BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Spray Foam Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide

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

The below-grade wall assembly includes dampproofing, draining details, and insulation.

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The seams of the rigid insulation are not taped and it will not provide a complete capillary break

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

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

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

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Easy access

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Concrete Solutions, BSI-118

Reference

Report covering insulating crawlspaces.

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

Case Study

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.

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Water intrusion

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Pouring the slab

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Damp-Proof Exterior Surface of Below-Grade Walls

Guide

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

There is no polyethylene sheeting installed in the crawlspace

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Keeping Homes and Cities Cool in Extreme Heat

Reference

Article from University of Arizona on keeping homes cool during extreme heat, both personal and system changes.

Efficient Earth-Sheltered Homes

Reference

Webpage from U.S. Department of Energy describing using Earth-Sheltered home building techniques in hot climate zones.

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

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

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

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Wrong - Class I vapor retarder over framed basement walls can cause condensation, mold, and rotting because plastic prevents drying to the inside; the outside should have waterproofing and vertical drainage, and the framing should be spaced from the wall.

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Site Drainage Practices to Minimize Localized Flooding

Information Guide

Information guide describing steps that builders can take to reduce the likelihood of standing water and localized flooding around the foundation of a home during rainy conditions.

Capillary Break at Crawlspace Floor - Polyethylene Sheeting under Concrete Slab

Guide

Guide describing how to install a capillary break to help manage moisture in foundations.

Design and Retrofit for Flood Protection

Information Guide

Information guide describing flood protection measures to minimize damage and increase structural resilience of homes during a flood.

Footing Drain Pipe

Guide

Guide describing how to help drain water away from the perimeter footing.

Final Grade Slopes Away from Foundation

Guide

Guide describing how to properly grade a site so water will flow away from the foundation.

Below-Grade Water Management for Urban Sites

Guide

Guide describing methods to manage groundwater under and around urban multifamily buildings.