BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Right - Gasket installed at marriage wall connection prior to assembling modules

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Wrong – There is no weather stripping or gasket around the attic stair hatch

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Right - Foam gasket installed beneath sill plate

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Wrong – Wall from above without top plate or blocking installed

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Right – This recessed light was installed with a trim kit and is ICAT labeled.

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Right – This recessed light is ICAT labeled, but still needs a gasket.

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Small Commercial Building Fact Sheet - Building Envelope

Reference

Fact sheet describing building envelope performance measures applicable to residential and small commercial construction.

Foundation wall exterior board insulation with above-grade wall insulation

CAD File

Still Placing Ducts in the Attic? Consider Burying Them

Reference

Information sheet about buried ducts.

This exterior insulated slab-on-grade monolithic grade beam foundation is protected from pests by termite shield at the sill plate, borate-treated framing, flashing at end of wall insulation, brick veneer over slab-edge insulation, and rock ground cover.

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Five Things, BSI-039

Reference

Article describing five fundamental changes to building construction from the last 50 years and their modern construction consequences.

Wrong – This cabin has a gap between the concrete slab and the wall where rodents can enter

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Reexamining Roof Ventilation

Reference

Article describing moisture and ice dam issues in attics and how to air seal the attic floor.

This parapet wall has metal blocking and spray foam in the wall at the level of the roof insulation; this limits airflow within or through the wall cavity.

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Building America Case Study Technology Solutions for Existing Homes: Bedford Farmhouse High Performance Retrofit Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing project conducted by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell (HfHGL) and Building Science Corporation (BSC).

Technology Solutions Case Study: Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Manufactured Home Builders

Case Study

Case study describing a package of energy- efficiency measures for new manufactured homes in the Pacific Northwest, including triple-pane highly efficient windows.

In many homes, bathrooms exhaust fans are missing or very ineffective removing moisture from washing and bathing which can increase the risk of mold and mildew. High-efficiency exhaust fans quietly exhaust bathroom air to the outside, and can operate continuously as a whole-house fresh air system to help dilute moisture, dust, pollen, and particulates inside the home. However, critical installation best practices need to be followed to ensure a successful project. Use this checklist to get the significant health and durability benefits possible from a quality installed bathroom exhaust fan.