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DOE Window Retrofit: Long Island NY

Author(s)
Theresa Gilbride,
Kohta Ueno
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a window retrofit of a 1920s home in Long Island NY that included adding exterior low-e storm windows to previously upgraded double-pane windows.
Case Study

Evaluation of the Performance of Houses with and without Supplemental Dehumidification in a Hot-Humid Climate

Author(s)
Norton Paul,
Kerrigan Philip
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
Mountain Energy Partnership
Publication Date
In this report, BSC seeks to research and report on the field monitoring of the performance of in-situ supplemental dehumidification systems in low-energy, high performance, homes in a hot-humid climate.
Reference

External Insulation of Masonry Walls and Wood Framed Walls

Author(s)
Baker Peter
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Research study developing baseline engineering analysis to support the installation of thick layers of exterior insulation (2 in. to 8 in.) on existing masonry walls and wood framed walls.
Reference

Moisture-Safe Unvented Wood Roof Systems, RR-1001

Author(s)
Smith John,
Smegal Jonathan,
Straube John
Organization(s)
University of Waterloo,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Document describing a hygrothermal modeling study, including all of the US climate zones, a range of interior humidity levels and numerous arrangements and types of insulation.
Reference
Side view showing how the existing garage wall and ceiling are air-sealed prior to installing rigid foam insulation on the garage side of the shared wall of an existing home.

Side view showing how the existing garage wall and ceiling are air-sealed prior to installing rigid foam insulation on the garage side of the shared wall of an existing home.

Publication Date
Image
Side view showing air-sealing and rigid foam insulation is installed over existing wall and ceiling under a room above, then covered with new gypsum board.

Side view showing air-sealing and rigid foam insulation is installed over existing wall and ceiling under a room above, then covered with new gypsum board.

Publication Date
Image
Rigid foam insulating sheathing is installed on existing garage ceiling and covered with a new gypsum board fire protection layer installed over the foam.

Rigid foam insulating sheathing is installed on existing garage ceiling and covered with a new gypsum board fire protection layer installed over the foam.

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

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
Image

READ THIS: Before You Turn Over a Unit, GM-0603

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet designed for the residential construction and remodeling industries, as well as owners and managers working in affordable housing. This sheet presents building guidance for both new construction and rehabilitation, as well as practices that can be used by property maintenance...
Reference

Residential Dehumidification Systems Research for Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W,
Rudd Armin,
Eng P,
Ueno Kohta
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Research study identifying the best performing, most energy-efficient and cost- effective techniques to provide controlled mechanical ventilation and humidity control in hot- humid climates with thermally efficient building envelopes.
Reference
With a quality installation, tape can last a long time

With a quality installation, tape can last a long time

Publication Date
Image

Bulk Water Control Methods for Foundations, BA-1015

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W,
Ueno Kohta
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report about the fundamental concepts that must be understood at the planning or initial nspection of existing homes regarding surface and ground water management.
Reference

Foam Shrinks, and Other Lessons, PA-1201

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Journal article describing lessons learned from updating a 16-year-old deep-energy retrofit.
Reference

Slab Happy, BSI-059

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
How hard can it be to insulate a flat sheet of concrete? I mean you only have three choices – on the top, on the bottom, or on the edge. OK, you might have some combination of the three as well.
Reference

Understanding Attic Ventilation, BSD-102

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
BSD-102 report providing guidance about whether to construct a vented or unvented attic based on hygro-thermal zone.
Reference
Frame wall and install blocking

Frame wall and install blocking

Publication Date
Image
Example standalone dehumidifier option in a 1-story home closet

Example standalone dehumidifier option in a 1-story home closet

Publication Date
Image
A fresh air inlet is ducted to the return side of the home’s central air handler; a motorized damper and electronic controls help balance the flow of fresh incoming air with controlled exhaust to meet ventilation requirements

A fresh air inlet is ducted to the return side of the home’s central air handler; a motorized damper and electronic controls help balance the flow of fresh incoming air with controlled exhaust to meet ventilation requirements

Publication Date
Image
This house wrap assembly can work in all climates except extreme cold.

This house wrap assembly can work in all climates except extreme cold.

