies.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
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.
Description
Guide describing an approach to re-roofing an existing flat roof to improve thermal, water, and air control performance.
Description
Guide describing how to re-roof an existing home with a sloped and add insulation above the roof deck.
Organization(s)
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Publication Date
Description
Manual showing how to properly use grass swales to manage excess water runoff.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report explaining moisture-related concerns for high R-value wall assemblies and discusses past Building America research work that informs this study.
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.
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.
Description
Guide describing how to repair or replace skylights in existing homes.
Description
Guide describing how to install and properly integrate flashing at the intersection of the wall and roof on an existing home.
Description
Guide describing how to upgrade a crawlspace floor in an existing home by adding insulation.
Description
Guide describing how to insulate a new foundation wall or an existing foundation wall by adding rigid insulation to the exterior side.
Description
Guide describing how to insulate an existing foundation wall by adding spray foam insulation to the interior side of the wall.
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing a retrofit project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.
Description
Guide describing how to insulate an existing slab floor by adding rigid foam insulation over the slab then installing a floating subfloor.
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor,
GBA
Publication Date
Description
Article describing different kinds of water-resistant backer boards.
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
Description
Resource that provides an overview of the WaterSense Budget Tool, as well as detailed instructions for using the tool.
Organization(s)
PEX Universe
Publication Date
Description
A webpage discussing how water heater expansion tanks operate and how to repair them.
Organization(s)
HIRL,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Case study about a structural sheathing product composed of enhanced EPS rigid foam with OSB adhered on one side.
Description
Guide describing appropriate flooring for wet areas of the home.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing a four-square Concord home retrofitted by Building Science Corporation in Massachusetts.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report about the fundamental concepts that must be understood at the planning or initial nspection of existing homes regarding surface and ground water management.
Organization(s)
CARB,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing a multifamily retrofit project in a cold climate.
Organization(s)
CARB,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing a deep energy retrofit, turning an old school into 12 high-end apartments in Greenfield, MA.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Brochure describing drainage planes, also referred to as water resistive barriers.
Description
Guide describing service water pressure requirements for EPA's WaterSense Program.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing a retrofit project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.
Description
Guide describing the design and installation considerations for recladding of above grade walls using insulated vinyl siding.
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Document describing correct construction of swales, designed to trap particulate pollutants (suspended solids and trace metals), promote infiltration, and reduce the flow velocity of storm water runoff.
Description
Guide describing how to design a water-efficient landscape that will minimize the need for supplemental water by using the WaterSense® Water Budget Tool.
Description
Guide describing how to correctly choose building materials.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Brochure with information about how to select and install house wrap and other weather-resistive barriers.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing research about using exterior, vapor permeable insulation of retrofit walls with vapor permeable cavity insulation.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Document providing information on basement insulation, air sealing and water management retrofits.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing research about spray foam roof insulation and moisture management.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report from FEMA describing techniques for floodproofing structures.
Organization(s)
ASHI
Publication Date
Description
Article describing how to properly manage condensing HVAC equipment.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet describing the function of a vapor barrier, and methods to retard the migration of water vapor.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet providing information about vapor management in building assemblies.
Organization(s)
PNNL,
PHI,
HIRL,
BSC,
NorthernSTAR
Publication Date
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.
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
Description
Resource that can be used to determine peak watering month and the appropriate evapotranspiration and rainfall values for a specific United States zip code.
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
Description
Resource that can be used to comply with section 4.1.1 of Version 1.2 of the WaterSense New Home Specification or to ensure a measure of efficiency and regional suitability for the amount of water applied to a landscape based on local climate data.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Report from FEMA on how to reduce damage from localized flooding including planning, drainage, building codes and retrofits, and regulations.
Description
Guide describing how to correctly slope solid surfaces outside a home so rainwater flows away from the home.
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR,
NSTAR
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing the External Thermal and Moisture Management System developed by the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership for retrofitting roofs with rigid foam over the roof deck, especially on one and a half-story homes.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet describing techniques for insulating basements.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet designed for the residential construction and remodeling industries, as well as owners and managers working in affordable housing. This sheet presents building guidance for both new construction and rehabilitation, as well as practices that can be used by property maintenance...
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet about groundwater control.
Organization(s)
UMN,
NSTAR
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet describing the moisture properties of wood.
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada,
NRC
Publication Date
Description
Article describing the causes of wood decay and moisture issues.
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor,
GBA
Publication Date
Description
Blog entry describing methods for insulating basement walls on the interior or exterior.
Organization(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet about mold mitigation.
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Description
A field guide with residential construction best practices.
