BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Duct and HVAC Insulation

Author(s)

North American Insulation Manufacturers Association

Organization(s)

NAIMA

Publication Date

January, 2010

Information sheet with HVAC duct insulation, testing, maintenance and performance information.

Unvented Attic Insulation

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

Why Seal and Insulate?

Author(s)

ENERGY STAR

Organization(s)

ENERGY STAR

Publication Date

August, 2020

Introductory guide to air sealing the envelope of a home to reduce wasted energy and save on energy costs.

Insulating Existing Floor Overhang

Guide describing how to upgrade a wall with a floor overhang (or cantilever) on an existing home by adding insulation (rigid insulating sheathing and/or closed-cell spray foam) and air-sealing.

Air Sealed, Insulated Basements

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.

Sealed and Insulated Metal Ducts

Guide describing how to air seal and insulate metal ducts.

Sealed and Insulated Flex Ducts

Guide describing how to air seal and insulate flex ducts.

Ducts Buried in Attic Insulation

Guide describing buried ducts in loose-fill attic insulation, a method that can only be used in dry climates.

Insulating Existing Floors over Garage

Guide with information about how to upgrade a garage ceiling when a portion of the interior of the house is located directly above the attached garage by adding insulation and air sealing.

Batt Insulation for Existing Vented Attics

Guide describing how to increase insulation in existing homes by installing batt insulation on the ceiling plane of a vented attic.

Blown Insulation for Existing Vented Attic

Guide describing how to insulate a vented attic in an existing home using blown insulation added to the attic floor.

Stucco Over Rigid Foam Insulation

Guide describing how to install stucco over rigid foam insulation in new and existing homes.

Installation of Cavity Insulation, Info-501

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Article explaining installing cavity insulation.

Sealed and Insulated Fiber Board Ducts

Guide describing how to air seal and insulate fiber board ducts.

Blown Insulation for Cavities of Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing blown insulation into exterior wall cavities of existing homes with minimal disruption to occupants.

Rigid Foam Insulation for Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to apply an air control layer directly over existing wall sheathing and cover with two layers of insulating sheathing held in place by vertical furring strips.

Certified Insulated Siding: Quality, Comfort and Energy Performance

Author(s)

Dobson,

Brignati

Organization(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute,

Newport Ventures

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.

Spray Foam Insulation Applied to Existing Attic Floor

Guide describing how to apply spray foam insulation to ceilings in existing homes.

Measure Guideline: Sealing and Insulating Ducts in Existing Homes

Author(s)

Aldrich Robb,

Puttagunta Srikanth

Organization(s)

Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,

CARB,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

Steven Winter Associates,

SWA

Publication Date

December, 2011

Report describing the sealing and insulating of HVAC duct systems in existing homes.

Insulating and Air Sealing Existing Floors above Unconditioned Spaces

Guide describing how to insulate a floor over unconditioned space with conditioned space above by adding insulation and air-sealing.

Insulating and Air Sealing Existing Non-ICAT Recessed Lights

Guide describing air-sealing of non-ICAT recessed lights installed in accessible attics of existing homes.

High Performance Building Details - Insulation and Air Sealing II

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates,

Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

July, 2010

Brochure describing insulation and air-sealing details.

Measure Guideline: Guidance on Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2014

Case study about how to properly tape insulating sheathing drainage planes.

Rigid Foam Board Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

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

Rigid Foam Insulation Installed Between Existing House and Garage Walls

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.

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation Over a Sloped Roof

Guide describing how to re-roof an existing home with a sloped and add insulation above the roof deck.

Keeping The Heat In - Chapter 6: Basement Insulation Floors, Walls and Crawl Spaces

Author(s)

Natural Resources Canada

Organization(s)

Natural Resources Canada

Publication Date

December, 2016

Information sheet providing links and resources for insulating basements in cold climates.

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation over a Flat Roof

Guide describing an approach to re-roofing an existing flat roof to improve thermal, water, and air control performance.

Validation Study of Experimental Insulating and Air-Sealing Technology for Enclosed Roof Cavities

Author(s)

Lamm Douglas,

Bell Alexander

Organization(s)

Building Envelope Materials,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

February, 2024

Research report that validates Pinhole Insulation®, offering a cost-effective, minimally invasive solution for enhancing insulation and air sealing in enclosed roof cavities, improving R-value by 60% compared to traditional methods.