Publication Date
Image

Conditioned Crawl Space Construction, Performance and Codes, BA-0401

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report outlining how conditioned crawlspaces perform better than vented crawlspaces in terms of safety, health, comfort, durability and energy consumption.
Reference

High-R Roofs Case Study Analysis, BA-1006

Author(s)
Straube John,
Grin Aaron
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report that considers a number of promising wall systems that can meet the requirement for better thermal control.
Reference

IRC FAQ: Conditioned Attics, GM-0905

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
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.
Reference

Unvented Roof Assemblies for All Climates, BSD-149

Author(s)
Schumacher Christopher
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report reviewing unvented roof assemblies, such as conditioned attics and unvented cathedral ceilings that are becoming common in North American construction.
Reference

ETW: Wall - Double Stud with Spray Foam Wall Construction

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet briefly summarizing double stud with spray foam wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.
Reference
Existing wall-to-lower roof transition retrofitted with a new strip of fully adhered air control transition membrane, new step flashing, new roof underlayment, and new cladding

Existing wall-to-lower roof transition retrofitted with a new strip of fully adhered air control transition membrane, new step flashing, new roof underlayment, and new cladding

Publication Date
Image
Existing wall-to-lower roof transition with a new strip of fully adhered air control transition membrane, new step flashing, new roof underlayment, and new cladding – view from eave

Existing wall-to-lower roof transition with a new strip of fully adhered air control transition membrane, new step flashing, new roof underlayment, and new cladding – view from eave

Image
Existing wall-to-lower roof with attic transition with a new strip of fully adhered air control transition membrane, new step flashing, new roof underlayment, and new cladding – view from eave

Existing wall-to-lower roof with attic transition with a new strip of fully adhered air control transition membrane, new step flashing, new roof underlayment, and new cladding – view from eave

Publication Date
Image

DOE Siding Retrofit: Railroad Renovation, Jackson MS

Author(s)
Theresa Gilbride,
Kohta Ueno
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a wall retrofit of a 1950s bungaloo home in Jackson MS that included adding 1 inch of rigid XPS insulation while replacing aluminum siding with vinyl siding on the home.
Case Study

DOE Siding Retrofit: Vinyl over Stucco, Long Island NY

Author(s)
Theresa Gilbride,
Kohta Ueno
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a wall retrofit of a 1920s home in Long Island NY that included adding 1 inch of rigid foam insulation over existing stucco and covering with vinyl siding on the home.
Case Study

DOE Siding and Windows Retrofit: Cedar Siding Retrofit, Bellingham WA

Author(s)
Theresa Gilbride,
Kohta Ueno
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a wall and window retrofit of a 1970s cedar-sided home in Bellingham WA that included adding 2 inches of cork insulation while replacing the existing cedar siding and replacing the double-pane windows with triple-pane windows.
Case Study

Attic or Roof? An Evaluation of Two Advanced Weatherization Packages, BA-1205

Author(s)
Neuhauser Ken
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Report about a project that examines implementation of advanced retrofit measures in the context of a large-scale weatherization program and the archetypal Chicago, Illinois, brick bungalow.
Reference

Water Management of Non-Insulating and Insulating Sheathings - Final Report

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W,
Smegal Jonathan
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report summarizing current research, summarizes issues that have been experienced with current best practices, and recommends ways in which the best practices can be improved for water managing sheathings.
Reference

DOE Siding and Windows Retrofit: Railroad Renovation, Jackson MS

Author(s)
Theresa Gilbride,
Kohta Ueno
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a wall and window retrofit of a 1950s bungaloo home in Jackson MS that included adding 1 inch of rigid XPS insulation while replacing aluminum siding with vinyl siding and replacing the original windows with triple-pane windows.
Case Study
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.

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.

Publication Date
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Use flashing tape to seal around any pipes or vents that penetrate through the foam

Use flashing tape to seal around any pipes or vents that penetrate through the foam

Publication Date
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Lower wall insulation installation

Lower wall insulation installation

Publication Date
Image
Upper wall insulation installation

Upper wall insulation installation

Publication Date
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Wintertime condensation potential for exterior storm windows can be reduced if the original window is airtight and weep holes in the storm window are open to provide a small amount of ventilation to the outside

Wintertime condensation potential for exterior storm windows can be reduced if the original window is airtight and weep holes in the storm window are open to provide a small amount of ventilation to the outside

Publication Date
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Batt insulation is installed in two layers in perpendicular directions against the baffle to full required insulation height

Batt insulation is installed in two layers in perpendicular directions against the baffle to full required insulation height

Publication Date
Image

Local Exhaust and Whole House Ventilation Strategies

Author(s)
Rudd Armin
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report on whole-house and spot ventilation strategies for improved indoor air quality.
Reference
Wrong - Plastic-covered blanket insulation that is installed directly against concrete walls with no rigid foam or closed-cell spray foam covering the concrete could trap moisture coming through the concrete, leading to mold, moisture, and odor problems.

