BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Installing European Passive House Windows #001: Window Intro

Publication Date

March, 2013

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

Condensation in storm windows can be prevented by air sealing around the storm window and allowing some ventilation to the outside from the original window

Publication Date

Tue, 09/28/2021 - 12:00

Installation of weatherstripping on a window.

Publication Date

Mon, 10/28/2024 - 12:00

Complete Window and Frame Replacement

Publication Date

September, 2015

Video describing how to properly replace windows and window frames.

ENERGY STAR Windows (1)

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing ENERGY STAR windows.

Air-Seal Windows and Doors

Author(s)

Sloggatt Mike

Organization(s)

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Publication Date

October, 2012

Article describing how to stop air leaks around the windows and doors of a home.

Tips for Weatherstripping Windows and Doors

Author(s)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

Organization(s)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

Publication Date

October, 2024

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

Window and Door Rough Openings

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to air-seal around window and door rough openings.

Wrong - Basement window not sealed.

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.

Publication Date

Fri, 08/14/2020 - 12:00

Madrona PH Window Installation | Seattle, WA

Publication Date

February, 2015

Video demonstrating a window installation in a passive house.

Karuna Passive House Window Installation Demonstration

Publication Date

September, 2012

Video demonstrating a window installation in a passive house.

Fully Flashed Window and Door Openings (2)

Publication Date

September, 2015

Video describing how to fully flash window and door openings.

Air Sealing Window and Door Rough Openings

Guide describing how to air-seal the rough openings around doors and windows.

Right – Windows are being caulked after installation.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Wrong - Bay window missing drywall gasket

Application of window and door nonexpanding foam sealant

Integrated Truss House - How to install inset windows

Publication Date

September, 2014

Author(s)

Benesch

Organization(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center,

CCHRC

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

Integrated Truss House - How to install inset windows

Publication Date

September, 2014

Author(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center

Organization(s)

CCHRC

Video from Cold Climate Housing Research Center showing how to install inset windows correctly to keep cold air and moisture at bay.

Wrong - Area around window framing not air sealed

Interior removable storm windows insulate and air seal

Wrong - Area around window framing not air sealed

Wrong – The rough opening around window is not air sealed.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Energy Rated for Added Comfort: AERC-Certified Window Attachments

Author(s)

Gilbride Theresa L

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL

Publication Date

May, 2023

Fact sheet poster describing the certification of window attachment products such as storm windows, roller shades, cellular shade, and solar screens by the Attachment Energy Rating Council (AERC).

Wrong - This IR image shows air leakage around a window.

Publication Date

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 12:00

Installing European Passive House Windows #005: Interior Air Sealing

Publication Date

March, 2013

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

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

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Brochure about air sealing windows.

Moisture Management in Residential Construction Series - Building Enclosure: Window Installation

Publication Date

January, 2011

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Video describing the installation of windows to be air- and water-tight, including recommendations on flashing, air-sealing, and insulation, from Home Innovation Research Labs

Right - House wrap is sealed to window flange with liquid-applied sealant.

Publication Date

Sat, 10/16/2021 - 12:00

Air-sealing tape carefully seals the seams around the window framing.

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2017 - 12:00

Caulk applied against the backer rod to seal a window rough opening

The rough opening around this window is air sealed and insulated with nonexpanding spray foam.

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

Air-seal the rough opening around doors and windows to minimize air leakage.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Pumpkin Ridge Passive House Video #15: Window Install Prep & Air Sealing

Publication Date

February, 2013

Video describing how to prep and air seal the wall cavity for window installation.

Wrong – Where possible, design walls and specify window sizes and placement to minimize the use of studs around windows; and seal all wood-to-wood seams to minimize air leakage through walls.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Closed-cell backer rod is installed for air-sealing window and door rough openings.

Characterization of Energy Savings and Thermal Comfort Improvements Derived from Using Interior Storm Windows

Author(s)

Knox J R,

Widder Sarah H

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL

Publication Date

September, 2013

Report recording the results of a field study conducted in a single historic home in Seattle, Washington, to document the performance of Indow Windows' interior storm window inserts.

Right – The rough opening around window has been filled with backer-rod to air seal.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Air seal door and window rough openings with backer rod, caulk, or nonexpanding foam

Reference

Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing, Volume 10

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:00

An energy rater will check for dry rot and moisture problems as well as air leakage around windows and doors.

Publication Date

Thu, 04/01/2010 - 12:00

Right – Interior wood-to-wood seams around a window are sealed with tape to prevent air leakage.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Builders use an infrared camera to “see” heat flow and air leakage around a window during construction.

Right – The rough opening around the window has been filled with low-expansion foam to air seal.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – The window header is filled with spray foam and sealant is used to air seal wood-to-wood seams; however, it would be preferable to design the wall to avoid so many stacked studs around the windows because they prevent wall insulation installation.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Wrong - This IR image is showing that cold air is entering the home at the window frame and the sill plate at the base of the wall.

