BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Foundation Wall Exterior board insulation without above-grade wall insulation

Guide describing how to insulate a basement to improve the overall thermal performance of the building and provide more dry, usable conditioned space for home occupants and HVAC equipment.

Exterior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

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

Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Guide describing techniques for installing insulating sheathing as a continuous drainage plane on walls.

Material Properties of Rigid foam Insulation

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Measure Guideline: Internal Insulation of Masonry Walls

Author(s)

Schumacher Christopher,

Ueno Kohta,

Straube John

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

July, 2012

Report summarizing the importance of properly insulating and air sealing masonry walls, providing step by step instructions and approaches.

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing/Siding (1)

Publication Date

September, 2015

Video describing exterior rigid foam insulation.

Spray Foam Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

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

Upper wall insulation installation with butyl z-flashing

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

Foundation wall interior rigid insulation with furring strips

DWG

PDF

Foundation wall interior rigid insulation with framed wall

DWG

PDF

Measure Guideline: Guidance on Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Author(s)

Grin Aaron,

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

September, 2014

Measure Guideline research report providing simple, long term, and durable solutions when using tapes and flashing membranes in conjunction with the exterior face of rigid polymeric foam sheathing to create the drainage plane of a wall system.

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

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2013

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

Exterior XPS basement insulation is correctly installed to completely cover the foundation wall

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:00

Building America Top Innovations 2013: Exterior Rigid Insulation Best Practices

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

Home Innovation Research Labs,

Building Science Corporation,

University of Minnesota

Organization(s)

PNNL,

PHI,

HIRL,

BSC,

NorthernSTAR

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a 2013 DOE Building America Top Innovation for the installation of rigid foam insulation on the exterior of home roofs and walls as a thermal, air, and moisture barrier.

Expert Meeting Report: Interior Insulation Retrofit of Mass Masonry Wall Assemblies

Author(s)

Ueno Kohta,

Van Straaten R

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

February, 2012

Expert Meeting about interior insulation retrofit of mass masonry wall assemblies held on July 30, 2011.

Hygric Redistribution in Insulated Assemblies: Retrofitting Residential Envelopes Without Creating Moisture Issues

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W,

Smegal Jonathan

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2013

Report exploring four questions to determine the level of risk associated with adding drained exterior insulation to the exterior of an existing home during an energy retrofit.

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

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Clean taping areas and install 3" tape on vertical joint of upper insulation overlapping the horizontal joint

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

Tape the joint between the top insulation sheet and the Z-flashing with 2" wide tape to improve air tightness

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

Right – The flashing is properly installed to create a complete drainage system with continuous rigid insulation sheathing/siding

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

This farmhouse was retrofit by removing the existing siding and adding taped insulated sheathing and battens before installing new siding

Because the above-grade potions of the wall lack exterior insulation, condensation and even ice form during cold winter conditions

Publication Date

Thu, 08/31/2017 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right – The rigid insulation covers all exterior walls and all seams are taped to provide a complete drainage system

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Step 1. Apply roof underlayment over roof deck and up the sidewall over the rigid foam insulation

Reference

40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Marine Climate, Volume 11

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report providing builders in marine climates with guidance for building homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

Publication Date

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:00

This flood-resistant masonry wall design with metal framing and rigid foam insulation will limit moisture damage in exterior walls.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Terminate 4" tape with 2" wide tape placing tape offset high on the joint, 2/3 of the tape should be adhered to the sheet of insulation

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

Step 5. Apply self-adhesive flashing over top edge of the wall flashing, diverter, and rigid foam insulation

Reference

40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Marine Climate, Volume 11

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report providing builders in marine climates with guidance for building homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

Publication Date

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Sun, 04/01/2012 - 12:00

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

Foil-faced rigid foam and spray foam can be used to insulate a basement on the interior; use good moisture management techniques to keep the basement dry

Exterior surface of below-grade walls finished as follows: For poured concrete, concrete masonry, and insulated concrete forms, finish with damp-proof coating

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Exterior fiberglass insulation on this new home was (incorrectly) cut to terminate below-grade after backfill, which will expose the above-grade portions of the foundation wall to cold temperatures

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:00

FEMA recommends techniques like open lower wall cavities with exterior rigid foam insulation and paperless drywall for flood-resistant, dryable wall interiors.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Concrete is poured into the rigid foam shell of the insulated concrete form (ICF) walls; a plastic water barrier has already been installed to protect the below-grade wall surfaces.

Existing low-slope (“flat”) roof and brick masonry walls with a new fully adhered air barrier membrane plus polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation and a roofing membrane water control layer

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2015 - 12:00

Existing flat roof and wood-framed walls are retrofitted with a new fully adhered air barrier membrane plus polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation and a roofing membrane water control layer

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2015 - 12:00

Right - Permeable rigid mineral wool insulation and appropriate water-management flashing details are integrated with new rigid foam siding to keep water away from the sill beam above the foundation wall

ROXUL Mineral Wool | Madrona Passive House

Publication Date

February, 2015

Video describing the installation of mineral wool monolithic exterior insulation.

Easy access

Publication Date

Tue, 05/01/2012 - 12:00

Building Materials with High Moisture Content Not Enclosed

Guide describing how to avoid using wet materials and reduce moisture exposure in construction.