Trade-Friendly Retrofit Insulated Panels for Existing Buildings, Albany New York

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

HIRL,

DOE

Publication Date

March, 2016

Case study about a structural sheathing product composed of enhanced EPS rigid foam with OSB adhered on one side.

Measure Guideline: Wall Air Sealing and Insulation Methods in Existing Homes - An Overview of Opportunity and Process

Author(s)

Stephenson R,

Roberts David

Organization(s)

NAHB Research Center Industry Partnership,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2012

Document providing renovators and retrofit contractors an overview of considerations when including wall air sealing and insulation in an energy retrofit project.

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

Author(s)

Ojczyk Cindy

Organization(s)

University of Minnesota,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE,

NothernSTAR

Publication Date

December, 2014

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

Author(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center

Organization(s)

BA-PIRC,

FSEC

Publication Date

April, 2015

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

Evaluation of Two CEDA Weatherization Pilot Implementations of an Exterior Insulation and Over-Clad Retrofit Strategy for Residential Masonry Buildings in Chicago

Author(s)

Neuhauser Ken

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

August, 2013

Report examining implementation of an exterior insulation and over-clad strategy for brick masonry buildings in Chicago.

Skylight Shaft Walls

Guide describing insulation techniques for skylight shaft walls.

Walls Adjoining Porch Roof

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to separate the porch attic from the conditioned space.

Roof/Attic to Exterior Wall Air Control Upgrade

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

Vented versus Unvented Attic

Guide describing options for designing and locating the thermal boundary at either the attic floor or along the roof line in new and existing homes.

Wind Washing

Guide describing wind washing and how to prevent it.

Dropped Ceiling/Soffit Below Unconditioned Attic

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

Vinyl Siding with Integrated Rigid Foam for Existing Walls

Guide describing the design and installation considerations for recladding of above grade walls using insulated vinyl siding.

Air Sealing Attic Access Panels/Doors/Stairs

Guide describing how to air-seal attic access panels, doors, and stairs to provide a continuous air barrier at the ceiling.

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

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

Encapsulated Ducts

Guide that illustrates how and when to encapsulate ductwork in unconditioned attics, increases the R-value of duct insulation, mitigating condensation issues and reducing air leakage.

Walls Behind Fireplaces

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to walls behind fireplaces.

Water Managed Existing Sill Beams and Sill Plates

Guide describing how to insulate the sill beam or sill plate on the exterior side in a way that allows drying to the exterior, as part of an exterior wall upgrade.

Air Sealing Drywall to Top Plate

Guide describing ways to seal drywall to the top plate of an exterior wall to air-seal the wall cavity.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Stand-Off Furring in Deep Energy Retrofits

Author(s)

IBACOS

Organization(s)

IBACOS

Publication Date

May, 2014

Case study describing a stand-off furring strategy that minimizes the physical connections to each existing wall stud, uses spray foam to encapsulate existing siding materials (including lead paint), and creates a vented rain screen assembly to promote drying.

Air leaking through the home's envelope wastes a lot of energy and increases energy costs.

Publication Date

Wed, 01/01/2020 - 12:00

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Weiss Building & Development, System House, River Forest, IL

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a 4,763 ft2 certified Passive House that achieved HERS 27 without PV through the construction of R-54 walls that use ICF plus fiberglass cavity insulation, an R-100 vented attic, extensive air sealing and flashing, triple-pane windows, ductless heat pumps, and solar hot water.

Air Sealing Duct and Flue Shafts

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

Bedford Farmhouse High Performance Retrofit Prototype

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2010

Case study describing a retrofit project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Complete and Fully Aligned Air Barrier

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

August, 2012

Case study describing the elimination of excessive humidity in the attic of a multi-floor, single-family home that was causing condensation and water damage along the roof and eaves.

Which Spray Foam is Right For You?

Author(s)

Zoeller William

Organization(s)

CARB,

Steven Winter Associates,

SWA

Publication Date

April, 2009

Document describing different spray foam materials including some pros and cons and technical specifications.

Air Sealing Light Tubes

Guide describing how to air-seal around light tubes.

Home Performance Assessment

Information guide describing how to apply a whole-house approach to home improvement with energy efficiency upgrades, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort.

