BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Air Barriers - Tub, Shower and Fireplace Enclosures, Info-407

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Brochure about creating an air barrier at tub, shower and fireplace walls.

Air Barriers - Airtight Drywall Approach, Info-401

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Brochure about creating an air barrier by sealing drywall assemblies.

Drain the Rain…On the Plane…the Drainage Plane, BSI–112

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2019

Report covering the rainwater performance of building assemblies.

Expert Meeting: Recommended Approaches to Humidity Control in High Performance Homes

Author(s)

Rudd Armin

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

July, 2013

Expert meeting report recommending approaches to humidity control in high performance homes.

Measure Guideline: Deep Energy Enclosure Retrofit for Double-Stud Walls

Author(s)

Loomis Honorata,

Pettit Betsy

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

June, 2015

Report on two approaches to retrofitting existing double-stud walls.

Multifamily Ventilation Retrofit Strategies

Author(s)

Ueno Kohta,

Bergey Daniel,

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

December, 2012

Research study examining the performance of existing multifamily ventilation central systems and explored alternative solutions in retrofit situations.

READ THIS: Before You Ventilate, GM-0604

Author(s)

Rudd Armin

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2006

Document reviewing ventilation strategies for different climate zones that also includes schematic drawings and photographs of various ventilation installations.

Wyandotte Neighborhood Stabilization Program: Retrofit of Two Homes

Author(s)

Lukachko Alex,

Grin Aaron,

Bergey Daniel

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2013

Report detailing retrofit of two existing houses in the Wyandotte Neighborhood program.

Radon vertical ventilation pipe system – basement construction

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2006 - 12:00

Mea Culpa Roofs, BSI-083

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2014

Article describing methods for insulating and air sealing vented and unvented roofs in various climates zones.

Basement Insulation, Info 511

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Information sheet describing techniques for insulating basements.

ETW: Wall - Truss Wall Construction

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2014

Information sheet briefly summarizing truss wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

Caulk holes in the electrical box, caulk the wire holes, and caulk the face of the box to the drywall

Publication Date

Sun, 06/03/2012 - 12:00

Complete water management strategy for a below-grade wall

Publication Date

Sun, 10/01/2006 - 12:00

Radon vertical ventilation pipe system – crawlspace construction

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2006 - 12:00

Examples of whole-house and local ventilation systems

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Capillarity Sucks, BSI-123

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

March, 2021

Article describing the principle of capillarity in construction materials.

Energy Flow Across Enclosures, BSI-028

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2009

Discussion of structural thermal resistance.

Walls in cold climates with a Class 3 vapor retarder (latex paint) and a vapor-open continuous insulation like mineral wool allow drying to the interior or the exterior

Publication Date

Sun, 09/20/2020 - 12:00

The ventilation space in this vented over-roof keeps the roof cool to prevent ice dams over the unvented attic

Publication Date

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 12:00

BSC Information - Common Flashing Details for All Climates, Sheet 303

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Brochure providing information about flashing in all cimates.

Refrigeration System Installation and Startup Procedures, and AC Equipment Efficiency, Info-607

Author(s)

Rudd Armin

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2010

Information sheet describing refrigerant line installation and system startup procedures.

BSC Information - Vapor Control Layer Recommendations for All Climates, Sheet 310

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

September, 2009

Information sheet providing recommendations on the installation of vapor control layers.

Measure Guideline: Guidance on Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2014

Case study about how to properly tape insulating sheathing drainage planes.

BSC Information - Ducts in Conditioned Space for All Climates, Sheet 602

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

BSC,

DOE

Publication Date

May, 2009

Brochure with information about ducts in conditioned space.

BSC Information - Common Advanced Framing Details for All Climates, Sheet 201

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Brochure explaining the essential basis for advanced framing and some of the more common advanced framing details.