Vinyl Siding with Integrated Rigid Foam for Existing Walls

Guide describing the design and installation considerations for recladding of above grade walls using insulated vinyl siding.

Proper flashing around windows is especially important when the rigid foam serves as the drainage plane in the wall

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

Water Managed Existing Sill Beams and Sill Plates

Guide describing how to insulate the sill beam or sill plate on the exterior side in a way that allows drying to the exterior, as part of an exterior wall upgrade.

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

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

They All Laughed, BSI-026

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2017

Article describing the evolution of the IRC to permit class 3 vapor retarders (latex paint) in walls coupled with exterior continuous insulation to allow drying and reduce condensation risk.

Mastic Home Exteriors Installation Guide

Author(s)

Ply Gem Siding Group

Organization(s)

Ply Gem Siding Group

Publication Date

April, 2015

Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.

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.

Publication Date

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:00

Tape horizontal joint with minimum 3" wide tape placing tape offset high on the joint, adhearing to the upper sheet without wrinkles

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

DOE ZERH HIA 2017 Case Study: Thrive Home Builders, Courtyard Rows, Lone Tree, CO

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2017

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2017 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 41 without PV and 8 with PV.

New Orleans House Profile

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Water intrusion

Pouring the slab

Inspection of taped joint

The mistake of not staggering siding and foam sheathing joints

Seams in the ICF block are sealed so the EPS foam surface can serve as the drainage plane; no house wrap is needed.

Right – Furring strips provide a drainage gap between the rigid foam and the siding.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Cement Board Installed behind Tile and Panel Tub and Shower Enclosures

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

Damp-Proof Exterior Surface of Below-Grade Walls

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

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Imagine Homes: Stillwater Ranch, San Antonio, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a new home builder that strives to address health, safety, and durability issues in a hot and humid climate.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Insight Homes: Deep Creek, Seaford, Delaware

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a home builder that has refined its home designs to achieve HERS scores of 49 to 56 on 40 to 70 homes per year.

Polyethylene is being attached to the crawlspace floor and walls with plywood furring strips

Publication Date

Wed, 02/01/2012 - 12:00

Over the taped rigid foam board, 2x4 furring strips provide a ventilating air gap and drainage plane under the engineered wood lap siding. The furring strips were attached with structural screws to provide an attachment surface for the siding.

Flashing of Wall Penetrations in Existing Homes

Guide describing how to install flashing that is integrated with air and water control layers around piping, vents, and other wall penetrations as part of an exterior wall retrofit.

Foundation wall interior polyisocyanurate, foil-faced, exposed

DWG

PDF

Termite shield with exterior rigid foam above and below

DWG

PDF

There is no polyethylene sheeting installed in the crawlspace

Furred-out siding

Publication Date

Sun, 10/01/2000 - 12:00

Install the starter strip for the vinyl siding along a chalk line

Publication Date

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 12:00

Right: All joints in the rigid foam are taped to keep stucco out of joints for even drying. Mesh tape (shown here) is used with expanded polystyrene (EPS); acrylic sheathing tape or self-adhered membrane is used with XPS

Spray foam on a stone or rubble foundation

DWG

PDF

Spray foam on concrete foundation wall with framed interior wall

DWG

PDF

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

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Flood-hardy, drainable, dryable wall

Publication Date

October, 2017

Video explaining a design option for homes in the case of a flood that would negate the need for gutting the home post-flood. Recommendations from LSU AgCenter.

Polyethylene completely covers the floor of this crawlspace and is attached to the walls and piers as well

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Thu, 02/01/2018 - 12:00

Technology Solutions Case Study: Hygrothermal Performance of a Double-Stud Cellulose Wall

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

June, 2015

Case study describing the moisture content in homes with double wall framing.

Capillary break at all crawlspace floors using ≥ 6 mil polyethylene sheeting, lapped 6-12 in., and lapped up each wall or pier and fastened with furring strips or equivalent

Publication Date

Mon, 02/21/2011 - 12:00

Install minimum 6" wide self-adhered butyl Z-flashing

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Moisture Management for High R-Value Walls

Author(s)

LePage Robert,

Schumacher Christopher,

Lukachko Alex

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2013

Report explaining moisture-related concerns for high R-value wall assemblies and discusses past Building America research work that informs this study.

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.

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Building America Case Study Technology Solutions for Existing Homes: Concord Four Square Retrofit

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2012

Case study describing a four-square Concord home retrofitted by Building Science Corporation in Massachusetts.

A continuous layer of polyethylene covers the crawlspace floor and is attached to the wall with wood nailing strips

Reference

Building America Best Practices Series - 40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Cold and Very Cold Climates, Volume 12

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Guide describing measures that builders in the cold and very cold climates can take to build homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2020

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

Drainage Plane Behind Exterior Wall Cladding

Guide describing installation of a fully sealed continuous weather resistant barrier to provide a drainage plane to keep rainwater out of above-grade walls.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: M Street Homes, Smartlux on Greenpark Houston, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 45 without PV and 32 with PV and is the first home in the world to use a tri-generation system to supply electricity, heating, and cooling on site.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Lancaster County Career and Technology Center Green Home 3 - Mount Joy, Pennsylvania

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

HIRL

Publication Date

December, 2014

Case study describing the Green Home 3 project, which achieved a 44% whole-house energy savings over the Building America New Construction B10 Benchmark, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certification, and National Green Building Standard Gold-level certification.