BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

When using I-joists, make sure to fill in the gaps on each side of the blocking material to air-seal the joist bay where a wall separates conditioned and unconditioned spaces.

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Construct exterior walls with insulated concrete forms (ICFs) that provide insulation without thermal bridging, as well as air sealing, a drainage plane, and high structural strength.

Construct exterior walls with insulated concrete forms (ICFs) that provide insulation without thermal bridging, as well as air sealing, a drainage plane, and high structural strength.

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Side view showing air-sealing and rigid foam insulation is installed over existing wall and ceiling under a room above, then covered with new gypsum board.

Side view showing air-sealing and rigid foam insulation is installed over existing wall and ceiling under a room above, then covered with new gypsum board.

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Side view showing how the existing garage wall and ceiling are air-sealed prior to installing rigid foam insulation on the garage side of the shared wall of an existing home.

Side view showing how the existing garage wall and ceiling are air-sealed prior to installing rigid foam insulation on the garage side of the shared wall of an existing home.

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A self-adhering weather-resistant barrier is installed over the existing sheathing of this retrofit home to provide air sealing and a drainage plane before installing new metal and wood siding on the home.

A self-adhering weather-resistant barrier is installed over the existing sheathing of this retrofit home to provide air sealing and a drainage plane before installing new metal and wood siding on the home.

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Right – Structural insulated sheathing can provide racking strength (lateral load resistance), and serve as an air barrier and thermal barrier if installed according to manufacturer’s specifications with taped, sealed seams

Right – Structural insulated sheathing can provide racking strength (lateral load resistance), and serve as an air barrier and thermal barrier if installed according to manufacturer’s specifications with taped, sealed seams

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The dark purple areas and long streaks in this IR camera image show extreme cold spots along the top of the walls, indicating a lack of both air sealing and insulation above the top plates of these walls.

The dark purple areas and long streaks in this IR camera image show extreme cold spots along the top of the walls, indicating a lack of both air sealing and insulation above the top plates of these walls.

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Plan view (from above) showing how the existing garage wall gypsum board is cut away to air-seal the shared wall before adding rigid foam insulation on the garage and exterior walls of the home.

Plan view (from above) showing how the existing garage wall gypsum board is cut away to air-seal the shared wall before adding rigid foam insulation on the garage and exterior walls of the home.

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Right – The window header is filled with spray foam and sealant is used to air seal wood-to-wood seams; however, it would be preferable to design the wall to avoid so many stacked studs around the windows because they prevent the installation of wall insulation and lead to cold spots.

Right – The window header is filled with spray foam and sealant is used to air seal wood-to-wood seams; however, it would be preferable to design the wall to avoid so many stacked studs around the windows because they prevent wall insulation installation.

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Collage showing air leak in existing porch wall with no air barrier and how air barrier was installed

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Right - Seal the sill plate to the rim joist with caulk.

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Sealing walls to foundation using SIGA tape

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Video describing how to seal the intersection between the concrete foundation wall and polystyrene foam exterior sheathing of the framed wall above using SIGA tape, which exhibits adhesion to both polystyrene and concrete so that the joint is both water and airtight.

Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

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Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

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Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

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Fully Sealed Continuous Weather Resistance Barrier (1)

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Video describing how to apply a fully sealed continuous weather barrier.

Wrong - Common wall sheathing not properly fastened or sealed

Wrong - Common wall sheathing not properly fastened or sealed

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Continuous Air Barrier in Exterior Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to install continuous air barriers in exterior walls.

Right – Closed-cell spray foam seals the wall cavities.

Right – Closed-cell spray foam seals the wall cavities.

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Use caulk, foam, or equivalent material to seal gap between common wall

Use caulk, foam, or equivalent material to seal gap between common wall

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Foam holes in open-web floor trusses to completely seal the rim joist

Foam holes in open-web floor trusses to completely seal the rim joist

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Right – Every seam and nail hole in these garage-to-house walls is sealed with tape.

Right – Every seam and nail hole in these garage-to-house walls is sealed with tape.

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Air Barriers - Airtight Drywall Approach, Info-401

Reference

Brochure about creating an air barrier by sealing drywall assemblies.

Use caulk, foam or equivalent material to seal gap between partition wall

Use caulk, foam or equivalent material to seal gap between partition wall

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Right – Top plate to drywall connection sealed from attic with foam

Right – Top plate to drywall connection sealed from attic with foam

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Right – Top plate to drywall connection sealed from attic with caulk

Right – Top plate to drywall connection sealed from attic with caulk

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Roof/Attic to Exterior Wall Air Control Upgrade

Guide

Guide describing how to retrofit an exterior wall and/or attic to provide continuous air sealing.

Right – Spray foam is used to carefully seal behind plumbing that was installed in an exterior wall.

Right – Spray foam is used to carefully seal behind plumbing that was installed in an exterior wall.

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Right – Top plate to drywall connection sealed from attic with foam sealant

Right – Top plate to drywall connection sealed from attic with foam sealant

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All wood-to-wood joints and wiring holes have been sealed in this exterior wall

All wood-to-wood joints and wiring holes have been sealed in this exterior wall

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