BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Non expanding spray foam is used to fill the rough openings around windows.

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Typically, you will remove the glass panels from the frame before installation; check the manufacturer’s instructions.

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Use pry bars to remove the trim around an existing window to access the rough opening

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Right - Joints, seams, and nails in window trim have been caulked and seams in house wrap have been taped.

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Use a pry bar or dull putty knife to push backer rod into the rough opening around an existing window

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Installation of weatherstripping on a window.

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Wrong – the sheathing tape is properly installed to cover all seams in the coated sheathing but the flexible sill flashing product is not consistently installed or fully adhered around the window sills and is missing or lapped at some corners.

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Madrona PH Window Installation | Seattle, WA

Video

Video demonstrating a window installation in a passive house.

Karuna Passive House Window Installation Demonstration

Video

Video demonstrating a window installation in a passive house.

A piece of siding is used as sill extension and to provide slope in the opening for the window, which is deeper because exterior rigid foam has been added

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Right – The seams and edges of the house wrap have been taped but house wrap should have been extended up to porch roof and care should be taken to press the tape with a roller to activate tape adhesion.

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Right - Corners of window are protected with draining house wrap that laps onto the sides of the window trim, paint-on flashing at window trim corners, and self-adhered flashing to reinforce corners.

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Weatherstripping

Reference

Article describing an overview of weatherstripping requirements.

Complete Window and Frame Replacement

Video

Video describing how to properly replace windows and window frames.

Integrated Truss House - How to install inset windows

Video

Video describing how to install an inset window in an integrated truss house built in cold climates like Alaska.

Weatherstrip installation on a door.

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Fully Flashed Window and Door Openings (2)

Video

Video describing how to fully flash window and door openings.

Builders Challenge Technology Information Packages - Cold Climate: Chicago

Case Study

Case study describing building in cold and very cold climates.

Installing European Passive House Windows #001: Window Intro

Video

Video describing how to install European passive house windows. This video is part of an eight-video series by Hammer & Hand.

Tips for Weatherstripping Windows and Doors

Reference

Article describing tips for effectively installing weatherstripping on windows and doors.

Small Commercial Building Fact Sheet - Building Envelope

Reference

Fact sheet describing building envelope performance measures applicable to residential and small commercial construction.

Building America Case Study Technology Solutions for Existing Homes: Bedford Farmhouse High Performance Retrofit Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing project conducted by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell (HfHGL) and Building Science Corporation (BSC).

Technology Solutions Case Study: Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Manufactured Home Builders

Case Study

Case study describing a package of energy- efficiency measures for new manufactured homes in the Pacific Northwest, including triple-pane highly efficient windows.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Nelson Construction: Hamilton Way, Farmington, CT

Case Study

Case study describing the design and testing of 10 high-performance homes in Farmington, Connecticut.

Building America Efficient Solutions for New Homes: Case Study: Concord Cape Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing a Concord Cape Cod style home designed in August 2008 by architects and engineers at Building Science Corporation, who developed the drawing set and specifications for the high performance custom home in Concord, Massachusetts.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: Southeast Volusia Habitat for Humanity, Edgewater, FL

Case Study

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 49 without PV.

Window Performance Grades and Installation Details for Multifamily Buildings

Guide

Guide providing describing the window classifications per the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance.

Energy Facts: Energy Tips - Selection and Comparison of Weatherstripping Materials

Reference

Fact sheet describing weatherstripping materials, types, expected life expectancy, installation requirements, and pros and cons.

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

Case Study

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.

Leveraging Limited Scope for Maximum Benefit in Occupied Renovation of Uninsulated Cold Climate Multifamily Housing

Reference

Report examining performance measures in the context of a large-scale renovation project.