BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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Flood Series: Pumping out a flooded basement

Video

This video describes and shows a safe process to remove water from a basement after a flood.

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.

Spray foam extends down the inside of the foundation wall to the uninsulated slab; because the wall lacked exterior perimeter drainage, the slab was cut and an interior footing drain was installed.

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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.

UMN NorthernSTAR: DOE Building America: Exterior Foundation Insulation

Video

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...

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.

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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.

Rigid Foam Board Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate closed crawlspace walls and band joist areas with rigid foam board insulation.

Water Management of Existing Basement Floor

Guide

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

Drain or Sump Pump Installed in Basements or Crawlspaces

Guide

Guide describing installation of sump pumps in the basement or crawlspace of a home.

Sump Pump Cover Gasket

Guide

Guide describing how to install an airtight cover on a sump pump in the basement or crawlspace of a home to minimize humidity in the home.

Flood-Resistant Crawlspace Foundations

Guide

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

Radon Fan

Guide

Guide describing how to install a radon mitigation fan to actively remove radon from the home.

Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Crawlspaces and Basements

Information Guide

Information guide describing things to consider when considering home retrofits in the basement or crawlspace including HVAC, wiring, or structural systems.