Publication Date

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 12:00

Right – The energy rater used a window to test whole-house air leakage with this blower door testing equipment.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Wrong - This IR image is showing a lack of air-sealing is allowing cold air to enter the home around the windows and at the base of the wall.

Publication Date

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 12:00

Wrong - This IR image shows a lack of air-sealing around the door, window, and light switch that is allowing in cold air.

Publication Date

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 12:00

Right – Backer-rod is a foam product available in various diameters that can be used to air-seal openings around doors and windows.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right - Seams in coated sheathing and joints around window are properly sealed and flashed with tape and all nail holes are covered with paint-on sealant.

Publication Date

Sun, 08/15/2021 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 12:00

Conducting a Residential Duct Leakage Test and Blower Door Test: Close all windows and doors; Turn off all exhaust fans

Publication Date

December, 2022

Author(s)

Louie Edward

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL

Video describing how to set up the house for a residential blower door and duct blaster test, including checking the fireplace. Video 2 of 9.

Whole house fans draw cool night-time air in through open windows and expel hot house air into the vented attic

Publication Date

Mon, 03/01/1999 - 12:00

Right - New flashing has been installed to complete the air and water control layers at the window openings of this wall retrofit that includes insulating the wall cavities with spray foam

A continuous bead of sealant is installed to air seal along the top and bottom plates at all exterior walls and intersecting interior walls as well as around windows in exterior walls

Publication Date

Sun, 04/21/2024 - 12:00

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.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Weatherstrip installation on a door.

Publication Date

Mon, 10/28/2024 - 12:00

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 at skylight shaft

DWG

PDF

Foundation wall interior polyisocyanurate, foil-faced, exposed

DWG

PDF

Termite shield with exterior rigid foam above and below

DWG

PDF

Foundation wall interior rigid insulation with furring strips

DWG

PDF

Dynamic Glazing - Code Compliance Brief

Code compliance brief describing glazing requirements added to the residential portion of the IECC and the IRC in 2015.

Spray foam on a stone or rubble foundation

DWG

PDF

Spray foam on concrete foundation wall with framed interior wall

DWG

PDF

Foundation wall interior rigid insulation with framed wall

DWG

PDF

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 Doors Adjacent to Unconditioned Space

Guide describing how to air-seal doors that are next to unconditioned spaces.

Foundation Wall Exterior board insulation without above-grade wall insulation

DWG

PDF

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: SMUD's 32nd Avenue Remodel Demonstration Program, Sacramento, CA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

March, 2011

Case study describing a retrofit project in the marine climate.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: SMUD's Energy Efficient Remodel Demonstration Project

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

October, 2010

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

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: SMUD's Energy Efficient Remodel Demonstration Project: Sacramento, CA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

October, 2010

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

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study - Dwell Development, Seattle, Washington

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

USDOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Seattle, WA, that scored HERS 34 without PV.

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.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: The Performance House: A Cold Climate Challenge Home, Old Greenwich, Connecticut

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a high performance test home incorporating best practices for energy efficiency.

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.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Ferguson Design and Construction, Sagaponack, New York

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Long Island, NY, that scored HERS 43 without PV.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Tommy Williams Homes Initial Performance of Two Zero Energy Homes, Gainesville, Florida

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing two new construction projects in Florida built to be net zero energy homes.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Build San Antonio Green, San Antonio, Texas

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

June, 2013

Case study describing one of three deep energy renovations of occupied affordable homes.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Clifton View Homes, Coupeville, Washington

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

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.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Caldwell and Johnson, Exeter, Rhode Island

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Exeter, Rhode Island, that scored HERS 43 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: StreetScape Development, LLC, Libertyville, Illinois

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Libertyville, IL that scored HERS 45 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: KB Homes, Double ZeroHouse, San Marcos, CA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 43 without PV and 0 with PV.

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

Author(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center

Organization(s)

BA-PIRC,

FSEC

Publication Date

November, 2013

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

Air seal at duct boot

DWG

PDF

Air seal at duct soffit

DWG

PDF

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

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

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

Builders Challenge High Performance Builder Spotlight: David Weekley Homes, Houston, Texas

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2009

Case study describing new home construction in the hot-humid climate, optimizing thermal enclosure, HVAC, water heating and lighting measures.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: BPC Green Builders, New Fairfield, Connecticut

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in west Connecticut that scored HERS 39 without solar PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Garbett Homes, Herriman, Utah

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Herriman, UT, that scored HERS 40 without PV, -1 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: New Town Builders, the ArtiZEN Plan, Denver, CO

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 38 without PV and -3 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Nexus Energy Homes, Frederick, Maryland

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Frederick MD that scored HERS 43 without PV and HERS 28 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Mandalay Homes, Phoenix, Arizona

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Phoenix, AZ that scored HERS 58 without PV and HERS 38 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Ellenton, Florida

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Ellenton FL that scored HERS 53 without PV and HERS 23 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: TC Legend Homes, Cedarwood, Bellingham, WA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner in the marine climate that scored HERS 43 without PV and 13 with PV.