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Raised Heel Truss

Attics are insulated to reduce the amount of heat loss or gain through the ceiling. However, sloped attic framing or trusses are inherently shallow at the roof eaves, leaving inadequate space for full insulation. As a result, there can be excessive thermal losses and gains along the roof edge...
Building Science Measure

Compact Buried Ducts in a Hot-Humid Climate House

Author(s)
Mallay David
Organization(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs,
HIRL
Publication Date
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.
Reference
Three inches of closed-cell spray foam (R-19) and 7.5 inches (R-28) of open-cell spray foam was installed below the roof sheathing in this cathedral ceiling.

Three inches of closed-cell spray foam (R-19) and 7.5 inches (R-28) of open-cell spray foam was installed below the roof sheathing in this cathedral ceiling.

Publication Date
Image

Advanced Wall Framing

Traditional wall framing uses more studs than necessary to structurally support a wall. Using more studs not only increases the amount of lumber used, it decreases the amount of available space for insulation, and increases the surface area of lumber. Framing materials are not good insulators; heat...
Building Science Measure

Building America Top Innovations 2013: Buried and Encapsulated Ducts

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
Steven Winter Associates
Organization(s)
PNNL,
CARB,
SWA
Publication Date
Case study describing a DOE Building America Top Innovation on HVAC ducts located in vented attics that are encapsulated in foam and buried in attic insulation.
Case Study

Encapsulated Ducts

Guide that illustrates how and when to encapsulate ductwork in unconditioned attics, increases the R-value of duct insulation, mitigating condensation issues and reducing air leakage.
Guide

The Perfect Wall Explained

Publication Date
Author(s)
Todd Usher
Organization(s)
Addison Homes
Video describing a technique to insulate walls to a higher R-value using a foam board on the exterior side.
Video

Walls Behind Fireplaces

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to walls behind fireplaces.
Guide

Rooms Containing Fuel-Burning Appliances - Code Compliance Brief

An entirely new section in the 2015 IECC/IRC regarding fuel-burning appliances basically requires the appliance to be isolated from the building thermal envelope, located either outside or within a separate room if the fuel-burning appliance is supplied by open combustion air ducts. This brief provides an overview of the requirements and further details of approving the actual "room".
Code Compliance Brief

Termite Shield

In termite-prone areas, rigid foam insulation should not be used on the exterior of the foundations below grade because they can provide a pathway for infestation. Termite detection systems discourage termites and allow for inspection. This includes adherence to local codes that require at least a...
Building Science Measure

Support at Intervals for Flex Ducts

Guide describing how to hang ducts with supporting straps or saddles to adequately support ducts so they do not sag and are not pinched or compressed in a manner that would cause damage to the ducts, the duct insulation, or the duct air barrier covering.
Guide

Reduced Wall Framing

Traditional wall framing uses more lumber than is necessary and limits a builder’s ability to insulate walls. Wood and other framing materials are not good insulators. Heat can move through them from one side of the wall to the other. High-efficiency advanced framing uses techniques like thicker...
Building Science Measure

Concrete Solutions, BSI-118

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

Comprehensive Attic Package - Vented Attic

Installed correctly, comprehensive vented attic upgrades can significantly reduce utility costs while improving comfort, indoor air quality, and durability of the attic structure.
Home Improvement Expert™ Checklist

Mea Culpa Roofs, BSI-083

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing methods for insulating and air sealing vented and unvented roofs in various climates zones.
Reference

Home Energy Saver

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Organization(s)
LBNL
Publication Date
Online calculator for estimating payback of adding additional insulation to your house.
Reference

Ceilings and Attics

Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Organization(s)
ORNL,
SEI
Publication Date
Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.
Reference

DOE ZERH HIA 2022 Case Study Poster: Woodside Group, Summit at The Dells, Prescott, AZ

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2022 Housing Innovation Award winning production home in the mixed-dry climate that used 2x6 16-in. o.c. walls with 5.5 inches of spray foam plus R-5 rigid continuous insulation, R-33 open-cell spray foam attic insulation, and 6.23 kW rooftop...
Case Study

