BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Wrong – The vinyl siding at this gable was installed over plastic foam insulation

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Right - Raised-heel roof trusses allow more room at the eaves for attic insulation.

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The missing top plate in a kneewall was covered with lumber and rigid foam insulation and then sealed with spray foam

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A floor cavity between the first and second floor can provide a conditioned space for HVAC ducts if the rim joists are insulated and air sealed, if sufficient space is available, and if open-web floor joists are used

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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.

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

Case Study

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

Air Sealing Duct and Flue Shafts

Guide

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

Raised ceiling duct chase installation technique

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The OSB roof decking product comes with an adhered radiant foil barrier which helps to prevent heat transfer in or out of the vented attic, while R-13 unfaced fiberglass fills the advanced-framed 2x6 walls.

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New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Imagine Homes: Stillwater Ranch, San Antonio, TX

Case Study

Case study describing a new home builder that strives to address health, safety, and durability issues in a hot and humid climate.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Insight Homes: Deep Creek, Seaford, Delaware

Case Study

Case study describing a home builder that has refined its home designs to achieve HERS scores of 49 to 56 on 40 to 70 homes per year.

This kneewall has no top plate and the resulting gap provides a wide-open pathway for air and vapor to travel between the living space and the attic

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Right - Blocking has been installed between the ceiling joists and air sealed in place with canned spray foam to stop air flow beneath the attic knee wall.

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Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: Cathedral Roofs

Video

Video describing roof and attic construction for cold climates, including cathedral roof design and insulation strategies, from Cold Climate Housing Research Center.

Ducts in Dropped Ceilings

Guide

Guide describing method for installing ducts in a duct chase in a dropped ceiling.

Lateral Bracing in Gable End Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to brace gable end walls to resist wind pressures.

Bracing of Roofs for Hurricane, High Wind, and Seismic Resistance

Guide

Guide describing ways to strengthen roof assemblies for resistance to hurricanes, high winds, and earthquakes.