Proper flashing around windows is especially important when the rigid foam serves as the drainage plane in the wall

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

Mass Save Deep Energy Retrofit Builder Guide, GM-1302

Author(s)

Neuhauser Ken,

Gates Cathy,

Pettit Betsy

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

July, 2013

Guidebook providing useful examples of high performance retrofit techniques for the building enclosure of wood frame residential construction in a cold and somewhat wet climate.

Vent the kitchen fan exhaust directly to the outside, not into an attic, crawlspace, or space between floors

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

This technique for installing electrical wiring avoids the need to cut into the SIP panel

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Install a housewrap drainage plane between the SIP panels and the exterior cladding

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Radon vertical ventilation pipe system – slab-on-grade construction

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2006 - 12:00

No Sweat, BSI-094

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2016

Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Airtight electrical boxes have built-in gaskets and self-sealing wire holes.

Publication Date

Sun, 06/03/2012 - 12:00

Water Managed Wall Systems, PA-0301

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

March, 2003

Document outlining a well-detailed drainage plane and flashings.

Transfer Ducts and Grilles, Info-604

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Information sheet describing transfer ducts and grilles for HVAC.

Attach the interior 2x4 wall to the exterior wall top plate with a flat metal connector plate

Publication Date

Tue, 06/26/2012 - 12:00

An insulated spline is another option for avoiding thermal bridging at SIP panel seams

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Common window water infiltration pathways

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Ice Dams, BSD-135

Author(s)

Straube John

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2006

Article outlining the casuses and solutions for ice dam problems.

PV Primer, BA-0212

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

June, 2002

Report aiming to "de-mystify" technology and economic considerations of residential PV systems.

Uplifting Moments – Roof Failures, BSI-019

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2009

Report covering wind uplift and roofing membrane failures.

The Perfect Wall, BSI-001

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

July, 2010

Article describing the perfect wall and and in what order to control rain, air, vapor, and heat.

Understanding Basements, BSD-103

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2006

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

ETW: Wall - Double Stud Wall Construction

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2014

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

Advanced Framing, BSI-030

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

March, 2010

Report describing advanced framing techniques, including discussion of cost and energy savings.

Formable pan flashing and back dam for window

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2009 - 12:00

Detail of radon vent stack connection to existing basement slab – retrofit basement construction

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Moisture Durability with Vapor-Permeable Insulating Sheathing

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W,

LePage Robert

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

September, 2013

Report about exterior sheathing insulation and inward driven moisture issues.

BSC Information - Integrating Deck Ledger Board with Drainage Plane for All Climates, Sheet 304

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Brochure with information on maintaining drainage plane continuity at deck ledger locations.

BSC Information - Sealed Combustion for All Climates, Sheet 601

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Information sheet about sealing combustion appliances to ensure good indoor air quality.

They All Laughed, BSI-026

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2017

Article describing the evolution of the IRC to permit class 3 vapor retarders (latex paint) in walls coupled with exterior continuous insulation to allow drying and reduce condensation risk.

Insulated header made of one piece of plywood aligned with exterior wall, with room for insulation to inside

Publication Date

Mon, 02/01/2010 - 12:00

Caulk or glue along top plates before installing drywall

Publication Date

Thu, 05/14/2009 - 12:00

Insert replacement vinyl frame window

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Whole house ventilation ensures adequate indoor air quality

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - Seal the sill plate to the rim joist with caulk.

Publication Date

Tue, 09/01/2009 - 12:00

Joni Mitchell, Water and Walls, BSI-071

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

BSC,

Building Science Corporation

Publication Date

November, 2013

Article describing walls and moisture development on them.

Zeroing In, BSI-081

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2014

Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.

Impact of Residential Mechanical Ventilation on Energy Cost and Humidity Control

Author(s)

Martin Eric

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

Florida Solar Energy Center,

FSEC,

Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,

IBACOS

Publication Date

March, 2014

The study described in this white paper is based on building energy modeling with an important focus on the indoor humidity impacts of ventilation.