Wrong - Plastic-covered blanket insulation that is installed directly against concrete walls with no rigid foam or closed-cell spray foam covering the concrete could trap moisture coming through the concrete, leading to mold, moisture, and odor problems.

Publication Date
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Air Sealing and Insulating Common Walls (Party Walls) in Multi-Family Buildings - Code Compliance Brief

Publication Date
The intent of this brief is to provide code-specific information about air sealing and insulating common walls in multi-family buildings to help ensure that the measures will be accepted as being in compliance with the code. Providing the same information to all interested parties (e.g., code officials, builders, designers, etc.) is expected to result in increased compliance and fewer innovations being questioned at the time of plan review and/or field inspection.
Code Compliance Brief
Two layers of XPS are installed with staggered seams over a liquid-applied membrane on the structural sheathing

Two layers of XPS are installed with staggered seams over a liquid-applied membrane on the structural sheathing

Publication Date
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Taped vertical joint of lower wall insulation

Taped vertical joint of lower wall insulation

Publication Date
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Batt insulation is installed in two layers with offset seams against the baffle to full code-required insulation height

Batt insulation is installed in two layers with offset seams against the baffle to full code-required insulation height

Publication Date
Image
The mechanical curb for a skylight is integrated with the water management and air control layers on a flat roof retrofitted to include new above-deck rigid foam insulation

The mechanical curb for a skylight is integrated with the water management and air control layers on a flat roof retrofitted to include new above-deck rigid foam insulation

Publication Date
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The blocking for a new PV roof-mounting system is integrated with new rigid foam and the air and water control layers installed over an existing flat roof

The blocking for a new PV roof-mounting system is integrated with new rigid foam and the air and water control layers installed over an existing flat roof

Publication Date
Image
Single framed wall converted to double wall and insulated with closed-cell spray foam and loose-fill fibrous insulation

Single framed wall converted to double wall and insulated with closed-cell spray foam and loose-fill fibrous insulation

Publication Date
Image
A roof drain is installed in an existing flat roof retrofitted with above-deck rigid foam insulation that is integrated with new air and water control layers

A roof drain is installed in an existing flat roof retrofitted with above-deck rigid foam insulation that is integrated with new air and water control layers

Publication Date
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Westford House, BSI-018

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report describing sloped roof assemblies with high levels of thermal performance.
Reference

De-Icing Ice Dams, BSI-097

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.
Reference

Attic Air Sealing Guide and Details, GM-1001

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
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.
Reference

DOE Siding and Windows Retrofit: Insulating Concrete Block Walls, Phoenix AZ

Author(s)
Theresa Gilbride,
Kohta Ueno
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a wall and window retrofit of a 1940s home in Phoenix AZ that included adding 2 inches of rigid foam and new stucco siding and solar screens as part of a comprehensive retrofit of the concrete block home.
Case Study

DOE Siding Retrofit: Insulating Concrete Block Walls, Phoenix AZ

Author(s)
Theresa Gilbride,
Kohta Ueno
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a wall retrofit of a 1940s home in Phoenix AZ that included adding 2 inches of rigid polyisocyanurate insulation while adding stucco siding to a previously unsided and uninsulated slump-block home.
Case Study

DOE Siding and Windows Retrofit: Kit Home Retrofit, Kalamazoo MI

Author(s)
Theresa Gilbride,
Kohta Ueno
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a wall and window retrofit of a 1940s kit home in Kalamazoo MI that included adding 1 inch of rigid polyisocyanurate insulation and low-e storm windows while replacing vinyl siding on the home.
Case Study

Central Fan Integrated Ventilation Systems, Info-610

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Report describing ventilation system design, including a central fan integrated supply (CFIS) system, made up of a 6-inch outdoor air intake duct connected to the return side of the air handler with a fan cycling control to make sure the fan runs a programmed minimum amount of time.
Reference

Unintended Consequences Suck, BSI-069

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Publication Date
Article describing the impact of increasingly stringent ventilation standards on multifamily buildings, highlighting the inefficiencies and challenges of exhaust-only ventilation in tightly sealed enclosures, the complications of achieving balanced ventilation, and the unintended consequences of...
Reference
Plan view (from above) showing how the existing garage wall gypsum board is cut away to air-seal the shared wall before adding rigid foam insulation on the garage and exterior walls of the home.

