BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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

CAD File

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

Install rigid insulation and finish material below the framing and cavity insulation of a building overhang

Image

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

Video

Video describing insulated concrete forms.

Air Sealed, Insulated Basements

Guide

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.

Insulating sheathing is installed on exterior of an existing framed wall with water control between existing sheathing and insulating sheathing

Image

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

Image

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing/Siding (2)

Video

Video describing how to properly install continuous rigid insulation sheathing and siding.

Insulation Installation Guide: Air Sealing Garage

Video

Video describing a technique for airtight drywall installation on garage walls using foam gasket strips.

Air Sealing and Insulating Walls to Reduce Heat Gain

Information Guide

Information guide listing Building America Solution Center guides that describe ways to air-seal and insulate a new or existing home's walls to resist heat gain.

Certified Insulated Siding: Quality, Comfort and Energy Performance

Presentation

This presentation will help you define insulated siding, understand R-value testing of insulated siding, describe proper installation of insulated siding, comply with energy codes and understand building energy performance program and software recognition.

Air sealing behind shower with cavity rigid insulation

CAD File

Air sealing behind tub with cavity rigid insulation

CAD File

Insulating and Air Sealing Existing Floors above Unconditioned Spaces

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate a floor over an uninsulated basement or crawl space.

Key elements of a wall system clad with insulated vinyl siding

Image

Rigid Foam Board Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate closed crawlspace walls and band joist areas with rigid foam board insulation.

Typical R-values and Vapor Retarder Classifications for Common Insulation Materials

Information Guide

Information guide providing R-Values and vapor retarder classifications for common insulation materials.

Rigid Foam Insulation Installed Between Existing House and Garage Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to upgrade walls that separate the garage from the house by providing a continuous air control layer on the garage side of the wall and adding rigid foam insulation.

2012 IECC Code Level Insulation – DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Requirements

Video

Video describing insulation and air sealing strategies to meet 2012 IECC code levels.

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

Air sealing wall between a porch roof and attic with 1 inch of rigid insulation

CAD File

Air barrier at garage band joist - 1 1/2 inch rigid insulation with 2x4 sleepers

CAD File

Wrong - Rigid insulation blocking is installed but not air-sealed with spray foam around edges.

Image

Right - Walls and ceilings shared by the garage and living space must be air sealed and insulated.

Image

The home is sheathed with rigid foam insulation and all seams and holes are taped to provide a continuous air barrier.

Image

Wrong - Wall cavities behind shower are not completely filled with insulation and are lacking the solid interior air barrier.

Image

Cost Analysis of Roof-Only Air Sealing and Insulation Strategies on 1 1/2-Story Homes in Cold Climates

Reference

Report exploring alternative methods to find long-term solutions to energy loss in 1 ½-story homes to save energy, improve comfort, prevent frost buildup on the underside of the roof deck, and reduce the risk of ice dam formation/reformation.

Building America Existing Home Case Study: Insulated Siding Retrofit in a Cold Climate, New Paltz, New York

Case Study

Case study describing the application of insulated siding on an existing home.