BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Spray Foam Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide describing how to insulate an existing foundation wall by adding spray foam insulation to the interior side of the wall.

Wrong – The insulated concrete forms at the foundation do not have a damp-proof coating

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right – The insulated concrete forms that are below-grade have a damp-proof coating to prevent moisture seeping into the foundation

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - Below-grade concrete has been properly sealed against moisture and is now having insulation installed.

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Easy access

Publication Date

Tue, 05/01/2012 - 12:00

Concrete Solutions, BSI-118

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2020

Report covering insulating crawlspaces.

Builders Challenge High Performance Builder Spotlight: David Weekley Homes, Houston, Texas

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2009

Case study describing new home construction in the hot-humid climate, optimizing thermal enclosure, HVAC, water heating and lighting measures.

Good water management practices like sloping grade away from house, and installing gutters, perimeter drain pipe, a capillary break, and free-draining soils or drainage mat protect the foundation from water saturation.

Publication Date

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:00

Water intrusion

Pouring the slab

Damp-Proof Exterior Surface of Below-Grade Walls

Guide describing how to apply water management strategies to below grade walls.

There is no polyethylene sheeting installed in the crawlspace

Right – Polyethylene sheeting vapor barrier is installed and sealed to the crawlspace walls with mastic

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The polyethylene sheeting vapor barrier is not attached to the piers with mechanical fasteners

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - Basement slab with a capillary break of either gravel or a drainage mat.

Publication Date

Thu, 02/01/2018 - 12:00

Capillary Break at Crawlspace Floors - Polyethylene Lapped Up Walls and Piers or Secured in the Ground

Guide describing how to create a capillary break at all crawlspace floors using polyethylene sheeting to manage moisture in crawlspaces.