Mastic Home Exteriors Installation Guide

Author(s)

Ply Gem Siding Group

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

PNNL,

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

September, 2009

Case study describing a retrofit project in Maryland.

Operation Helping Hands Green Dream 2 Prototype, New Orleans, Louisiana

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

July, 2010

Case study describing a building project in the hot-humid climate zone.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Retrofit of 1915 Home, Dayton, Washington

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2011

Case study describing an energy efficient renovation in the cold climate.

Operation Helping Hands Green Dream 1 Home, New Orleans, Louisiana

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2009

Case study describing a building project in the hot-humid climate zone.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Evaluation of a Multifamily Retrofit in Climate Zone 5, Boulder, Colorado

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a multifamily retrofit project in a cold climate.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Deep Energy Retrofit of 1910 House, Portland, Oregon

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2011

Case study describing a deep energy renovation of a home in the marine climate.

The New American Home 2011 Orlando, Florida

Author(s)

IBACOS,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Organization(s)

IBACOS,

NREL

Publication Date

December, 2010

Case study describing innovative technologies, construction techniques, products, and design trends in new home construction.

Veridian Homes: Cold Climate Region 40+% Energy Savings

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

August, 2009

Case study describing a retrofit project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Green Home Solutions by Grupe, Lodi, California

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

September, 2009

Case study describing a retrofit project in the hot-dry and mixed-dry climate zones.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Project Home Again Phase I

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

February, 2009

Case study describing a building project in the hot-humid climate zone.

Air Sealing Sill Plates

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study about a Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner construction project in the marine climate.

Case Study: Rural Development, Inc., Wisdom Way Solar Village, Greenfield, MA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL,

ORNL

Publication Date

December, 2010

Guide describing how to air-seal around plumbing and piping penetrations through walls, ceilings, and floors.

Foam Shrinks, and Other Lessons, PA-1201

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

March, 2012

Journal article describing lessons learned from updating a 16-year-old deep-energy retrofit.

Evaluation of Retrofit Delivery Packages

Author(s)

Berman Mark,

Smith Pepper,

Porse Erik

Organization(s)

Alliance for Residential Building Innovation,

ARBI,

Davis Energy Group

Publication Date

July, 2013

Report evaluating opportunities to improve and streamline delivery of residential retrofit measures.

JM Spider® Drill & Fill Installation Guide

Author(s)

Johns Manville

Organization(s)

Johns Manville

Publication Date

February, 2010

The purpose for this document is to provide basic guidance on the use of proven installation techniques that can be used by installers to help ensure correct “dense pack” application of JM Spider® in drill & fill applications.

A Meta-Analysis of Single-Family Deep Energy Retrofit Performance in the U.S.

Author(s)

Less Brennan,

Walker Iain S

Organization(s)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,

LBNL

Publication Date

January, 2014

Report describing testing and analysis on deep energy retrofits of existing single-family homes in the U.S.

Retrofitting the Southeast: The Cool Energy House

Author(s)

Puttagunta Srikanth,

Vijayakumar Gayathri,

Shapiro Carl,

Zoeller William

Organization(s)

Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,

CARB,

Steven Winter Associates,

SWA,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

February, 2013

Report about a deep energy retrofit Cool Energy House.

Attic Air Sealing Guide and Details, GM-1001

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

February, 2010

Document providing background and approach for the prep work necessary prior to adding attic insulation - focusing on combustion safety, ventilation for indoor air quality, and attic ventilation for durability.

Sealing Duct Boots to Floor or Drywall

Guide describing how to air seal around duct shafts and flues installed through ceilings, walls and flooring in new and existing homes.

Evaluation of Early Performance Results for Massachusetts Homes in the National Grid Pilot Deep Energy Retrofit Programs

Author(s)

Gates Cathy,

Neuhauser Ken

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

November, 2013

Report summarizing post-retrofit results for 13 existing homes in a deep energy retrofit pilot program.

Moisture Management for High R-Value Walls

Author(s)

LePage Robert,

Schumacher Christopher,

Lukachko Alex

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2013

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

Occupant-in-Place Energy Efficiency Retrofit in a Group Home for 30% Energy Savings in Climate Zone 4

Author(s)

Moore Mike

Organization(s)

Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,

BA-PIRC,

Newport Partners

Publication Date

August, 2013

Report studying the specification, implementation, and energy savings from an EER in a group home, with an energy savings goal of 30%.