BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Performance of Windows in Walls With Continuous Insulation

Reference

Technical report describing research aimed to provide window manufacturers with foundational guidance for installing windows in walls with continuous insulation (CI), addressing critical aspects such as evaluating common installation methods, establishing acceptance criteria for window performance...

Attic Retrofits Using Nail-Base Insulated Panels

Reference

This report outlines research activities that are expected to facilitate the adoption of energy retrofits by remodeling contractors and roofing contractors using retrofit panels which applicable to many existing house designs in most climates and markets.

Building America Top Innovations 2013: Exterior Rigid Insulation Best Practices

Case Study

Case study describing a 2013 DOE Building America Top Innovation for the installation of rigid foam insulation on the exterior of home roofs and walls as a thermal, air, and moisture barrier.

Trade-Friendly Retrofit Insulated Panels for Existing Buildings, Albany New York

Reference

Case study about a structural sheathing product composed of enhanced EPS rigid foam with OSB adhered on one side.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Trade-Friendly Retrofit Insulated Panels for Existing Buildings, Albany NY

Case Study

Case study describing a structural sheathing product composed of enhanced EPS rigid foam with OSB adhered on one side.

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5, Part II: 2x4 Walls with 1” - 1.5” Exterior Insulative Sheathing

Reference

The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 in. thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...

Compact Buried Ducts in a Hot-Humid Climate House

Reference

Report on heating and cooling air-distribution ducts that are insulated, installed close to the ceiling in a vented attic and covered with attic insulation to minimize energy loss.

Building America Top Innovations 2013: Zero Energy-Ready Single-Family Homes

Case Study

Case study describing a 2013 DOE Building America Top Innovation about construction of net-zero energy ready homes, by several builders working with various DOE Building America research partners including Steven Winter Associates, Building Science Corporation, Home Innovation Research Labs, IBACOS...

Advanced Wall Framing

Reference

Fact sheet describing advanced framing techniques that reduce the amount of lumber used in constructing wood-framed houses while providing more space for wall insulation.

Energy Efficient Crawlspace Foundation Retrofit: Mixed Humid Climate

Reference

Report outlining the steps of translating a new home construction scope of work (SOW) to SOW for retrofit.

Concrete Masonry Homes: Recommended Practices

Reference

Attachment or installation of foundations, floors, roofs, insulation, utilities, and finishes to concrete masonry walls as well as on special tools and fasteners available for use with concrete masonry.

Fort Benning Indianhead Townhome Renovations

Reference

Report outlining the energy upgrade package implemented in Ft. Benning, GA, Indianhead Townhomes project and the findings of the Southface Energy Institute's post-renovation analysis.

Serenbe Nest Cottages

Reference

Report describing construction of test homes in Atlanta, GA meeting Building America savings targets and serving as a basis of design for other homes Martin Dodson plans to build within the Serenbe community.

Extended Plate and Beam Wall System: Concept Investigation and Initial Evaluation

Reference

Report on high-R wall design called extended plate and beam that uses foam sheathing insulation with wall framing.

Strategy Guideline: Application of a Construction Quality Process to Existing Home Retrofits

Reference

Report following the evolution of the construction quality process from its development for new homes to its application construction of a HPH with enhanced specifications, and its application in a crawlspace renovation.

Greenbelt Homes Pilot Energy Efficiency Programs Phase 1 Summary: Existing Conditions and Baseline Energy Use

Reference

Report detailing field walk-through evaluations, energy simulations for projected savings with exterior insulation upgrades, building envelope energy improvement cost estimates, and installation and maintenance of monitoring equipment and data.

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5, Part I: 2x6 Walls

Reference

Part I of the Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as exterior sheathing, gypsum board as interior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories in height.

Advanced Extended Plate and Beam Wall System in a Cold-Climate House

Case Study

Case study describing a zero energy ready home (ZERH) that was recently completed featuring an innovative wall system. This highly insulated (high-R) light-frame wall system, called the extended plate and beam (EP&B), is for use above grade in residential buildings.

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls Climate Zones 3-5 Part I: 2x6 Walls

Reference

Part I of the Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as exterior sheathing, gypsum board as interior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories in height. Walls with...

Moisture Performance of High-R Wall Systems

Reference

The next generation of building enclosures is a key step toward achieving high-performance goals through decreasing energy load demand and enabling advanced space-conditioning systems. Yet the adoption of high-R enclosures and particularly high-R walls has been a slow-growing trend because...

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Lancaster County Career and Technology Center Green Home 3 - Mount Joy, Pennsylvania

Case Study

Case study describing the Green Home 3 project, which achieved a 44% whole-house energy savings over the Building America New Construction B10 Benchmark, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certification, and National Green Building Standard Gold-level certification.