BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Attic Eave Minimum Insulation

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

Right – Battens were installed above the cork insulation to provide a ventilating layer between the insulation and the roof sheathing on this “hot roof” design.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Below Deck Spray Foam Insulation for Existing Roofs

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.

Attic Air Sealing, Insulating, and Ventilating for Ice Dam Prevention

Information guide describing proper attic air-sealing, insulation, and ventilation to combat ice dam formation on roofs in cold climate zones.

Unvented Conditioned Attic with Spray Foam Insulation Below Roof Deck

Guide describing a method for insulating an unvented attic by spraying foam insulation along the underside of the roof deck.

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation Over a Sloped Roof

Guide describing how to re-roof an existing home with a sloped and add insulation above the roof deck.

Conceptual insulation practice at attic-style truss system - above unconditioned space

DWG

PDF

Conceptual insulation practice at attic-style truss system - above conditioned space

DWG

PDF

Retrofit an existing roof by installing rigid foam above the roof deck with a ventilation space between the rigid foam and the new roof sheathing plus new moisture and air control layers and cavity insulation in the roof rafters.

Vented versus Unvented Attic

Guide describing options for designing and locating the thermal boundary at either the attic floor or along the roof line in new and existing homes.

Home Performance Assessment

Information guide describing how to apply a whole-house approach to home improvement with energy efficiency upgrades, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort.

DOE ZERH HIA 2017 Case Study: Thrive Home Builders, Courtyard Rows, Lone Tree, CO

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2017

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2017 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 41 without PV and 8 with PV.

Provide flashing and sealing integrated with the air and water control layers for vents and other roof penetrations

Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: Cathedral Roofs

Publication Date

January, 2014

Author(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center

Organization(s)

CCHRC

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

IRC FAQ: Conditioned Attics, GM-0905

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Report discussing how to create livable space in the attic that meets IRC code requirements by either creating a ventilated roof assembly, or and unvented attic assembly.

Designing Houses That Keep Their Cool

Author(s)

Wilson Alex

Organization(s)

Green Building Advisor

Publication Date

July, 2013

Article from Green Building Advisor on strategies to take when building homes to reduce the need for air conditioning, including insulation, windows, site selection, and roofing.

Ventilating Cathedral Ceilings to Prevent Problematic Icings at their Eaves

Author(s)

Tobiasson Wayne N,

Tantillo Thomas,

Buska James S

Organization(s)

Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory,

CRREL

Publication Date

August, 1998

Report describing the formation of icicles and ice dams along poorly ventilated roofs and how to mitigate ventilation issues with insulation and vents.

Building America Case Study Technology Solutions for Existing Homes: Concord Four Square Retrofit

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2012

Case study describing a four-square Concord home retrofitted by Building Science Corporation in Massachusetts.

Building America Case Study Technology Solutions for Existing Homes: Bedford Farmhouse High Performance Retrofit Prototype

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2013

Case study describing project conducted by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell (HfHGL) and Building Science Corporation (BSC).

Attic Ventilation Fans

Guide describing the use of attic ventilation fans to mechanically pull outside air through the attic in an attempt to cool the attic, control moisture, and prevent ice dams.

Calculating Attic Passive Ventilation

Information guide describing how to calculate attic passive ventilation with example calculations.