BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Conceptual air sealing strategy at upper floor band joist

CAD File

Air sealing behind tub with thin-profile sheathing - section

CAD File

Air seal and insulate drawer and closet boxes in attic kneewalls

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Air-seal drywall to top plates at all attic/wall interfaces to minimize air leakage.

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Air-seal above-grade sill plates adjacent to conditioned space to minimize air leakage.

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Attic Air Sealing, Insulating, and Ventilating for Ice Dam Prevention

Information Guide

Information guide describing proper attic air-sealing, insulation, and ventilation to combat ice dam formation on roofs in cold climate zones.

Manually seal seams in the air handler box with foil tape

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Wrong - The holes around the HRV ducting should be air sealed.

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Air Sealing Recessed Light Fixtures Below Unconditioned Space

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal around recessed light fixtures below unconditioned space.

Right - The trim around the attic access is air sealed with caulk

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Wrong - Cantilevered joist bay cavities are not air sealed with a solid air barrier, allowing outside air to flow between floors.

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Insulating and Air Sealing Existing Non-ICAT Recessed Lights

Guide

Guide describing how to air seal and insulate a non-ICAT recessed "can" light from an accessible attic in an existing home.

Wrong - There is no foam gasket or air-sealing beneath the sill plate.

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Insulating and Air Sealing Existing Floors above Unconditioned Spaces

Guide

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

Air Sealing Retrofits: Reduce Air Bypass at the Return Grille by Taping around the Filter with Removable Tape

Video

Video of a pro tip contractors can share with homeowners showing how you can reduce bypass around the return grille air filter by taping the seam around the filter with a removable tape like masking tape.

Air Sealing, Insulating, and Venting Attics and Roofs to Reduce Heat Gain

Information Guide

Information guide providing links to guides describing specific ways to air-seal, insulate, and ventilate attics and roofs to minimize heat gain in new and existing homes.

Building America Energy Performance Brief: Air Sealing a Porch Wall

Case Study

Case study describing the benefits of and steps involved in air sealing a porch wall.

Building America Top Innovations 2013: Attic Air Sealing Guidelines

Reference

Fact sheet describing research sponsored by DOE's Building America program to research the importance of attic air-sealing and best practice attic air-sealing techniques for new and existing homes.

BSC Information - Air Sealing Windows for All Climates, Sheet 406

Reference

Brochure about air sealing windows.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Sealed Air-Return Plenum Retrofit

Case Study

Case study describing the retrofit of a leaky air handler.

Building America Energy Performance Brief: Insulating & Air Sealing Tubs

Case Study

Case study describing the techniques involved with insulating and air sealing tub space prior to installation in order to prevent drafts and moisture escaping.

Seal the drywall to the top plates as part of the home’s continuous air barrier

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Air seal the attic access pull-down stairs opening with weatherstripping.

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Air sealing at interior wall between conditioned space and unconditioned attic

CAD File

Air sealing at porch roof at 1/2 inch plywood exterior sheathing

CAD File

Building Science for Dry Climates 5 - Building Shell, Air Sealing, & Attics

Presentation

Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically building envelope, air sealing, and attics. Part 5 of 7.