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Foundation wall exterior board insulation with above-grade wall insulation

Insulate Your Basement, Part 3: Insulate the Walls and Rim Joists

Publication Date

July, 2016

Author(s)

Fink Justin

Organization(s)

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Video describing how to use foam insulation on masonry walls, and how to properly insulate the rim joist area with rigid foam and batt insulation.

Foundation Wall Exterior board insulation without above-grade wall insulation

DWG

PDF

Right - Basement with exterior XPS or EPS insulation and insulation under the basement slab.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

How to Insulate a Basement

Publication Date

November, 2017

Author(s)

This Old House

Organization(s)

This Old House

Video describing how to warm up a chilly concrete wall with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.

Right - This concrete basement wall is insulated on the interior with rigid insulation; sill details are shown.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

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.

Right - The basement foundation is insulated on the exterior and termite shield extends out past the top of the insulation.

Publication Date

Mon, 03/01/2021 - 12:00

Right - This concrete basement wall is insulated on the interior with spray foam insulation; sill detail are shown.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Basement Insulation Systems, BA-0202

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2002

Report describing approaches to insulating basements in homes built to meet Energy Star levels of performance of heat loss reduction.

Exterior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

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

Insulation for Existing Crawl Space Floors

Guide describing how to upgrade a crawlspace floor in an existing home by adding insulation.

Wrong - Moisture from within the basement foundation wall can migrate into the insulation cavity in a conventional blanket insulation installation.

Publication Date

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 12:00

Right - Potential locations for basement insulation in new construction, slab insulation should always be underneath, with walls insulated (a) inside, (b) outside, (c) sandwiched inside, or (d) inside and outside of walls.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Rigid insulation and water control layers are installed on the exterior of a flat foundation wall; spray foam insulates the rim joist

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Exterior Edge Insulation for Existing Foundation Slabs

Guide describing how to install slab edge insulation when retrofitting existing slab-on-grade foundations.

Measure Guideline: Hybrid Foundation Insulation Retrofits

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W,

Ueno Kohta

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2012

Document providing information on basement insulation, air sealing and water management retrofits.

Assembly Sequence for Concrete Wall with Exterior Insulation

Publication Date

January, 2013

Author(s)

University of Minnesota

Organization(s)

ORNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

University of Minnesota

Video animation showing an assembly sequence for a concrete basement wall with exterior insulation

Concrete masonry basement wall with exterior insulation.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Basement foundation insulated on interior with rigid foam.

Spray Foam Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

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

Rigid Foam Board Insulation for Existing Band Joists

Guide describing principles of insulating and air sealing band joists as a stand alone energy upgrade, or as part of creating a closed crawlspace.

Foundation wall interior rigid insulation with furring strips

DWG

PDF

Foundation wall interior rigid insulation with framed wall

DWG

PDF

Right - This poured concrete basement wall is insulated on the exterior and under the slab with rigid insulation; footing details include interior and exterior footing drain pipe.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

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

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

Rigid Foam Insulation Installed over Existing Foundation Slabs

Guide describing how to insulate an existing slab floor by adding rigid foam insulation over the slab then installing a floating subfloor.

Assembly Sequence for Concrete Wall with Interior Foam Spray Insulation

Publication Date

January, 2013

Author(s)

University of Minnesota

Organization(s)

ORNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

University of Minnesota

Video animation showing an assembly sequence for a concrete basement wall with interior spray foam insulation.

UMN NorthernSTAR: DOE Building America: Exterior Foundation Insulation

Publication Date

November, 2015

Author(s)

University of Minnesota,

NorthernSTAR

Organization(s)

UMN,

NSTAR

Video describing an “excavationless” retrofit technique developed by the University of Minnesota to install exterior insulation around the foundation of an existing home by using high-pressure water to cut a trench through the dirt along the edge of a concrete foundation, remove the mud with a...

This exterior insulated slab-on-grade monolithic grade beam foundation is protected from pests by termite shield at the sill plate, borate-treated framing, flashing at end of wall insulation, brick veneer over slab-edge insulation, and rock ground cover.

