BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

This concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall is insulated with rigid insulation on the exterior side of the concrete block

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This concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall is insulated with rigid insulation on the exterior side of the concrete block

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Technology Solutions Case Study: Moisture Durability of Vapor Permeable Insulating Sheathing

Case Study

Case study describing research about using exterior, vapor permeable insulation of retrofit walls with vapor permeable cavity insulation.

Walls in cold climates with a polyethylene vapor barrier interior of the wall cavity should have either no exterior insulation or a vapor-open continuous insulation like mineral wool that allows drying to the exterior

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This house design in the Hot-Humid climate uses a slab foundation, masonry walls, and an Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) cladding.

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Rigid foam insulation can serve as the drainage plane when all seams are taped. Furring strips provide an air gap behind the cladding.

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The Perfect Wall includes water, air, thermal, and vapor layers with continuous insulation exterior of the sheathing to reduce the condensation potential in the wall.

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Vapor-permeable mineral wool insulation is installed on the exterior side of the sill beam during an exterior wall retrofit to allow the sill beam to dry to the outside

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Walls in cold climates with a Class 3 vapor retarder (latex paint) and a vapor-open continuous insulation like mineral wool allow drying to the interior or the exterior

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Masonry wall interior retrofit with parge coat, fluid-applied water control layer, rigid mineral wool, wood-framed wall with cavity insulation, smart vapor barrier, and wood or metal service cavity

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Condensation Control for Walls in Cold Weather

Guide

Guide describing ways to construct wall assemblies in cold climates to minimize the likelihood of condensation formation inside the walls.

Building Code Training - Residential Thermal Envelope - Air Sealing

Presentation

Presentation describing the Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code air barrier requirements, envelope concepts including air flow and thermal properties, and common missed insulation and air-sealing opportunities.

Class I Vapor Retarders Not Installed in Above-Grade Walls in Warm-Humid Climate

Guide

Guide describing vapor retarder permeability, insulation interaction, and example construction in a hot-humid climate.

The Larsen-truss 9-inch wall cavities were covered with a smart vapor membrane that was fastened to the trusses with furring strips, which also provide an air gap behind the wood siding; each truss cavity is then filled with blown cellulose.

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Flow-Through Assemblies, BSI-091

Reference

Article discussing flow-through assemblies of walls.

Cement Board Installed behind Tile and Panel Tub and Shower Enclosures

Guide

Guide describing how to install moisture-resistant materials on walls behind showers and tubs to help manage moisture.

The “institutional” perfect wall works in all climate zones; water, air, vapor, and thermal control layers are exterior of the sheathing, assembly allows drying to interior and exterior

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2021 IBC and IRC Adopt Improved Vapor Retarder Requirements

Reference

Article describing vapor retarder requirements in the International Residential Code and International Building Code 2021.

This exterior wall retrofit permits drying to the exterior of a sill plate installed on an untreated irregular foundation wall

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This exterior wall retrofit permits drying to the exterior of a sill plate installed on an untreated flat foundation wall

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Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Reference

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

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5, Part I: 2x6 Walls

Reference

Part I of the Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as exterior sheathing, gypsum board as interior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories in height.