BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Evaluation of Crawlspace Retrofits in Multifamily Buildings

Reference

Report analyzing results in crawlspace retrofits in multifamily buildings.

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations 1

Reference

Guides describing frost-protected shallow foundations as an alternative method for building an energy-efficient foundation for a house in a cold climate that uses less concrete and saves on labor.

Crawlspace Insulation

Reference

Information sheet about crawlspace insulation, including installation details.

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

Reference

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

Water Management of Existing Crawlspace Floor

Guide

Guide providing information about treating bulk water drainage issues and moisture control measures in existing basements and crawl spaces.

Hygrothermal Performance Study: A Field Study Comparison of the Energy and Moisture Performance Characteristics of Ventilated Versus Sealed Crawl Spaces in the South

Reference

Report outlining results from a 2005 hygrothermal pilot study in the South.

Capillary Break Beneath Slab - Polyethylene Sheeting or Rigid Insulation over Aggregate or Sand and Geotextile Mat

Guide

Guide describing how to install a capillary break under a slab foundation using either polyethylene sheeting or rigid insulation installed over aggregate or over sand and geotextile matting.

Floor Above Unconditioned Basement or Vented Crawlspace

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal and insulate the floor above an unconditioned basement or crawl space.

Pump Day Procedures

Reference

Information sheet including a checklist of steps to follow for pouring concrete.

Spray Foam Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate an existing foundation wall by adding spray foam insulation to the interior side of the wall.

Understanding Basements, BSD-103

Reference

Information sheet with methods for constructing or retrofitting basements to reduce moisture issues.

FEMA Continuous Load Path

Reference

Article explaining what a continuous load path is and the key connection points that make it up.

Actions for Flood Resilient Homes: Wet Floodproofing

Reference

Report providing guidance on wet floodproofing crawlspaces, unfinished basements, and garages.

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations Reduce Costs, Save Energy

Reference

Article describing frost-protected shallow foundations with construction drawing details.

Small Commercial Building Fact Sheet - Building Envelope

Reference

Fact sheet describing building envelope performance measures applicable to residential and small commercial construction.

Wet Floodproofing

Video

Video explaining the practicality behind the idea of wet floodproofing and its applications per LSU AgCenter guidelines.

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations

Reference

Article describing what the building codes say about frost-protected shallow foundations as a cost-saving alternative to conventional concrete foundations.

Fixing Wet Basements and Crawlspaces

Reference

Article describing methods to manage moisture, rainwater, and vapor in basements and crawlspaces.

Exterior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate a new foundation wall or an existing foundation wall by adding rigid insulation to the exterior side.

Foundation Design Handbook

Reference

Handbook providing guidance on the design and construction of foundations for homes, including insulation, air sealing, and water management details for basements, crawlspaces, and slabs.

Innovation in Frost Protected Shallow Foundations

Reference

Video describing how a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) is constructed and including use of a stay-in-place EPS (expanded polystyrene) footing form that provides insulation and simplifies the installation of frost-protected monolithic concrete slab foundations.

Innovation in Frost Protected Shallow Foundations

Reference

Video describing how a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) is constructed and including use of a stay-in-place EPS (expanded polystyrene) footing form that provides insulation and simplifies the installation of frost-protected monolithic concrete slab foundations.

NFIP Technical Bulletin 1: Requirements for Flood Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures - Below Elevated Buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas

Reference

Document describing guidance and requirements for flood openings in walls at and below grade.

Increase Seismic Resistance and Thermal Performance of Basement, Crawl Space, and Crawl Space with Cripple Wall Foundations

Guide

Guide describing different options for providing seismic and thermal resistance for homes with basement foundations, crawlspace foundations, or crawlspace foundations with a "cripple" wall.

Unvented, Insulated Crawlspaces

Guide

Guide describing method for insulating an unvented crawlspace or conditioned basement with rigid foam on the interior side of the walls.

No Vapor Retarders on Interior Side of Air-Permeable Foundation Insulation

Guide

Vapor retarder plastic should not be installed over fibrous insulation on basement or crawlspace walls; rigid foam or spray foam should be installed directly against the concrete, behind the blanket insulation.

Revised Builder’s Guide to Frost Protected Shallow Foundations

Reference

Report describing how to construct a frost protected shallow foundation (FPSF) as a practical alternative to a deeper, more-costly foundation in cold regions with seasonal ground freezing and the potential for frost heave.

Damp-Proof Exterior Surface of Below-Grade Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to apply water management strategies to below-grade walls.

Why We Need to Know More About Basement Moisture

Reference

Conference paper presented at the 8th International Conference on Thermal Performance of Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings describing moisture from basements and crawlspaces as a source of indoor humidity and providing recommendations for finishing below-grade spaces to limit potential indoor...

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.