Organization(s)
Western Wood Products Association,
WWPA
Publication Date
Description
Document describing common questions about moisture, mold, and wood.
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
Description
Resource that provides a directory of individuals that have sucessfully completed all requirements of at least one WaterSense labeled professional certification program.
Organization(s)
National Research Council Canada,
NRCC
Publication Date
Description
Document about condensation between the panes, on the inside surface of the outer glass of double pane windows.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Guide providing information about controlling rainwater through use of drainage planes.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
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.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Brochure providing information about flashing in all cimates.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Case study about how to properly tape insulating sheathing drainage planes.
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR,
University of Minnesota,
U.S. Department of Labor,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Research study searching for combinations of existing technologies that could enable a minimally invasive, cost-competitive, easily deployable method of upgrading soil-side foundation insulation in existing buildings.
Organization(s)
BEC
Publication Date
Description
Case study about high humidity, mold and condensation on surfaces in S. Florida, and how building characteristics cause and amplify these problems.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report about exterior sheathing insulation and inward driven moisture issues.
Organization(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Document describing good practices for insulating basements in new and existing homes.
Organization(s)
LSU AgCenter
Publication Date
Description
Webpage from LSU AgCenter answering frequently asked questions after gutting a flooded home, including mitigation strategies for future floods.
Organization(s)
NAHB Research Center,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Research study presenting results of an existing home monitoring project designed to measure wall cavity moisture characteristics.
Organization(s)
BSC,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Report with guidance for installing windows with foam sheathing on wood-frame walls.
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Report documenting the measured performance of six residential ENERGY STAR vapor compression dehumidifiers.
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA,
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB
Publication Date
Description
Article describing a research study exploring how effective interior insulation systems are at keeping basements dry and warm.
Organization(s)
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Publication Date
Description
An article about double-hung windows.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
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.
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR,
University of Minnesota,
UMN,
NSTAR,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Presentation describing the challenges of insulating an existing basement, presented to the Building America residential energy-efficiency stakeholder meeting.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet providing details on the vapor permeance of different types of materials used in building assemblies.
Organization(s)
HIRL
Publication Date
Description
This TechNote provides an overview of building code requirements and best practices for flashing at window and door frames.
Description
Guide describing the need for covers on sump pumps in the basement or crawlspace of a home.
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Research study examining the effective moisture penetration depth (EMPD) model and its suitability for building simulations.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Document covering basic moisture control principles in the design of above-grade building enclosures; driving rain as a moisture load on walls; a classification system of the various rain control strategies available for walls; and good design practises for walls.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report describing steps homeowners can take to improve the indoor air quality in their home, including ventilating, preventing pests, and reducing pollutants in the home.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information guide describing issues with concrete floors, in multiple climate zones.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing an experiment to build and instrument unvented test roofs using air-permeable insulation in a cold climate and to analyze the moisture effects over time.
Organization(s)
Ply Gem Siding Group
Publication Date
Description
Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
USDA,
USDA Forest Service
Publication Date
Description
Report using relative humidity and temperature data from NOAA to measure average equilibrium moisture content for each month of the year in 262 locations in the United States and 122 locations outside the United States.
Organization(s)
University of Waterloo,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Document describing a hygrothermal modeling study, including all of the US climate zones, a range of interior humidity levels and numerous arrangements and types of insulation.
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Research study that utilizes EnergyPlus equipped with the moisture capacitance model to analyze the indoor relative humidity in three home types.
Description
Guide describing how to apply flashing to the bottom of exterior walls to create a continuous drainage plane.
Organization(s)
University of Alaska,
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Publication Date
Description
Manual describing best practices or home construction in Alaska and northern climates.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Expert Meeting about interior insulation retrofit of mass masonry wall assemblies held on July 30, 2011.
Organization(s)
Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,
BA-PIRC,
Gas Technology Institute,
GTI Energy,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Report targeting the growing number of homes utilizing deep retrofit measures and new construction practices to realize sufficiently lower infiltration levels that require mechanical ventilation as prescribed by ASHRAE Standard 62.2.
Description
Guide describing installation of sump pumps in the basement or crawlspace of a home.
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
ANSI
Publication Date
Description
Standard describing prediction, mitigation, and reduction of moisture damage to the building envelope, materials, components, systems, and furnishings, depending on climate, construction type, and HVAC system operation; the webstore allows preview or full purchase.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Report summarizing the importance of properly insulating and air sealing masonry walls, providing step by step instructions and approaches.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
This report will review, and summarize the current state of understanding and research into enclosures with higher thermal resistance, so-called “High-R Enclosures.” Recommendations are provided for further research.
Description
Guide describing how to install moisture-resistant materials on walls behind showers and tubs to help manage moisture.