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Conceptual insulation at cape-style roof - roof cavity insulation with rigid insulation closure

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Unvented Attic Insulation

Guide

Guide describing methods for insulating an unvented attic along the roof line.

Conceptual insulation at cape-style roof - ceiling and knee wall cavity insulation

CAD File

Advanced Framing: Insulated Corners

Guide

Guide describing how to frame and insulate corners to reduce heat losses and gains though structural framing.

Failure in attic insulation effectiveness caused by wind washing pushing insulation away from the edges of the attic space.

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The attic kneewall and the open floor cavities under kneewall are both sealed and insulated in one step with spray foam insulation

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Air Sealing and Insulating Ceilings in Vented Attics

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal and insulate a ceiling where the insulation is installed on top of the ceiling (on the attic floor) in a vented attic.

Wrong - Ceiling insulation is not completely installed and air barrier is missing.

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Wrong - Wind baffle installation will not allow insulation over the top plate.

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Conceptual insulation practice at attic-style truss system - above unconditioned space

CAD File

Conceptual insulation practice at attic-style truss system - above conditioned space

CAD File

A site-built rafter roof with a raised top plate allows for more insulation underneath.

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Install a continuous air barrier below or above ceiling insulation and install wind baffles.

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Right - Wind baffle installation will allow proper insulation depth over the top plate.

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The soffit dam and baffle allow air to flow through the vents without disturbing the insulation covering the top plates

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After all holes through the ceiling are air-sealed and the baffles have been installed, then the insulation can be installed.

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There are three potential locations for an attic radiant barrier – adhered to the underside of the roof decking, hanging from the rafters, or on the ceiling insulation

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Limited attic access may make it necessary to use a bore scope when inspecting for missing air barriers and insulation in existing buildings.

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Right-- IR photo shows how effectively spray foam insulated/air sealed attic kneewall and the floor cavities under kneewall

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Baffles provide an air space over the insulation to guide ventilation air from the soffit vents up along the underside of the roof deck

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Right – Closed-cell spray foam insulates and air-seals the rim joist above a shared wall between the garage and living space.

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Raised heel energy trusses extend past the exterior wall and are deeper at the wall allowing room for full insulation coverage over the top plate of the exterior walls.

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Skylight Shaft Walls

Guide

Guide describing insulation techniques for skylight shaft walls.

Floor Above Garage

Guide

Guide describing how to create an air barrier between the garage and the conditioned space above it to prohibit pollutants from entering a home's interior.

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.

Dropped Ceiling/Soffit Below Unconditioned Attic

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate and air-seal dropped ceilings and soffits to prevent air leakage.

Install Top Plates or Blocking at the Top of Walls Adjoining Unconditioned Spaces

Guide

Guide describing how to correctly air-seal a wall with missing top plates or open wall cavities.

Building Code Training - Residential Thermal Envelope - Air Sealing

Presentation

Presentation describing the Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code air barrier requirements, envelope concepts including air flow and thermal properties, and common missed insulation and air-sealing opportunities.

Air Sealing Duct and Flue Shafts

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal duct and flue shafts.

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

Case Study

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