Technology Solutions Case Study: Stand-Off Furring in Deep Energy Retrofits

Author(s)
IBACOS
Organization(s)
IBACOS
Publication Date
Case study describing a stand-off furring strategy that minimizes the physical connections to each existing wall stud, uses spray foam to encapsulate existing siding materials (including lead paint), and creates a vented rain screen assembly to promote drying.
Case Study

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part I

Author(s)
Yost Peter
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Article describing the building science implications of insulating vented or unvented attics.
Reference

Avoiding Wet Roofs - Part II

Author(s)
Yost Peter
Organization(s)
Journal of Light Construction,
JLC
Publication Date
Article describing the research into insulating vented versus unvented attics.
Reference

ETW: Wall - ICF Wall Construction

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Information sheet that summarizes Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction including advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.
Reference

Hybrid Assemblies, BSI-100

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing issues with condensation in unvented attics insulated with open-cell spray foam.
Reference

Sealed Attics?

Author(s)
Coble Brian
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Article describing how insulating and air sealing unfinished attic spaces can lead to reduced energy bills in some homes.
Reference

Great Fire of London, BSI–098

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report covering the fire performance of combustible cladding over combustible insulation.
Reference

Reduced Thermal Bridging

Even when insulated, homes can still have unnecessary heat loss due to the ability of heat to transfer through the wood framing. Because framing can comprise up to one-fourth of the wall in stud-framed walls, the studs can significantly contribute to heat loss. To address this, a continuous thermal...
Building Science Measure
Diagram of buried ducts

Diagram of buried ducts

Publication Date
Image

Rocks Don’t Burn, BSI–068

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report covering non-combustible continuous exterior insulation and non-combustible roof venting.
Reference

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Weiss Building & Development, System House, River Forest, IL

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Case study describing a 4,763 ft2 certified Passive House that achieved HERS 27 without PV through the construction of R-54 walls that use ICF plus fiberglass cavity insulation, an R-100 vented attic, extensive air sealing and flashing, triple-pane windows, ductless heat pumps, and solar hot water.
Case Study

Burlingame Ranch Phase I

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a building project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.
Case Study

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Imagine Homes

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing a new home construction project in the hot-humid climate.
Case Study

Vented Attics with Buried HVAC Ducts

Comfort systems installed in vented attics work much better when they are buried in insulation. Vented attics can reach extreme temperatures. Deeply burying the ducts in the attic's insulation provides significant protection from these harsh conditions. The ducts need to be tightly sealed to ensure...
Building Science Measure
With a quality installation, tape can last a long time

With a quality installation, tape can last a long time

Publication Date
Image
Encapsulated ducts are sprayed with ccSPF in an unconditioned attic

Encapsulated ducts are sprayed with ccSPF in an unconditioned attic

Publication Date
Image
Ceiling gypsum board has been installed

Ceiling gypsum board has been installed

Publication Date
Image
Burried and encapsulated ducts in a ceiling plane

Burried and encapsulated ducts in a ceiling plane

Publication Date
Image
Slab-on-grade termite control techniques

Slab-on-grade termite control techniques

Publication Date
Image

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

Freeze Protection for CPVC Fire Sprinkler Piping Guide

Author(s)
City of Gresham,
State of Oregon
Organization(s)
City of Gresham,
State of Oregon
Publication Date
A guideline containing fire sprinkler insulation requirements from the Prescott, Arizona Fire Department.
Reference

HUD 2024 Housing Innovation Showcase Poster: Re-Siding your Home?

Author(s)
Patricia Gunderson,
Theresa Gilbride
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Publication Date
Factsheet describing re-siding retrofits containing exterior insulation and window upgrades aimed at improved energy savings and comfort.
Reference

Building Code Training - Residential Thermal Envelope - Air Sealing

Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute
Organization(s)
SEI
Publication Date
Presentation describing the Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code air barrier requirements, envelope concepts including air flow and thermal properties, and common missed insulation and air-sealing opportunities.
Presentation

Coastal Habitats

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a construction project in Hilton Head, SC utilizing a whole-house performance approach.
Case Study

Expert Meeting Report: Foundations Research Results

Author(s)
Ojczyk Cindy,
Huelman Patrick H,
Carmody John
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR,
University of Minnesota,
UMN
Publication Date
Expert meeting report describing the need for greater understanding of foundation systems including moisture and insulation issues.
Reference

They All Laughed, BSI-026

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