BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide

Reference

Guide describing methodologies for assessing and mitigating thermal bridging in building envelopes, featuring detailed performance data, interface solutions, and assembly-specific strategies for energy-efficient construction.

Fastening Furring Strips to a Foam-Sheathed Wall

Reference

Information sheet about what length screws should be used, and how closely to space the screws when fastening furring strips to a foam-sheathed wall.

ICFs provide continuous wall insulation from the roof to the footing with very little thermal bridging

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Make sure the beads of caulk are continuous the full length at each SIP panel seam, such as at the wall-roof seam, to maintain air barrier continuity

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Thermal Bridges Redux, BSI-062

Reference

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

Thermal Mass and Its Effect on the Whole Building Energy Performance, Part I and II

Reference

Report sumarizing a workshop to initiate a professional discussion about eventual benefits of the application of massive technologies in US buildings.

Moisture Management in Residential Construction Series - Brick Installation Drainage Cavity Wall

Video

Video from Home Innovation Research Labs showing how to correctly install brick cladding on exterior walls with a drainage cavity behind it for moisture prevention.

Guide to Attaching Exterior Wall Coverings through Foam Sheathing to Wood or Steel Wall Framing

Reference

Document that gives a step-by-step approach for designing attachments for cladding materials through foam sheathing.

Advanced Framing vs Traditional Framing

Video

Video describing traditional 2x4 16 inch on center framing versus advanced framing with 2x6 stud walls at 24 inch on center, insulated corners and headers, wall stud-ceiling joist alignment, etc. providing a strong wall with more room for insulation.

High-Performance Homes - A Simpler Design Strategy

Presentation

Webinar from Tom Patton of Fox Blocks on how changes to building codes are driving changes to framing assemblies and insulation, highlighting how ICFs can take over for traditional wood frame wall assemblies. Free EEBA login required.

Predicted Versus Actual Savings for a Low-Rise Multifamily Retrofit in Boulder, Colorado

Reference

Report documenting actual energy savings of a retrofit project in Boulder, CO.

ASHRAE -Thermal Performance of Building Envelope Details for Mid- and High-Rise Buildings (1365-RP)

Reference

Technical report describing the thermal performance of 40 common building envelope details for mid- and high-rise buildings, including analyses to optimize energy efficiency and reduce thermal bridging.

Advanced Framing: Minimum Wall Studs

Guide

Guide describing how to frame a wall with minimal wall studs to prevent heat losses and gains through walls.

Turned down concrete slab - 3/4 inch rigid insulation

CAD File

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

CAD File

Technology Solutions Case Study: Insulating Concrete Forms

Case Study

Case study describing the incorporation of insulating concrete forms (ICFs) into new home design and construction.

Thin-profile attic eave baffle and vent

CAD File

1 inch exterior insulation sheathing as attic eave baffle and vent

CAD File

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Deep Energy Retrofit in the Pacific Northwest

Case Study

Case study describing a whole-house, deep energy retrofit project in the marine climate.

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing

Guide

Guide describing continuous rigid insulation installation procedures to reduce thermal bridging and help provide thermal protection.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Devoted Builders, LLC, Mediterranean Villas, Pasco, WA

Case Study

Case study describing 50% energy saving projects for new multifamily homes in cold climates.

Reducing Thermal Bridging in Mass and Steel-Framed Multifamily Buildings

Guide

Guide describing common areas of thermal bridging in mass (concrete) and steel-framed multistory buildings and methods and materials for addressing those points of thermal bridging.

Advanced Framing: Minimal Framing at Doors and Windows

Guide

Guide describing how to minimize framing around doors and windows to reduce heat losses and gains through structural framing.

Advanced Framing: Insulated Interior/Exterior Wall Intersections

Guide

Guide describing how to frame and insulate exterior-to-interior wall intersections to reduce heat losses and gains though structural framing.

Advanced Framing: Insulated Headers

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate headers over doors and windows to reduce heat loss and heat gain through solid wood framing.