Moisture Management for High R-Value Walls

Author(s)

LePage Robert,

Schumacher Christopher,

Lukachko Alex

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2013

Report explaining moisture-related concerns for high R-value wall assemblies and discusses past Building America research work that informs this study.

Interior non-load bearing walls are 2x4 studs spaced 24-inchon- center, can have non-structural connectors

Publication Date

Mon, 02/01/2010 - 12:00

Seal the drywall to the top plates as part of the home’s continuous air barrier

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2009 - 12:00

Interior removable storm window sample

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Installed interior removable storm window

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Central-fan-integrated supply ventilation with exhaust fans for intermittently balanced whole-house ventilation

Publication Date

Thu, 01/10/2013 - 12:00

SIP panel walls are less susceptible to air leakage and convection issues than stick-built walls

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

A surface spline reduces thermal bridging much more than a structural spline at SIP panel seams

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Recommended sealant location as part of window frame rehabilitation

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Exterior aluminum storm windows showing weep channel

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Frame preparation for inserting a replacement window

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Replacement window rough opening preparation

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Example sill detail of "innie" window

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Example sill detail of "outie" window

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Exterior window replacement detail

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

The Perfect Wall includes water, air, thermal, and vapor layers with continuous insulation exterior of the sheathing to reduce the condensation potential in the wall.

Publication Date

Thu, 07/15/2010 - 12:00

Moisture can migrate from below the foundation to the basement wall and insulation cavity in a conventional blanket insulation installation

Publication Date

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 12:00

Builders Guide to Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for all Climates

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2015

A book about structurally insulated panels.

Builder's Guide to Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Author(s)

Lukachko Alex

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2009

Presentation describing details for installing structural insulated panels (SIPs).

ETW: Wall - ICF Wall Construction

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2014

Information sheet that summarizes Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction including advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

Flow-Through Assemblies, BSI-091

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2016

Article discussing flow-through assemblies of walls.

Hockey Pucks and Hydrostatic Pressure, BSI–057

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2012

Report covering control of hydrostatic pressure in wall assemblies.

Hybrid Assemblies, BSI-100

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2017

Article describing issues with condensation in unvented attics insulated with open-cell spray foam.

After installing the house wrap over the SIPS, window flashing is installed

Publication Date

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 12:00

Right - Rigid foam slab edge insulation is installed along the exterior edge of a monolithic slab foundation.

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2009 - 12:00

This house is being built with advanced framing techniques including 2x6 24-inch on-center wall framing

Publication Date

Mon, 11/01/2010 - 12:00

Rigid foam insulation is installed on the garage side of the shared garage wall and roof of an existing home

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Cladding Attachment Over Thick Exterior Insulated Sheathing

Author(s)

Baker Peter,

Eng P,

LePage Robert

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2014

Report on the stability of furring strips as a means for cladding attachment over walls with thick exterior rigid insulation.

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

Author(s)

Lukachko Alex,

Grin Aaron,

Bergey Daniel

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2013

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

Installing Windows with Foam Sheathing on a Wood-Frame Wall

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Organization(s)

BSC,

NREL

Publication Date

May, 2005

Report with guidance for installing windows with foam sheathing on wood-frame walls.

Measure Guideline: Wood Window Repair, Rehabilitation, and Replacement

Author(s)

Baker Peter

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

December, 2012

Document providing information and guidance about rehabilitating, retrofitting, and replacing wood window assemblies in residential construction.

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

Author(s)

Ueno Kohta

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2015

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

National Grid Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot

Author(s)

Neuhauser Ken

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

March, 2012

Report about a test home project evaluating strategies to elevate the performance of existing homes to a level commensurate with best-in-class implementation of high performance new construction homes.

Residential Best Practices Criteria, Info-001

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2013

Document containing some of the basic characteristics for energy performance, durability, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality that should be met in all high performance homes.

Interior storm window on double-hung original window

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00