Publication Date

Mon, 03/01/2021 - 12:00

Right - Basement with interior semi-permeable XPS or EPS insulation.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Rigid insulation is installed on the exterior side of the flat foundation wall

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.

Moisture problems must be dealt with before sealing and insulating a crawlspace

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

Exterior XPS basement insulation is correctly installed to completely cover the foundation wall

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:00

UAF Cooperative Extension Service: Radon Mitigation in Super-Insulated Slab

Publication Date

August, 2013

Author(s)

Benesch

Organization(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center,

CCHRC

Video describing radon precautions taken for a construction project in a high-risk radon area in Alaska.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Innovative Retrofit Foundation Insulation Strategies, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Author(s)

University of Minnesota

Organization(s)

NorthernSTAR,

NSTAR

Publication Date

August, 2015

Case study describing methods to retrofit foundations and basements in climate zones 6 and 7.

Right - The concrete basement wall is insulated on the interior with rigid foam; the footing detail is shown.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - Rigid foam insulation is installed along the exterior edge of an existing foundation slab.

Wrong – The insulated concrete forms at the foundation do not have a damp-proof coating

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Rigid foam insulation and a thin slab were installed over the dirt and gravel of this sealed crawlspace

The existing slab is retrofitted with epoxy paint, rigid foam insulation, sleepers (furring strips), and subfloor.

Publication Date

Sun, 06/01/2008 - 12:00

The existing slab is retrofitted by coating with epoxy paint, then installing rigid foam insulation and a floating subfloor.

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

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

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.

Right - Retrofit of an existing basement slab by adding dimple plastic mat, rigid foam insulation, and a floating subfloor.

An uninsulated (or existing insulated) basement slab is retrofitted to reduce moisture transmission by sealing with epoxy paint.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 12:00

Because the above-grade potions of the wall lack exterior insulation, condensation and even ice form during cold winter conditions

Publication Date

Thu, 08/31/2017 - 12:00

Right - The existing basement slab is retrofitted by installing a dimple plastic drainage mat, rigid foam insulation, and a floating subfloor.

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Right – The insulated concrete forms that are below-grade have a damp-proof coating to prevent moisture seeping into the foundation

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - Below-grade concrete has been properly sealed against moisture and is now having insulation installed.

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

A concrete slab-on-grade foundation with exterior insulation, which can be elevated above the local grade as a flood-prevention strategy.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - This concrete basement wall is insulated on the interior basement walls with spray foam and under the slab with rigid foam; footing details are shown.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - The concrete masonry unit (CMU) basement wall has exterior insulation; the footing details include interior and exterior footing drain pipe.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - Poured concrete basement wall showing exterior insulation and sill detail; above-grade wall has sheathing to the outside of the rigid foam.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - Poured concrete basement wall showing exterior insulation and sill detail; above-grade wall has sheathing to the inside of the rigid foam.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right – The entire first floor and second floor of these modular homes were assembled in the factory and installed on an insulated concrete basement foundation on site.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Before sealing and insulating the crawlspace, the windows were sealed, the window wells backfilled, and sumps pumps were installed that discharged to the gutter downspouts

Publication Date

Tue, 09/14/2021 - 12:00

Right - Foil-faced polyisocyanurate rigid foam board is tightly installed and sealed against a concrete foundation wall prior to installing fibrous blanket insulation.

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:00

Right - XPS rigid foam board is tightly installed against a concrete foundation wall and seams are sealed with tape prior to installing fibrous blanket insulation.

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:00

Foil-faced rigid foam and spray foam can be used to insulate a basement on the interior; use good moisture management techniques to keep the basement dry

Spray foam extends down the foundation wall to the slab, which has been retrofitted by adding dimple plastic drainage mat and rigid foam insulation.

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - Concrete masonry unit (CMU) basement wall showing exterior insulation and sill detail; above-grade wall has sheathing to the inside of the rigid foam.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Exterior fiberglass insulation on this new home was (incorrectly) cut to terminate below-grade after backfill, which will expose the above-grade portions of the foundation wall to cold temperatures

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:00

Right – Two inches of rigid foam was installed on the ground before pouring the basement floor slab while precast, pre-insulated concrete panels comprise the basement walls.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Water-proof materials cover the exterior side of crawlspace windows in a crawlspace retrofit, while foil-faced rigid foams seals and insulates the inside face of the openings

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

Wrong - The basement blanket insulation is loosely attached to the interior of the basement wall, does not cover the entire wall, is not sealed at the edges, and is not installed over rigid foam that covers the entire surface of the foundation walls.