Plan view (from above) showing how the existing garage wall gypsum board is cut away to air-seal the shared wall before adding rigid foam insulation on the garage and exterior walls of the home.

Publication Date
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Expert Meeting Report: Recommendations for Applying Water Heaters in Combination Space and Domestic Water Heating Systems

Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Ueno Kohta,
Bergey Daniel,
Osser Rosie
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Expert meeting describing meeting details for recommendations for applying water heaters in combination space and domestic water heating systems.
Reference

Ventilation System Effectiveness and Tested Indoor Air Quality Impacts

Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Bergey Daniel
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
This report describes how twenty homes were tested and monitored in the Zone 2 climate of Houston, Texas, U.S.A., to evaluate the humidity control performance and operating cost of six different integrated dehumidification and ventilation systems that could be applied by production homebuilders.
Reference
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.

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
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Wrong – Either this tape was not pressed down firmly or the surface was wet or dirty so the tape is not sticking properly even during construction.

Wrong – Either this tape was not pressed down firmly or the surface was wet or dirty so the tape is not sticking properly even during construction.

Publication Date
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Install minimum 6" wide self-adhered butyl Z-flashing

Install minimum 6" wide self-adhered butyl Z-flashing

Publication Date
Image
Upper wall insulation installation with butyl z-flashing

Upper wall insulation installation with butyl z-flashing

Publication Date
Image
Right – Two-thirds of acrylic tape is offset above the joint and over and above the fasteners

Right – Two-thirds of acrylic tape is offset above the joint and over and above the fasteners

Publication Date
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Clean the attic floor of debris prior to installing new attic insulation. Use baffles to provide a path for ventilation air entering the attic from the soffit vents

Clean the attic floor of debris prior to installing new attic insulation. Use baffles to provide a path for ventilation air entering the attic from the soffit vents

Publication Date
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Water management detail for a solar panel rack mounting block installed in rigid foam that was installed over an existing roof

Water management detail for a solar panel rack mounting block installed in rigid foam that was installed over an existing roof

Publication Date
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Existing flat roof and wood-framed walls are retrofitted with a new fully adhered air barrier membrane plus polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation and a roofing membrane water control layer

Existing flat roof and wood-framed walls are retrofitted with a new fully adhered air barrier membrane plus polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation and a roofing membrane water control layer

Publication Date
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Walls in cold climates with a polyethylene vapor barrier interior of the wall cavity should have either no exterior insulation or a vapor-open continuous insulation like mineral wool that allows drying to the exterior

Walls in cold climates with a polyethylene vapor barrier interior of the wall cavity should have either no exterior insulation or a vapor-open continuous insulation like mineral wool that allows drying to the exterior

Publication Date
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To reduce the risk of condensation on the interior of the roof sheathing in cold weather, the ratio of exterior (above-deck) insulation must be increased as a percent of total attic insulation as outside temperature decreases

To reduce the risk of condensation on the interior of the roof sheathing in cold weather, the ratio of exterior (above-deck) insulation must be increased as a percent of total attic insulation as outside temperature decreases

Publication Date
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Capillarity - Small Sacrifices, BSI-011

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing correct ways to eliminate water damage by incorporating a sacrificial layer to foundation walls and footings.
Reference

Controlling Cold-Weather Condensation Using Insulation, BSD-163

Author(s)
Straube John
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing research encouraging use of exterior insulation to warm interior sheathing surfaces in walls and roof assemblies to reduce the likelihood of condensation during cold weather
Reference

Supplemental Dehumidification in Warm-Humid Climates, BA-1310

Author(s)
Rudd Armin
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
This document covers a description of the need and applied solutions for supplemental dehumidification in warm-humid climates, especially for energy efficient homes where the sensible cooling load has been dramatically reduced.
Reference

DOE Siding and Windows Retrofit: Vinyl over Stucco, Long Island NY

Author(s)
Theresa Gilbride,
Kohta Ueno
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a wall and window retrofit of a 1920s home in Long Island NY that included adding 1 inch of rigid foam insulation over existing stucco and covering with vinyl siding on the home, then adding exterior low-e storm windows to previously upgraded double-pane windows.
Case Study

Volatile Organic Compound Concentrations and Emission Rates in New Manufactured and Site-Built Houses, RR-0803

Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Hodgson Alfred T,
Beal David,
Chandra Subrato
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Report describing concentrations of 54 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ventilation rates that were measured in four new manufactured houses over 2 - 9.5 months following installation and in seven new site built houses 1 - 2 months after completion.
Reference