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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
Image

Foundation Design Handbook

Author(s)
Carmody John,
Mosiman Garrett,
Handeen Daniel,
Huelman Patrick H,
Christian Jeffrey E
Organization(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
University of Minnesota
Publication Date
Handbook providing guidance on the design and construction of foundations for homes, including insulation, air sealing, and water management details for basements, crawlspaces, and slabs.
Reference

Sidewall Blowing Tips and Tricks

Author(s)
Wisconsin Focus on Energy
Organization(s)
Wisconsin Focus on Energy
Publication Date
High-density sidewall cavity insulation can be a major comfort and savings boost. It saves energy by slowing both conductive and convective losses, but only if the right things are done and done right. This always requires site-specific thinking.
Reference

Technology Solutions Case Study: Complete and Fully Aligned Air Barrier

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing the elimination of excessive humidity in the attic of a multi-floor, single-family home that was causing condensation and water damage along the roof and eaves.
Case Study
A pumper is used to place the concrete into the foam form walls

A pumper is used to place the concrete into the foam form walls

Publication Date
Image
ICF forms are filled with the use of a concrete pumper truck

ICF forms are filled with the use of a concrete pumper truck

Publication Date
Image
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
Image

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

Upgrading Below Grade Spaces - Residential Energy Efficiency Stakeholder

Author(s)
Huelman Patrick H,
Breidenbach Sam,
Schirber Steve
Organization(s)
NorthernSTAR,
University of Minnesota,
UMN,
NSTAR,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Presentation describing the challenges of insulating an existing basement, presented to the Building America residential energy-efficiency stakeholder meeting.
Reference

Which Spray Foam is Right For You?

Author(s)
Zoeller William
Organization(s)
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Document describing different spray foam materials including some pros and cons and technical specifications.
Reference

Vented to Unvented Attic

Many homes have vented attics that get very hot in summer and cold in winter. Converting an attic from vented to an unvented provides an opportunity to create a temperate space for heating and cooling equipment located there to operate more efficiently while also reducing infiltration of moisture, dust, pollen and pests year-round. However, critical installation best practices need to be followed to ensure a successful project. Use this checklist to get the significant energy savings, enhanced comfort, and health benefits possible from a quality installed unvented attic.
Home Improvement Expert™ Checklist

High-Thermal-Mass Construction

Guide describing materials and methods for incorporating thermal mass into the construction of a home for temperature regulation, energy savings, and resistance to extreme heat and cold.
Guide

Home Performance Assessment

Information guide describing how to apply a whole-house approach to home improvement with energy efficiency upgrades, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort.
Information Guide

GreenCraft Greenspoint House Prototype

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a building project in the mixed-humid climate zone.
Case Study
The ICF consists of foam forms that are held in place with plastic or metal spacers and reinforced with metal rebar

The ICF consists of foam forms that are held in place with plastic or metal spacers and reinforced with metal rebar

Publication Date
Image
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
Image

Innovation in Frost Protected Shallow Foundations

Author(s)
Green Home Institute
Organization(s)
Green Home Institute
Publication Date
Video describing how a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) is constructed and including use of a stay-in-place EPS (expanded polystyrene) footing form that provides insulation and simplifies the installation of frost-protected monolithic concrete slab foundations.
Reference

Innovation in Frost Protected Shallow Foundations

Author(s)
Green Home Institute
Organization(s)
Green Home Institute
Publication Date
Video describing how a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) is constructed and including use of a stay-in-place EPS (expanded polystyrene) footing form that provides insulation and simplifies the installation of frost-protected monolithic concrete slab foundations.
Reference

Mastic Home Exteriors Installation Guide

Author(s)
Ply Gem Siding Group
Organization(s)
Ply Gem Siding Group
Publication Date
Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.
Reference

Building America Special Research Project - High-R Foundations Case Study Analysis, RR-1003

Author(s)
Smegal Jonathan,
Straube John
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Research study describing a number of promising foundation and basement insulation strategies that can meet the requirement for better thermal control in colder climates while enhancing moisture control, health, and comfort.
Reference

How to Prevent Roof Damage from Winter Ice Buildup

Author(s)
Dorsi Chris
Organization(s)
Montana State University Extension,
MSU Extension
Publication Date
Article from Montana State University Extension explaining how proper insulation techniques can greatly reduce the risks of ice dams on roofs in cold climate zones.
Reference

Attic Radiant Barriers

Guide describing application of a radiant barrier layer in the attic to block radiant heat transfer between hot surfaces and heat-absorbing surfaces.
Guide
Good water management practices like sloping grade away from house, and installing gutters, perimeter drain pipe, a capillary break, and free-draining soils or drainage mat protect the foundation from water saturation.

Good water management practices like sloping grade away from house, and installing gutters, perimeter drain pipe, a capillary break, and free-draining soils or drainage mat protect the foundation from water saturation.

Publication Date
Image
Tape horizontal joint with minimum 3" wide tape placing tape offset high on the joint, adhearing to the upper sheet without wrinkles

Tape horizontal joint with minimum 3" wide tape placing tape offset high on the joint, adhearing to the upper sheet without wrinkles

Publication Date
Image

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study - Dwell Development, Seattle, Washington

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
USDOE
Publication Date
Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Seattle, WA, that scored HERS 34 without PV.
Case Study

The New American Home 2011 Orlando, Florida

Author(s)
IBACOS,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Organization(s)
IBACOS,
NREL
Publication Date
Case study describing innovative technologies, construction techniques, products, and design trends in new home construction.
Case Study

All Electric & Fossil Fuel Free: The Ultimate Z.E.N. Home

Author(s)
Rich Binsacca,
Sam Rashkin,
Bill Rectanus,
Jack Armstrong,
Karla Butterfield
Organization(s)
Pro Builder,
EEBA
Publication Date
Webinar from a group of green residential home building experts on how the Ultimate Z.E.N. Home, a production-built home is able to operate comfortably and successfully without the use of fossil fuels, including insulation, heating and cooling strategies, and other energy efficient design measures.
Presentation

How To: Mounting Solar on Sips

Author(s)
Sughrue Patrick
Organization(s)
Premier SIPS Structural Insulated Panels,
Home Power Magazine
Publication Date
A structural insulated panel (SIP) roof has no embedded lumber in the structure, and therefore nothing substantial for attaching PV array and solar hot water mounts. Single or double lumber splines could be put into the panels, or I-joists at 4-foot intervals could be added.
Reference

Measure Guideline: Transitioning From Three-Coat Stucco to One-Coat Stucco With EPS

Author(s)
Brozyna Kevin,
Rapport Ari,
Davis Graham
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Document developed to help residential new construction builders transition from using a three-coat stucco system to a one-coat stucco system installed over 1 in. of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation.
Reference