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Ice dams formed by melting of snow on roofs can affect roofs, walls, ceilings, siding, and insulation.

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Plan view of exterior masonry brick wall retrofitted with furring strips, three layers of rigid foam insulation staggered and taped at the seams, and 1x4 furring strips to provide a nailing surface and ventilation gap under lap siding

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Plan view of exterior masonry brick wall retrofitted with furring strips, three layers of rigid mineral wool insulation staggered and taped at the seams, and topped with metal hat channel providing a ventilation gap surface to nail under the lap siding

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This close-up of an exterior wall retrofit of a masonry brick home shows the fluid-applied water and air control layer (white), 2x4 furring strips and two layers of rigid foam insulation (pink), then 1x4 furring which provides a ventilation gap

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Moisture Management in Residential Construction Series - Building Enclosure: Exterior Wall Overview

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Video from Home Innovation Research Labs giving an overview of moisture problems common to exterior walls and how to mitigate these problems with proper framing, flashing, sheathing, cladding, and insulation.

Completed wall retrofit of masonry home (on right) showing new lap siding attached over four inches of rigid foam; windows were boxed with plywood to accommodate depth of foam plus 1x4 furring strips

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Building America Building Science Advisor

Reference

Web based tool providing decision-making guidance for selecting wall assembly components.

This home has heat loss through the roof, leading to ice dam formation and structural issues during winter months.

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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.

Moisture-, Impact-, Fire-, and Pest-Resistant Exterior Siding

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Guide describing how to select the siding materials best suited to withstand hazards like rain, wind, hail, fire, and pests.