BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Building America Building Science Advisor

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Web based tool providing decision-making guidance for selecting wall assembly components.

Foam Shrinks, and Other Lessons, PA-1201

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Journal article describing lessons learned from updating a 16-year-old deep-energy retrofit.

Extreme Heat—A Tale of Two Cities, BSI-032

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Article from Building Science Corporation on construction techniques for extreme heat conditions in Dubai and Las Vegas.

High-R Roofs Case Study Analysis, BA-1006

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Report that considers a number of promising wall systems that can meet the requirement for better thermal control.

Energy Efficient New Homes and Apartments

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Website describing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR New Homes and Apartments program with links to builder and homeowner resources.

Hood River Passive House

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Report documenting short-term test results of the Shift House and compares the results of Passive House Planning Package and Building Energy Optimization modeling of the project.

IRC FAQ: Conditioned Attics, GM-0905

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Report discussing how to create livable space in the attic that meets IRC code requirements by either creating a ventilated roof assembly, or and unvented attic assembly.

ETW: Wall - Double Stud with Spray Foam Wall Construction

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Information sheet briefly summarizing double stud with spray foam wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

Evaluation of Retrofit Delivery Packages

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Report evaluating opportunities to improve and streamline delivery of residential retrofit measures.

Buried and Encapsulated Ducts, Jacksonville Florida

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Reference investigating the strategy of using buried and/or encapsulated ducts to reduce duct thermal losses in residential buildings.

2021 IBC and IRC Adopt Improved Vapor Retarder Requirements

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Article describing vapor retarder requirements in the International Residential Code and International Building Code 2021.

JM Spider® Drill & Fill Installation Guide

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The purpose for this document is to provide basic guidance on the use of proven installation techniques that can be used by installers to help ensure correct “dense pack” application of JM Spider® in drill & fill applications.

Advanced Wall Framing

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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 Benefits of Application of Massive Walls in Residential Buildings

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Presentation about results from an insulating concrete form energy efficiency study in Knoxville, TN.

Retrofitting the Southeast: The Cool Energy House

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Report about a deep energy retrofit Cool Energy House.

Performance Evaluation of a Hot-Humid Climate Community

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Report providing information about improving the energy efficiency and long-term durability of the buildings that are being reconstructed post Katrina in New Orleans.

Hybrid Wall Evaluation for Ten New Construction Homes in Wyandotte, Michigan

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Report detailing the design and construction of 10 new houses under the Wyandotte Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2.

Monitoring of Double-Stud Wall Moisture Conditions in the Northeast, BA-1501

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Report on a study monitoring moisture conditions of double-stud wall assemblies with different insulation in Devens, Massachusetts.

A Meta-Analysis of Single-Family Deep Energy Retrofit Performance in the U.S.

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Report describing testing and analysis on deep energy retrofits of existing single-family homes in the U.S.

Transformations, Inc.: Partnering To Build Net-Zero Energy Houses in Massachusetts

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Report about partnership to build three communities of net zero houses.

Designing Houses That Keep Their Cool

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Article from Green Building Advisor on strategies to take when building homes to reduce the need for air conditioning, including insulation, windows, site selection, and roofing.

Plaster and Drywall Assemblies Manual

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Manual describing design, detailing, material selection and troubleshooting for plaster, IEFs, and drywall, with information on continuous insulation, air barriers, rain screens, and ratings for fire and sound.

Technology Fact Sheet: Weather-Resistive Barriers

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Brochure with information about how to select and install house wrap and other weather-resistive barriers.

Energy Efficient Crawlspace Foundation Retrofit: Mixed Humid Climate

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

Opportunities for Energy Conservation and Improved Comfort From Wind Washing Retrofits in Two-Story Homes - Part II

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Report presenting the results of a study evaluating retrofit solutions for addressing the effects of wind washing on homes.

Ventilating Cathedral Ceilings to Prevent Problematic Icings at their Eaves

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Report describing the formation of icicles and ice dams along poorly ventilated roofs and how to mitigate ventilation issues with insulation and vents.

Conway Street Apartments: A Multifamily Deep Energy Retrofit

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Research report anayzing the results of a large retrofit project, turining an old school into near zero energy consumption apartments in Greenfield MA.

Field Testing Unvented Roofs with Asphalt Shingles in Cold and Hot-Humid Climates

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Report to understand the long-term moisture performance of unvented roof assemblies with fibrous insulation.

Attic Air Sealing Guide and Details, GM-1001

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Document providing background and approach for the prep work necessary prior to adding attic insulation - focusing on combustion safety, ventilation for indoor air quality, and attic ventilation for durability.

Concrete Masonry Homes: Recommended Practices

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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.