BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Polyethylene sheeting covers the aggregate and extends down and under the footing to provide a capillary break between the ground and the slab and monolithic footing

CAD File

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.

Flood-hardy, drainable, dryable wall

Video

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.

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

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

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

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

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Drainage and waterproofing system components in a basement, footing detail

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Drainage and waterproofing system components of a basement, sill detail

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Drainage techniques for slab-on-grade foundations

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

Case Study

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

Crawl space drainage: crawl space floor at or above grade

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Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade

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Flashing of Wall Penetrations in Existing Homes

Guide

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.

Drainage and waterproofing system components in a basement, single perimeter drain system, footing detail

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Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade with dual drains

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Technology Fact Sheet: Weather-Resistive Barriers

Reference

Brochure with information about how to select and install house wrap and other weather-resistive barriers.

Water management details for a roof drain installed along with rigid foam on a flat roof

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

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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

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Moisture Management for High R-Value Walls

Reference

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

When condensation forms on the interior side of wall sheathing and is not able to dry out, it can lead to mold growth and rotting of wall sheathing and framing

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Capillarity - Small Sacrifices, BSI-011

Reference

Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.

Right – Two-thirds of acrylic tape is offset above the joint and over and above the fasteners

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Moisture-Safe Unvented Wood Roof Systems, RR-1001

Reference

Document describing a hygrothermal modeling study, including all of the US climate zones, a range of interior humidity levels and numerous arrangements and types of insulation.

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

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Low-Slope ("Flat") Roofs

Guide

A guide describing how to install low-sloped ("flat") roofs with insulation above the roof deck that resist wind pressures during high-wind events.

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.

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Building America Special Research Project - High R-Value Enclosures for High Performance Residential Buildings in All Climate Zones, BA-1005

Reference

This report will review, and summarize the current state of understanding and research into enclosures with higher thermal resistance, so-called “High-R Enclosures.” Recommendations are provided for further research.

Revised Builder’s Guide to Frost Protected Shallow Foundations

Reference

Report describing how to construct a frost protected shallow foundation (FPSF) as a practical alternative to a deeper, more-costly foundation in cold regions with seasonal ground freezing and the potential for frost heave.