BASC Search

Information sheet presenting the correct methods for building an insulated cathedral ceiling.

Presentation describing details for installing structural insulated panels (SIPs).

This report outlines research activities that are expected to facilitate the adoption of energy retrofits by remodeling contractors and roofing contractors using retrofit panels which applicable to many existing house designs in most climates and markets.

Report describing research about a test implementation of an unvented tile roof assembly in a hot-humid climate.

Report exploring alternative methods to find long-term solutions to energy loss in 1 ½-story homes to save energy, improve comfort, prevent frost buildup on the underside of the roof deck, and reduce the risk of ice dam formation/reformation.

This case study describes costs associated with 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.

Report describing sloped roof assemblies with high levels of thermal performance.

Article describing methods for insulating and air sealing vented and unvented roofs in various climates zones.

Report covering non-combustible continuous exterior insulation and non-combustible roof venting.

Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.

Article from Montana State University Extension explaining how proper insulation techniques can greatly reduce the risks of ice dams on roofs in cold climate zones.

A structural insulated panel (SIP) roof has no embedded lumber in the structure, and therefore nothing substantial for attaching PV array and solar hot water mounts. Single or double lumber splines could be put into the panels, or I-joists at 4-foot intervals could be added.

Information sheet with the definition and uses for a raised truss.

Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.

SPFA website signup page to access SPFA documents.

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

Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Fact sheet describing building envelope performance measures applicable to residential and small commercial construction.

Article describing the control layers (air, thermal, and vapor barriers) needed to build homes successfully in very cold locations.

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.

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.

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

Report to understand the long-term moisture performance of unvented roof assemblies with fibrous insulation.

Fact sheet describing analysis of potential heating and cooling savings from radiant barriers in attics.

This Measure Guideline provides design and construction information for a deep energy enclosure retrofit solution of a flat roof assembly.

Report comparing a variety of roof insulating strategies to present their advantages and disadvantages according to several comparison criteria.

Report about a project that examines implementation of advanced retrofit measures in the context of a large-scale weatherization program and the archetypal Chicago, Illinois, brick bungalow.

Article from RMI on how climate change is leading to an increase in critical extreme heat hours and what smart building strategies can be taken to mitigate some of these effects including paint color and insulation.

Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.