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:00

Right – Foil-faced insulation was added after the crawlspace was dried and sealed by diverting water runoff, sealing off crawlspace windows and vents, and adding sump pumps and exhaust fan ventilation

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

This basement is insulated on the exterior with rigid foam over dampproofing, with granular backfill and footing drains to facilitate drainage away from the foundation, a termite shield to protect from pests, and cellular PVC to protect the rigid foam.

Publication Date

Mon, 03/01/2021 - 12:00

Spray foam insulation extends down the foundation wall to the slab, which has been retrofitted by cutting the slab to install drainage mat against the wall and a new perimeter footing drain, along with rigid foam plastic above the slab.

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Termite-Resistant Foundations and Walls

Guide describing techniques and measures for increasing the termite resistance of a home's foundations.

ICF bricks are stacked to form hollow walls that are reinforced with steel rebar before the concrete is poured in

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:00

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

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

Upgrading Below Grade Spaces

Author(s)

University of Minnesota

Organization(s)

NorthernSTAR,

NSTAR

Presentation describing basement insulation and potential problems.

Water Management of Existing Basement Floor

Guide describing how to retrofit an existing basement floor or slab to reduce moisture issues.

Water Management of Existing Crawlspace Floor

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

Foundation Design Handbook

Author(s)

Carmody John,

Mosiman Garrett,

Handeen Daniel,

Huelman Patrick H,

Christian Jeffrey E

Organization(s)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

University of Minnesota

Publication Date

January, 2013

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.

Upgrading Below Grade Spaces - Residential Energy Efficiency Stakeholder

Author(s)

Huelman Patrick H,

Breidenbach Sam,

Schirber Steve

Organization(s)

NorthernSTAR,

University of Minnesota,

UMN,

NSTAR,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

March, 2012

Presentation describing the challenges of insulating an existing basement, presented to the Building America residential energy-efficiency stakeholder meeting.

Innovation in Frost Protected Shallow Foundations

Author(s)

Green Home Institute

Organization(s)

Green Home Institute

Publication Date

January, 2019

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

Author(s)

Green Home Institute

Organization(s)

Green Home Institute

Publication Date

January, 2019

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.

Flood-Resistant Crawlspace Foundations

Guide describing how to design or retrofit a crawlspace to reduce the risk of damage during a flood event.

Right - Closed-cell spray foam was applied to the interior of a foundation wall.

Right - Closed-cell spray foam covers the interior of the foundation wall and wall framing is placed to the inside of the spray foam.

Damp-Proof Exterior Surface of Below-Grade Walls

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

Passive House Basement Foundation Walls: Karuna Video #3

Publication Date

January, 2012

Video describing the details of the basement foundation walls in a passive house.

Foundation wall interior polyisocyanurate, foil-faced, exposed

DWG

PDF

Termite shield with exterior rigid foam above and below

DWG

PDF

Concrete Floor Problems, BSI-003

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

June, 2008

Information guide describing issues with concrete floors, in multiple climate zones.

Spray foam on a stone or rubble foundation

DWG

PDF

Spray foam on concrete foundation wall with framed interior wall

DWG

PDF

Structural system components of a basement

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations Reduce Costs, Save Energy

Author(s)

Hooker Kenneth A

Organization(s)

Concrete Construction

Publication Date

December, 2014

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

Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: building a raised floor

Publication Date

April, 2014

Author(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center

Organization(s)

CCHRC

Video from Cold Climate Housing Research Center describing building a raised floor in cold climates for air-sealing and insulation purposes.

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations 1

Author(s)

Holladay Martin

Organization(s)

Fine Homebuilding

Publication Date

November, 2010

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.

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations

Author(s)

Williams Randy

Organization(s)

Green Building Advisor,

GBA

Publication Date

July, 2022

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