BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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.

Thermal Bridges Redux, BSI-062

Reference

Article describing thermal bridging, construction practices that encourage thermal bridging, and solving thermal bridging through continuous exterior insulation.

Exterior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate a new foundation wall or an existing foundation wall by adding rigid insulation to the exterior side.

Rigid Foam Insulation Installed over Existing Foundation Slabs

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate an existing slab floor by adding rigid foam insulation over the slab then installing a floating subfloor.

An uninsulated (or existing insulated) basement slab is retrofitted to reduce moisture transmission by sealing with epoxy paint.

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Right - The existing basement slab is retrofitted by installing a dimple plastic drainage mat, rigid foam insulation, and a floating subfloor.

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The existing slab is retrofitted by coating with epoxy paint, then installing rigid foam insulation and a floating subfloor.

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Spray foam extends down the foundation wall to the slab, which has been retrofitted by adding dimple plastic drainage mat and rigid foam insulation.

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Rigid insulation and water control layers are installed on the exterior of a flat foundation wall; spray foam insulates the rim joist

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Spray foam extends down the inside of the foundation wall to the uninsulated slab; because the wall lacked exterior perimeter drainage, the slab was cut and an interior footing drain was installed.

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Spray foam insulation extends down the foundation wall to the slab, which has been retrofitted by cutting the slab to install drainage mat against the wall and a new perimeter footing drain, along with rigid foam plastic above the slab.

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Turned down concrete slab - 1 inch rigid insulation

CAD File

Turned down concrete slab - 3/4 inch rigid insulation

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Turned down concrete slab - 1 1/2 inch rigid insulation

CAD File

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: New Traditions Homes, Landover Commons, Vancouver, WA

Case Study

Case study describing energy efficient new home construction that also incorporated moisture management techniques for durability in the damp Northwest climate.

Rigid Foam Board Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate closed crawlspace walls and band joist areas with rigid foam board insulation.

Flood-Resistant Raised-Slab Foundations

Guide

Guide describing ways to construct a raised-slab foundation to increase a home's resistance to floods.

Seismic and Thermal Resistance in Slab-on-Grade Foundations with Turned-Down Footings (Monolithic Slabs)

Guide

Guide describing how to construct and retrofit homes built on slab-on-grade foundations in earthquake-prone areas to withstand seismic forces by properly installing wall-to-foundation connections.

Water Management of Existing Basement Floor

Guide

Guide describing how to retrofit an existing basement floor or slab to reduce moisture issues.

Sump Pump Cover Gasket

Guide

Guide describing how to install an airtight cover on a sump pump in the basement or crawlspace of a home to minimize humidity in the home.

Radon Fan

Guide

Guide describing how to install a radon mitigation fan to actively remove radon from the home.

Patio Slabs, Porch Slabs, Walkways, and Driveways Slope Away from House

Guide

Guide describing how to slope solid surfaces outside of a home so rainwater flows away from the home.